Kareena Kapoor Khan: I’ve found the perfect work-life balance

Unabashed and unapologetic, these are the first two words that come to mind when you describe Kareena Kapoor Khan. Despite being a Bollywood star, she has never shied away from voicing her opinions on several topics and played by her own set of rules. After being an actress for 18 years, Bebo is all set to make her radio debut with What Women Want on Ishq 104.8 FM. Tease her that she’s the apt choice for the show and she giggles, “I love to talk and here I get to share my opinion on different topics that should be dinner-table conversations. The idea was just right.” In a candid chat, the glamorous actress tells us how she has always followed her heart and why radio is an entertaining but a tough platform. Excerpts…

What prompted you to explore this medium?

Today, the platform doesn’t matter at all. It can be movies, TV, stage, the web or the radio — now, everything is about good content. When I was approached for the show, the concept appealed to me. We have never had a radio programme where we are talking about what exactly women want. Headlining something like this is just the perfect thing to do at present. I instinctively knew I should take it up.

You’ve always been a progressive woman. Did you connect with the show on that level?

I could relate to most of the topics that were discussed on air. Coming from a family of liberal women — whether it’s my mum (Babita) or sister (Karisma Kapoor) — all of us have done exactly as we have pleased. So, I knew I was the perfect choice (smiles). If we are talking about what women want, then I’ve been voicing my opinion and expressing my thoughts on whatever it’s worth. So, yes, there will always be that connect.

What Women Want will also let your fans to see how boisterous and unapologetic you are, as a person...

In films, you are always playing different characters. Watching a movie in a theatre is different from hearing somebody on radio. While talking about such important things, my fans will get to see a different side  of my personality. Maybe, this is something they have been wanting to see and hear. Radio gets into your heart and home. Whether you are driving or cooking, that voice and connectivity is there. On our show, there’s a topic for everyone. We have some hard-hitting subjects like gender equality, rape, parenting, safer workplaces and there are fun discussions like fashion and others. Parenting is again something which people want to know about. So that’s a relatable topic, especially when I’m talking about it (smiles).

You have battled gender inequality issues in your career. Does Veere Di Wedding (VDW)’s success prove a point in that regard?

Yes, absolutely. I feel this was the right time to address a topic such as sex on a public platform. What were we shying away from all these years? The industry has always had liberated women, but we are slowly understanding the power of our voices and that’s amazing. It was my belief to be part of a film like Veere. I don’t think any mainstream actor would do it. You need to have the gumption to say, ‘I’m going to be in the same frame with three other girls and I know I’ll do really well.’ Actors need to go with the scene, with the entire film together. Sometimes, the energies are right ­— you just have to believe in it and ultimately do it.

How difficult or easy is it to make radio entertaining?

Everything we discuss is not serious. We also have fun stuff lined up. The snippets from each show will be collected and uploaded as an eight to nine minute video on YouTube. For example, there’s an episode with Amu (Amrita Arora). People have just seen both of us in photographs, but no one knows how we talk and behave when we are together. So, my fans will get to experience that. Radio is tough because how do you make it entertaining? In cinema, it’s easy to be expressive and make things look entertaining. But awaaz mein bhi ek expression hoti hai. 

Whether it’s marriage, pregnancy or motherhood, you’ve defied norms…

I was always clear about what I wanted. People had advised me not to get married because they felt producers film offer nahi karenge. They had told me I shouldn’t work while I was pregnant. But everything is possible — women multitask. You can be a mother and do your job as well. So many people around the world are doing that and we might not know about their stories. But, obviously, because I’m an actress, the spotlight’s on me. This show gives an opportunity to everyone to share their real stories. We have common people addressing their issues. And, of course, there are celebrities because we want to hear them. Longevity is in yourself — if you keep going, change is bound to happen. 

How difficult is it for you to juggle everything?

I love doing nothing and being at home, just with my son, Taimur. But again, I also know that I can’t always do that. So, the idea is to find that balance. Strangely and honestly, I’ve found the perfect balance between my personal and professional life. For instance, if I’m working back-to-back for four-five days, I take the next two-three days off because I want that downtime. I need to have my family and friends around because my life revolves around them. I need to feel like a human being. I can’t treat myself like a robot because this industry and the atmosphere pushes you to become one. People are always on the go — if you’re not at work or a set, you’re on digital platforms like Instagram and Twitter or talking somewhere and giving your comments.

Finally, is there something that you were denied because you’re a woman?

No, there’s nothing like that. But yes, at one point a lot of people believed that married actresses don’t work in films. Like Lolo (Karisma Kapoor) never really worked after her marriage. That approach has changed. Today, directors are a lot more open-minded. The time that we are in is different from what it was in the ’90s and early 2000s. Look at AndhaDhun, Tabu toplined the film and she was amazing. Everything around us is changing and it’s the best time to be an actor. 

Anything that you want and are yet to get?

Maybe a movie with Sanjay Leela Bhansali (laughs). But for that, Taimur has to be at least 10 years old because I can’t leave him before that. That’s the joke between Sanjay and me that we are star-crossed lovers (smiles).