Even after almost a dozen ‘exclusive' interviews, Kareena Kapoor, reigning star of Hindi filmdom, seems far from fatigued.The new brand ambassador for Sony Ericsson's Xperia mobile tells mediapersons, “I am not exactly tired. It's okay, part of the package, you know.”
“So far,” says Hirokazu Ishizuka, Vice President and Head of Asia Pacific region, Sony Ericsson, “she hasn't been into social networking through her mobile or Internet and she expressed a desire to ‘connect' with one and all. That's why the new mobile phone she is endorsing will combine communication and entertainment.” Like a perfect brand ambassador, Kareena chips in, “I always wanted to get into social networking. It will help me grow. From now on, I will be on Twitter and Facebook. I also want to make a record fan base. I think it's good to connect with those who want to know you better. Now I have decided to answer their queries, conduct an opinion poll and do whatever is required for social networking.”
This is a new Kareena. Quite different from the one who did Chameli, a film that won her appreciation as an ‘actor' and fetched her awards. She used to answer in monosyllables and take time to warm up to interviewers even when they asked regular questions about her films and roles. Not that this Kareena doesn't give diplomatically correct answers; she is much more confident and knows how to parry an uncomfortable question with a smile yet not leave it unanswered!
Being on Twitter or chatting with fans may bring her into contact with people of different temperaments, and many may just be interested in asking personal questions. “But I will not entertain personal questions,” she quips, adding,“I am not judgmental about people. I know I am at a place where people see me from their own perspective, not what actually I am. I would rather like to tell them what constitutes Kareena.”
Adventurous actor
So, what constitutes Kareena as an actor? “An adventurous actor who attempts different genres of films and roles and who does not tread the same path,” she says, laughing. And that's why she accepted 3 Idiots, which largely remains an Aamir Khan film. “I couldn't say no. Don't forget I was the only female actor among three or four talented actors. Standing up to Aamir wasn't easy either. I think people still can't forget the bespectacled Priya, especially when she decided she wouldn't change her surname after marriage.” For now, age and stardom are on her side and she can be choosy about roles. But Bollywood still moves at snail's pace when it comes to churning out adventurous roles for women. “Why blame them? It's for women to demand stronger roles. I chose to do films such as Omkara, Chameli and Jab We Met to break from the mould,” she says firmly. Ask her profession-related questions and she seems comfortable. Attempt a sneak peak into her personal life and her expression changes. She becomes cautious and the smile vanishes. Apprehension replaces the warmth.
