Kareena Kapoor Reflects on Her Iconic Debut in Refugee

Kareena Kapoor's First Experience on Screen

When I first saw myself on screen during a broadcast of Refugee on Sony television, I felt a wave of nerves. My mother and sister advised me that if I wasn't pleased with my performance, the audience wouldn't be either. Ultimately, I felt content with how I portrayed my character in Refugee.

Comparisons to Legendary Actresses

While Refugee differs significantly from classic launchpads like Bobby, I never feared rejection. I was determined to make audiences fall in love with my character, Nazneen. After my first screening in Mumbai, many approached me, expressing their desire to find someone like Nazneen.

The Essence of My Character

I aimed for my character to resonate with viewers. I believe acting is an innate talent for me, and I always felt destined for this path. The acceptance I've received has been overwhelming, and I strive to continue delivering strong performances.

Admiration for Icons

Recently, at a gathering, someone compared me to Nutan, which was a huge compliment. I have always admired Meena Kumari and have watched all her films, drawing inspiration from her work.

Desire for More Roles Like Nazneen

I hope to land more roles akin to Nazneen. The thought of living up to the expectations set by my debut is daunting, but I remain hopeful that directors will create similar characters for me.

Future Projects with Family

My father, Randhir Kapoor, is currently working on his next film, and I believe he intends to cast me. He has a knack for creating graceful characters, and I look forward to collaborating with him.

Balancing Commercial and Artistic Roles

While I am excited about my upcoming film Ajnabee, which is more commercial, I prefer roles like Nazneen. I find joy in simpler portrayals and emotional scenes, rather than elaborate dance numbers.

Staying True to My Character

In Ajnabee, I aim to portray my character authentically, reflecting how I would react in real life. I relate to Nazneen's strength and hope to maintain that authenticity in my performances.

Navigating Industry Rumors

Rumors about me turning down roles are exaggerated. I had multiple projects lined up and wanted to maintain a sense of exclusivity in my career. I believe that overexposure can diminish an actress's appeal.

Excitement for Upcoming Collaborations

I am thrilled to work with Shah Rukh Khan in Santosh Sivan's Ashoka The Great. His film Terrorist has received numerous accolades, and I admire his vision.

Future Aspirations

I am open to exploring diverse roles, including art cinema, but I am currently focused on mainstream projects like Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham. I am eager to showcase my versatility and potential in these films.

Embracing Fame and Its Challenges

While I appreciate the compliments for Refugee, I am aware of the challenges that come with fame. I aim to continue producing quality work and hope to leave a lasting impression on the audience.

Collaboration with My Sister

I would love to work with my sister, Karisma. She is an actress I admire greatly, and collaborating with her would be a valuable learning experience.

Recognition and Awards

I don't seek the best debutante award, as I believe my hard work in Refugee deserves more recognition. I would feel disappointed if I received an award that doesn't reflect my efforts.