Kareena Kapoor on How Bollywood Has Changed in 25 Years: 'PR Machinery Is Dictating Who's Latest...'

Kareena Kapoor describes herself as sharp, focused, and effortlessly cool, qualities she truly embodies. But her version of “cool” isn’t about fitting in; it’s about staying authentic. Throughout her illustrious career, Kareena has portrayed iconic characters like Poo in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001), Chameli (2003), and Geet in Jab We Met (2007), roles that continue to inspire women even today.

In a candid interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Kareena shared her thoughts on how her roles have stood the test of time. “I’ve been in around 75 to 80 films over nearly 25 years. Even though Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham was more than 22 years ago and Jab We Met came out a while back, the longevity of those characters continues to surprise me. They’ve become part of pop culture, and their relevance seems to grow.”

However, Kareena points out that much has changed in the industry since her debut. “The focus now needs to be on content and scripts,” she said. “We should pay more attention to our scriptwriters, dialogue, and dialect. Today, the industry has become compartmentalised with agents, managers, and an entire PR machinery dictating who’s the latest icon based on their film’s success. But honestly, these are just fleeting trends that change every week.”

Kareena’s experiences over the years have shaped her understanding of what truly matters. She believes that the essence of filmmaking still lies in storytelling and impactful performances. “Directors and performances that leave a lasting impact—that’s what matters. I hope to see a resurgence in content that resonates deeply.”

Known for her straightforward advice, Kareena encourages newcomers to focus on their craft. “What matters is what happens in front of the camera. There’s a lot of noise behind the scenes, but it’s your performance that will stand out.” She adds that her career wasn’t driven by chasing opportunities. “I let opportunities come to me. If something didn’t work out, I knew that by staying true to myself and my craft, everything would eventually fall into place.”