My marriage with Saif Ali Khan exposed me to life beyond films: Kareena Kapoor Khan

Q. How do you navigate friendship and professional life in this industry?

A. I am a thorough professional. I think professionalism is the only way to navigate in this industry where one's life is an open book. The actors are always under scrutiny. It is very difficult to survive in this industry if an actor starts taking everything to heart. So the best way is to direct one's energy into bettering oneself in front of the camera rather than off the camera.

Q. How has marriage helped you evolve as a person?

A. I am married to an actor but his family is more into sports and arts while the Kapoors are very much film oriented. I think the fact is that my marriage with Saif (Saif Ali Khan) has exposed me a lot more to life apart from just being in movies. The idea of a partner is to help one explore things, find things in life and also make happiness. He has allowed me in a way to do what I want but also shown me that there is a life beyond films.

Q. Will you be able to pick one role that you feel you were the best?

A. It is very difficult as an actor to choose one particular character. It's easier for the audience to do that. Every role is the best for us considering so much we invest in each role or character.

Q. We are aware of your girl-gang and your all-women trips. How do women shape you in your life?

A. I would probably be extremely unhappy without my girl gang and friends because women somehow inspire women. The women in our girl gang always keep challenging each other and support each other in whatever we do. We like being together and doing things which girls normally do like sitting together, talking, having coffee, drinking wine, chatting about life, children, and dress. I think that's why people like us and want to see us together because we are as normal as every other girl possibly is.

Q. What's your favourite fashion trend?

A. I don't know whether payjamas are a fashion trend or not (laughs). I love it. I think the best things are pajamas and a pair of jeans. Moreover, a nice black dress can never go out of fashion. It's very classy.

Q. Out of many hats which you wear, which one will you be focusing on this year?

A. Hopefully I am going to be focussing the most on motherhood, which is my greatest responsibility. After that, I think a little bit more focus on myself. People address the issue of self-care very less. I think what we want to do for ourselves is also very important. I would like to look after my health including mental health as well.

Q. Coming on to your work front, how would you respond to the current #boycottbollywood trend?

A. I don't agree with it at all because how would the actors entertain the audience then? How would the joy and happiness in life survive if the films are boycotted. I think everybody needs joy and happiness in life and they are promised by films. The actors and films have always provided that entertainment. If there are no films, how would people be entertained?

(Images of Kareena Kapoor by Avishek Mitra/IBNS)