Kareena Kapoor Khan was the star attraction at The Queen’s Soiree, organised by Young Leaders Forum, at Hyatt Regency Kolkata on January 22. The event, which witnessed Mudit Beriwal handing over the chairperson reins to Arihant Parakh, also had singer Kanika Kapoor belting out her biggest hits, crowned by a night of pulsating beats by DJ Vicky Metharamani.

Kareena, stunning in a black backless number, took the stage to talk about how being married to Saif Ali Khan has been a two-way inspirational journey for both, how she takes the role of a mother to six-year-old Taimur and Jeh, 2, most seriously, and why she can’t function without her girl gang. The chat was moderated by Mudit Beriwal.

Singer Kanika Kapoor first belted out Da da dasse from Kareena’s film Udta Punjab, followed by Baby doll, Chittiyan kalaiyaan and Jugni ji

THE BEGINNING

Acting was something I wanted to do ever since I was a child. I think I was born to act, born to be in front of the camera. I have always felt alive playing different characters. My relationship with acting has almost become spiritual now. The choices that I am making now are very different from the kind of films I did earlier.

It’s now no longer that a female actor can work only up to a certain age. Age should not come in the way of any sort of profession, for that matter.

As an actor, it’s very difficult to choose one particular role. We give so much to every role that each one of them becomes special. I think the first time I faced the camera will always be special. I had seen my sister (Karisma Kapoor) acting for so many years, I would go to her sets. So the first time I faced the camera for Refugee (2000) was magical... I can never let that feeling go. The first is always special for everybody.

Kareena with husband Saif Ali Khan and sons Taimur and Jeh

BEING IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Being in this profession means that every minute we are being watched, we are being photographed, we are being followed. You are open to both praise and criticism because you are so much out there. If everything that happens to us is taken to heart, then it’s very difficult to survive. The best thing is to always concentrate on bettering yourself in front of the camera and off the camera. The idea is always to be the best version of yourself.

Kareena (left) with her girl gang comprising Malaika Arora, Karisma Kapoor and Amrita Arora

THE MAGIC OF THE MOVIES

The fact that people are going back to cinemas is so heartening because it shows us that people want to be entertained. Cinema is a medium that allows people to relax. People anyway have so many things to think about, so many problems to combat.... Watching a movie is a sort of escape. Cinema allows you to have fun, and that’s what the entertainment industry has always been all about. It brings a smile on everyone’s face. It makes me happy that in some way I am connecting people and bringing them happiness.

This event was my 50th event as YLF Chair. I became the chairperson in January 2021 and soon after that, we had to endure the tough time of the pandemic. However, we were able to fly through the difficult times with flying colours and post the pandemic, we have been able to do some wonderful work. However, this journey of YLF hasn’t been just about me. There are a lot of people who have contributed to this journey. During my tenure, we have launched YLF privilege card for members, launched business development groups of various sectors, did activities which helped members bond more, and most importantly, membership growth was phenomenal. It’s officially called YLF Young Leaders Forum, but I call it ‘YLF young leaders family’ — MUDIT BERIWAL, outgoing chairperson, YLF

DJ Vicky Metharamani spun magic on the console to bring the curtains down on The Queen’s Soiree

(L-R) Arihant Parakh (current chairperson, YLF), Dr Rajeev Singh (director general, Indian Chamber of Commerce), Vikas Agarwal (past president, ICC), Mudit Beriwal, Mehul Mohanka (current president, ICC), Pradeep Sureka (past president, ICC) and Keshav Bhajanka (past chairman, ICC Young Leaders Forum)

MARRIAGE & MOTHERHOOD

I am married to an actor (Saif Ali Khan) whose family has been into sports as well, whereas my family, The Kapoors, are very movies oriented. Whenever we talk, we only talk films and food! Being married to Saif has taught me that an actor’s life is not limited to just films. He loves reading, we travel to different countries and cities of the world. I am grateful to him for introducing me to newer experiences. Having said that, I think I have also inspired him to be on time and to be professional. Not that he’s not been a professional, but I would say that he has also got that inspiration from me. We inspire each other every day. I am very close to his family as he is to mine.

Among my kids, I think Jeh is a lot like me. He likes talking, he likes food, he loves to play, he’s very social in nature. Taimur is a lot quieter, he is very intense as a person. They are only two and six, but they have distinct personalities. I never force my children to do anything. Screen time is limited by me, but Taimur and Saif love to watch their Star Wars and Star Trek.

Saif loves reading... our home is full of books, but I never force Taimur to read if he doesn’t want to. He does it when he wants to.

Of all the roles that I play, the one that I wear with utmost responsibility and pride is that of being a mother. That’s what I am always focused on the most. At the same time, self-care is also important, which is something that few people address. After I take care of my children, I focus on myself... whether it’s working out well, eating properly or spending time with people I love.

GO, GIRL GANG!

I think I would be extremely unhappy without my friends because I believe that women prop up women. My girl gang is such that we always support each other, challenge each other. We love dressing up and going out together and we also like to be in our pyjamas and drink coffee or sip on wine. We chat about family, films, our children.... We are just a bunch of normal girls who like doing things that normal girls do. My best times are when I am with my girl gang chilling in my 20-yearold pyjamas!

Everyone talks about boy gangs and boys’ trips where the women aren’t welcome. But more and more, I think girlfriends and girl gangs are becoming important. That’s the thought that inspired Rhea (Kapoor, producer) to make Veere Di Wedding.

Among all of us, I think Karisma is extremely fashionable. Amu (Amrita Arora) is the most talkative, while Malaika (Arora) is the best secret-keeper since she is extremely private.