kareena kapoor,the trendsetter

By: Smitha Nambiar
Wednesday, March 29, 2006

Kareena Kapoor, the girl with a dazzling smile has captivated the hearts of many. In Bollywood, where the success of a star is measured depending on the number of hits delivered at the box-office, Kareena sure stands out. She is one of the few actresses who inspite of giving so many flops has the largest fan following in India. How did she manage this? What is it in Kareena that puts her in the league of the top actresses in Bollywood?

Did you know that Bebo as she is fondly known wanted to study law in Harvard and had no plans to be an actress? In fact, the Kapoor Khandan never encouraged the girls in the family to act. It was sister Karisma who entered the 'big bad world' of Bollywood and paved way for her kid sister. One rumour has it that Bebo's entry into films was postponed to give Karisma the much-needed push in her career.

When Bebo made her debut in Refugee (2000) opposite Abhishek Bachchan, she was immediately recognised as the next 'happening' girl in town. Though the film flopped at the box-office, the lass was flourished with offers from big-time directors and filmmakers. Then followed Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai (2001) opposite Tushaar Kapoor, Yaadein (2001) with Hrithik Roshan and Asoka (2001) opposite Shahrukh Khan to name a few.

It was Kareena's role as 'Poo' (snobbish lovable teenager) in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001) that did the trick. She was suddenly the most popular and adorable actress in tinselville. After a series of flops like Mujhse Dosti Karoge! (2002), Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon (2003) and LOC Kargil (2003), she finally got her recognition with Chameli (2004). This small-budget film changed the screen image for Bollywood's glamorous 'Poo'. Kareena received critical acclaim for a role of a commercial sex-worker, a character that any other actress of her age at the prime time of her career would shudder to take on. Her perfomance in the film won her special award by Stardust. Perhaps this courage to take risks and make things work is what defines her as a true 'Kapoor' babe.

Bebo was also conferred the Best new comer at Filmfare when Refugee released.

Whether it be Mani Ratnam's Yuva (2004), Fida (2004) or Aitraaz (2004), Bebo manages to 'cast a spell' on every role that she does.

For the past few years, the lass has not only worked with all the top-notch directors of the industry but has also romanced with almost all of Bollywood's heart throbs on screen, be it Shahrukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Fardeen Khan, Salman Khan or Akshay Kumar.

The girl whose entire life has revolved around her mother Babita and sister Karisma says that they mean the world to her. Kareena is so frank and simple at heart that she doesent feel the need to hide her personal and love life from the media. She is very possessive about her boyfriend Shahid Kapur and says that she will kill anybody who tries to snatch him away from her!

Her acting talent along with a brilliant sense of humour is like an icing in the cake, when combined with her sensuous looks. Amidst some of the most beautiful women and hot babes in Bollywood, Kareena has managed to create a place for herself under the sun! Bebo, we can be sure is the trendsetter of 'Generation Next' and has a long way to go. Meanwhile, you can catch more of Kareena in her upcoming films Hulchul opposite Akshaye Khanna, Bewafa and Bajirao Mastani.

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