Kareena Kapoor Khan: I get scared by negative reactions

Kareena Kapoor Khan

Q. Why are you missing from the promotions of 'Udta Punjab'?
A. I wanted to be part of the promotions, but fell ill. I have been down with fever for the last seven days and only today, it (temperature) has come down to 102. I was on a holiday in London and when I came back, it was so hot here. I guess the temperature change led to fever.

Kareena Kapoor Khan

Q. What is your take on the landmark High Court judgment on the film?
A. It is a big triumph for the director. It is the director's vision; a brave film by Abhishek Chaubey. He has done what he believed in. It has to be all or nothing. It is a special role for me. When I first read the script, I loved it, but was not very convinced about doing it since it wasn't a big role. But my sister (Karisma Kapoor) and Saif (Ali Khan, husband) told me not to look at the length of the role; if I want to be part of it, I should just go ahead, they said. It is a very interesting character; it isn't easy for a commercial film heroine to accept such a role. I am the only one who's not doing drugs in that film. I am this pristine light in a dark and gritty drama. I am an insider, but also look at issues from outside and fight for what is right.

Q. That's true of you in real life too. Though you are part of this industry, you have always been on the periphery...
A. Very true. I am always on the periphery and, perhaps, that's why I can come in and leave whenever I want. I am content with the way my life is going right now. I want to do one or two films a year, films which I am happy doing.

Q. Shahid Kapoor said that he wanted to avoid taking pictures with you...
A. I don't think he meant it that way. This is an important film dealing with a serious issue. He didn't want the attention to be diverted from the film to trivial issues like us together. I totally agree with him. Also, him and me together was too long ago. You know one of the reasons why I don't stay in this whole thing is that I feel I will just drown if I start worrying about the way people react to things. I get scared of negative reactions. I stay away from trolls, etc. I think those who can take it are stronger people.

Q. Your next film will be 'Veere Di Wedding'. Looks like a lot of fun. And Sonam Kapoor seems most thrilled to be working with you...
A. Very rarely do Hindi filmmakers make a movie on girls. There are so many chick flicks made in the West, but not many producers here have the gumption to make a film without a big male hero. This is a story of four school friends who come together… I just love Rhea (Kapoor, producer) and Sonam. They are cool girls, and like me, they are not only into film stuff. They know how to put their feet up and talk about other things.

Q. Sanjay Leela Bhansali has been wanting to work with you. It doesn't seem to happen, though.
A. I would love to work with him. Some day, I know I will. Like I have said earlier, I will be working till I am 80. So, maybe, when I am 70, we will finally be doing a film together (laughs). But I am sure it will happen some day.

Q. Will Karisma return to films now?
A. No, not at all. She's happy with her life.