Can’t make profits like male actors: Kareena Kapoor

Kareena Kapoor says female leads don’t make same kind of money and opens up about what went wrong with Bhansali. The first look of one of the year’s most awaited films, Heroine, is out, and understandably, the heroine herself, is ecstatic.

The first look of one of the year’s most awaited films, Heroine, is out, and understandably, the heroine herself, Kareena Kapoor, is ecstatic. While she reckons the film will mark a turning point in her career, she is brutally honest in admitting that she is unlikely to rival the box office collections of Bollywood’s leading men.

Heroine is a film practically riding on your shoulders. Do you think your film can enter the coveted Rs.100-crore club?
No, I genuinely don’t think so. We don’t get the kind of budget that male actors do. We get a reasonable budget, and we make the most of it. I just hope we do well. But I don’t think I’ll garner the same profits as male actors do.

The film releases on your birthday, September 21. Your idol Sridevi’s film, English Vinglish, releases on the same day. Do you feel a sense of competition?
I idolise her (Sridevi). But I just want to make it clear that I hope both films do well… mine a little more.

Kareena Kapoor in Heroine.

The trailer portrays the media as the devil...
It isn’t portrayed like that in the entire film. In that scene, I’m instigated by the media, which is why my reaction is the way it is [she is shown lashing out at a touchy question]. In real life, I don’t give it (media reports) much thought anymore.

Your director Madhur Bhandarkar is media-friendly. You’re the exact opposite.
I’m a very guarded person. I’m nothing like my character Mahi Arora. I’m not as bold. I’m protective about my emotions, although I’m over-emotional at times. I like to keep a steady head on my shoulders.

In an earlier interview to HT Café, you had mentioned looking forward to working in Ram Leela with Sanjay Leela Bhansali (“…I’ll look back after 20 years with fond memories”). What went wrong?
I’ve always wanted to work with Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Unfortunately, we differed on contractual issues, and a few things didn’t work out between our managers. I really was looking forward to it.

Do you see yourself working with Bhansali anytime in the future?
Well, at least I hope to. This project didn’t work out, but hopefully another opportunity will come up soon.