The Taming Of BEBO

Published: Volume 14, Issue 5, September-October, 2006 Mull over the number of high profile films she has turned down. Contemplate the high profile duds she signed on. Wander into Shakespeare terrain and it is almost like a comedy of errors. But Kareena Kapoor has seen success and failure and treated both impostors just the same, observes VIVEK KAMATH She pouts and preens. But you are in queue…. At Mumbai's Mehboob Studio, Mickey Contractor is putting the finishing touches on Bebo's (Kareena Kapoor) make-up. This is a silence zone. Make-up over, she will repair to the shooting floor where photographer Jatin Kampani awaits, lights and camera on the ready. Her buddy, Niranjan Iyengar (who wrote the dialogue for Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna and is here sporting a KANK jacket) has popped in to see her ("I've known her since she was nine and used to come for shoots with her sister".) Soham Shah, the Dharma Productions director, who made Kaal is here as well. It will be a while before you can get your 15 minutes of Bebo's fame. You wonder how much you can pack into 15 minutes. You wonder if you can pack in anything at all. You wonder. You wonder if you should just document Bebo's silence. Her silence, did, after all, speak reams inOmkara. She is silent in her opening scene as she rides in the back of a cycle-rickshaw, an island of serenity in the chaos of UP traffic. She silently breaks down when she senses her relationship is on the rocks for reasons she cannot fathom. And she is silent in her closing scene, as she lies on a jhoola, the doomed bride in all her wedding finery. By the time her seething husband realises his folly, death has done them part. It is a different matter that death, ironically, reunites them just a few moments later. You wander into Shakespeare terrain. You mull over the number of high profile films Bebo has turned down. Also, the number of high profile duds she signed on. Comedy of errors, anyone? On a more serious note, but still very much in the Bard's vein, you marvel at how she has graduated with honours from the school of hard knocks. You decide you will muster the courage to talk about her failures and how they have shaped her. Sir William might have called it 'The Taming of Bebo'. A STAR IS BORN AND UNMADE As much as a Ford is born into automobiles and a Rockefeller into wealth, Bebo was born into the movies. The question was not whether she would get into the movies. The question was whether she would start her career with Kaho Naa Pyar Hai or Refugee. She walked out of Kaho Naa… and did Refugee. It seemed a safe bet. One was a movie with the son of a failed actor. The other paired her with Bachchan Junior. This was a dream pairing, the prince and the showman's granddaughter. If only she had read the tarot cards, the tea leaves. The Roshan and Roshan team hit bull's eye and continues an uninterrupted run of success, three films and six years into the millennium. Refugee sank without a trace. It began a nightmarish run of 17 duds for Abhishek till daddy dearest stepped in and team Bachchan and Bachchan struck gold with Bunty Aur Babli, Sarkarand Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna.

I can't doubt Farhaan, says Kareena

She is making men sweat with her seductive movies in Yeh Mera Dil. But Kareena Kapoor clears the air when she says she is not competing with Helen. Bebo talks about this, lovemaking scenes and much more in a tête-à-tête with HTTabloid.

You have shown your hot moves on Yeh Mera Dil in the remake of Don while the original one was done by Helen. Do you think you are sexier than her?
Helen is incomparable in every manner. But I have tried my level best to offer something new, which my viewers can enjoy. I can assure my fans that I have tried my level best to look sexy and glamorous in this song and I am sure they will love it.

Your last film Omkara was full of exposures too. Are you on an exposing spree these days?
In Omkara, I trusted Vishal and got ready for bold scenes. If I trust my directors then there is no problem in doing bold scenes because then you know you are in safe hands. Similarly in Don, I can't doubt Farhaan. In fact, these days I am targeting roles that will leave a lasting impression on viewers.

Is there any similarity between you and your character Dolly in Omkara?
Yes, there was a big similarity. As I am quite romantic in real life so was my character in the film. In the film she longs for Ajay till the end. That's why I found the character quite close to my heart.

Wedding season is not very far off now. Any chance of hearing your wedding bells?
I have to go a long way before I get married. So there is nothing like that in the near future. Marriage is not even on mind...neither now nor anytime in recent future. I prefer concentrating on work.

Happy Birthday Kareena

Actress Kareena Kapoor is celebrating her birthday today with a band of friends (Including boyfriend Shahid Kapoor) in Goa. Bebo is enjoying the phase pf her personal and professional life. Having won acclaim for her deglam look in ‘Omkara’ and after earning whistles for her femme fatale look in ‘Yeh Mera Dil Pyaar Ka Deewana Hai’ in Farhan Akhtar’s ‘Don’ Kareena is all set to star in a dream role in Mani Rathnam’s ‘Lajjo’ opposite Aamir Khan. The actress was also the recipient of the prestigious Smita Patil Award recently for excellence in cinema. This award had been won by her sister Karishma a few years ago and hence it makes it even more special. IndiaGlitz wishes Kareena Kapoor a very happy 26th birthday. And here’s hoping to seeing her in more promising roles in the future.

Priyanka Chopra cries foul!

The actor refutes reports of her being upset about co-actors Kareena and Ishaa being given prominence in the publicity of ‘Don’. Actor Priyanka Chopra is upset with reports claiming that she had been confiding in close friends about her having to share the limelight with hotties, Ishaa Koppikar and Kareena Kapoor in Farhan Akhtar’s ‘Don’. Incidentally, both Ishaa and Kareena have been appreciated in the tracks ‘Main hoon Don’ and ‘Yeh mera dil’ respectively, the promos of which are on air. Reportedly, Priyanka was also said to be upset about sharing poster space with her female co-actors and their hi-profile presence in the film’s publicity. Priyanka defends herself by clarifying, “The rumour is absolutely baseless and silly. I’ve been out of town for nearly three months, shuttling between countries and living out of a suitcases. Do I look insecure?” She adds, “ I’m so proud to be a part of ‘Don’. It was a great opportunity to work with such a fantastic bunch of professionals—Shah Rukh (Khan), Ritesh (Sidhwani) and Farhan (Akhtar). I hope to work with them again. The film is among the highlights of my career.” When asked about having to share the limelight with Kareena and Ishaa, she shoots back, “I’ve worked with Kareena before. She’s wonderful and adds to the star value of a set-up. Even Ishaa is very good in the film. I really wish people would stop creating fire when there’s none!”

Kareena Kapoor to spend quite b'day with 10 close friends in Goa

Kareena Kapoor is at a very important stage in her career. She's got the best of films, she's been dishing out worthy performances and of course, she remains among the top-most actors in the industry. With things going right in more ways than one, Kareena has finally decided to take a brief sabbatical from work. She's celebrating her birthday today in Goa with a bunch of close friends. "It will be an extremely private affair. I have 10 friends with me, and I hope to have the greatest birthday," says Kapoor. " "The Smita Patil Memorial Award, 'Lajjo' with Aamir Khan, the acclaim of 'Omkara' and 'Yeh Mera Dil' song from 'Don'…I have so many reasons to celebrate," she explains, adding, "The celebration has been pending for a while. I couldn't wait any longer." What's really made the award memorable for Kareena is that the late Smita Patil has always been her favourite actor. "I have always admired her and I truly believe she was one of the finest talents. I have always dreamt of acting like her. I know I still can't. I was at loss of words when I received the award," says Kareena adding she'd love to play Smita Patil's part if there's a remake of 'Arth'. Incidentally, Karisma Kapur was also bestowed with the same award some years ago. "Karisma is one of India's finest actors. I have always learnt from her. I am just following her path," signs off the li'l sis.

Fans wish Kareena on her 26th Birthday

Happy Birthday my dear Bebo! Wishing you all the happiness in the world!
This year and the years to come! When I first became a Kareena fan, she was just 21! God bless you and I love you!

Happy birthday, smile today
You are beautiful in every way
To me, to everyone around
Reach up and touch the sky
But come back to the ground

Linda from Austria
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Happy Birthday Bebo!
May you recieve all the happiness and success in your life!
May you have a long life!

Sonal from UK
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Happy birthday Kareena, & I wish u all the best in life.
May it be in your career or personal life.
May god protect u from all eyes that cast evil on you.

J'espère qu'une fois tu sera la plus connue, la meilleure comédienne (actrice) de Bollywood, et que tu gagnera beaucoup plus des fans.
Je t'aime comme vous êtes et je resterai t'aimer jusqu'à l'impossible.
La vie est dure mais il faut jamais se désespérer.

Once again Happy Birthday may u have all the success in life.

Stan from France
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Its said that every human takes 7 births in all on this earth...and to get someone like Bebo I believe one has to be doing 6 births of great service to mankind....so I guess this is Shahid's 7th birth...
Happy Birthday my dearest Bebo!

Saimails from India
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I know, maybe I'm not allowed to call you like this ( Bebo) coz I'm not a friend of yours or maybe a family member, but I always accepted you as my older sister... I know, I'm not worth being called you "sis" but I laughed with you in your good times and cried with you in your bad times, I was happy for you when you were happy and I was sad when you were sad...
The only thing I could not do as my position for a sister was being there for you or showing you that there is one more sis you can trust and count on. And not having the chance to speak to you or giving you a hug when you needed it most...
I feel very bad, because I couldn't do all my duities for a lil sis...

When I saw you first, in K3G, I was like OMG!!! This actress is going to be a legend someday...
Those times are past now, coz today, you are a living legend and this legend is turning 26!!!

Those days, when somebody asked me who is your favourite actress, I was like hmmm, that Poo in K3G, those times I couldn't remember your name, and today I'm calling you, Kareena Kapoor, as my sister...

I think for both of us time changed our lives, for you it's getting better and better, and for me, I'm getting more nervous with the time and asking how much more time do I have to wait till I get the chance to meet or talk to you...

I have a sister, an older one but she is nothing like me, she doesn't talk to me or doesn't do anything with me, and when I tell her something about you or any other actor or actress she won't listen or just hurts me with going away or telling me to shut up...
I'm blessed with one sister, but sometimes I ask myself is it the one whom I meet everyday, or is it the one who's movies I watch everyday and think of...

When I feel lonley or just want to talk to somebody and right now there is nobody to talk to, I talk to you...
I have you in my mind and I keep communicating with you...
Some people call me crazy and mad, but maybe that's what Iam...
You also might think, Gosh she's really crazy, but when you think this have one fact in your mind, it's all because and for you!!! You really made millions of people crazy!!!
And most of us, including me, are thankfull for all the happy and sad times you shared with us!!!

2 years ago, my neighbour, who is Indian, bet with me that in 3 years I'm not going to like/love you anymore...well, I mostly won my 100€. It was the 24th of April, and I will continue loving and liking you till the end of time or till God doesn't want me to...

Anyways, I wish you all the luck and happiness in life you can get and more!!!
May you always be happy and not having one sad day anymore!!

God shall always put a smile on your face and make you always be healthy and happy!!!
You are turning 26, and that's a reason to celebrate!!!! Every birthday and every happy day of yours is a reason to celebrate, but on this day, 21 September, 26 years ago, one of the most meaning full people in my whole life is born!!!!!

I wish you all the best in life!!!
Hopefully God is also kind to me and gifts me with one second having you around me and having one minute to talk to you!!!!

But I kow He will!!! I'm 1000% sure about that!!!!

Lots and lots of love and respect

Bebo comes of age!

“When God endows with beauty, vanity comes along”- This axiom fits aptly for this beautiful actress who would have gone down in the history of Indian cinema as one of the haughtiest artistes. Except that love saved her in time. A completely transformed person, she is now a much mellowed Kareena Kapoor. And with her amazing mix of vibrance, youth, innocence and the tinge of pride she has captivated numerous hearts. From having earned a reputation of being the “loud mouth” of the industry once to being one of the best talents around (belonging to the current generation), Kareena has come a long way. She turns 26 on September 21, has just spent six years in the film industry, but already has prestigious Rajeev Gandhi Young Achiever Award 2005 and Smita Patil Memorial Award 2006 to her kitty. Bebo, as she is fondly called, has acting in her blood. She is keeping alive the tradition of Bollywood’s ‘Royal Clan”-The Kapoors. Even though when she was very young, she saw the infamous split between her parents Randhir Kapoor and Babita (yesteryears actors). Like her elder sister Karishma, she was raised by her mother. Though she would accompany Lolo (Karishma) to her shoots and would fondly wear wigs and other costumes, she never planned to act in movies, rather wanted to become a lawyer. She even went to Harvard University to get a computer diploma (breaking the myth that Kapoors only indulge in acting and eating). But she took to acting following the footsteps of Karishma, who had already become a big star by that time. Bebo-The Outspoken Brat! But unlike Karishma, Bebo was not the kinds to be politically correct. After all she was made of different stuff! Even before the release of her debut film, she sent ripples by refusing (on her mother’s advice) to be a part of Rakesh Roshan’s blockbuster movie ‘Kaho Na Pyar Hai’ stating that the movie would not be able to do justice to her debut, as the focus would be on HrithikRoshan. Well, she stood by her decision even after the movie turned out to be an exceptional hit later and a dream platform. The irony was that unlike other star sons or daughters, she had no family launchpad, only her mother and sister by her side. She made her debut in J P Dutta’s Refugee in 2000 with Abhishek Bachchan and won critical acclaim for portraying the role of a Pakistani girl with an amazing ease sans any makeup. The nation was awestruck by her outstanding beauty in next film Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai that turned out to be a major hit. But the next two years were pretty dry and Kareena had to settle with no hits at all. Kareena’s character ‘Pooh’ in Karan Johar’s Kabhie Khushi Kabhie Gham was a trend-setter. She became the teen icon overnight. The audience lover her so much that it became difficult for her to come out of that shadow of that role for a long time. She also received appreciation for playing the character of ‘Kaurwaki’ in Santosh Siwan’s Asoka. But the rest of the films in 2002-2003 bombed at the box-office, and soon critics described her as the “big show with no substance”. Strangely, big banners were still keen to sign her for their films. “Hits or no hits, I am still a star,” she would arrogantly respond. That apart she was actually earning a reputation. Certainly not the one anyone would be proud of. Which other actress would have remarked “brainless comic flicks of David Dhawan-type are not my cup of tea and I shall never act in them”. This despite that her sister Karishma had actually delivered quite a number of hits with the same director. “Sanjay Leela Bhansali doesn’t know how to make movies, Kareena said once. No only this, unlike her ever-dignified sister, she even went public about the tensions between her parents and described how both the sisters were raised by her mother alone. She began to be known as the most loud-mouthed actress at that time thanks to her remarks about the fellow stars. Though she insisted that it was a part of her frank and honest nature, but her remarks certainly were not going too well with the others. Her tussle with Bipasha Basu, when she reportedly called her “a black cat” raised many eyebrows during the shooting of Ajnabi. She even turned down good friend Karan Johar’s super-hit movie ‘Kal Ho Na Ho’ insisting that she would not bring down her price for the movie that hurt the latter so much that they did not communicate for several months. But Kareena apologised to Karan much later in an interview saying what she did was wrong. But her close friends defended her on several occasions stating that she was being misunderstood by media and her rivals. The arrival of Kareena-The Actress! Just when she was being ridiculed by the critics for doing the same run-of-the-mill type of roles, Kareena bounced back in 2004 with Chameli, where she played the title role and portrayed the bold character of a prostitute. The critics announced the arrival of the actress after seeing her performance in the movie. No wonder, she won the Filmfare Special Performance Award that year. Now she knew what she wanted. The girl who kept on insisting earlier that she was happy playing the roles that suit her young age, now was determined to do meaningful cinema. Thus followed movies like Yuva and Dev (she donned almost no make-up for both the movies). She won the Filmfare Critics’ Award for Best Performance for Dev. Alongside she delivered hits like Aitraaz and Hulchul. She even played a negative role for the first time in Fida. By this time, she had become the highest paying actress in the country charging over Rs 1 crore price for each movie along with none other than Aishwarya Rai. She could also be credited for doing the most versatile roles among the actresses of her generation besides Rani Mukherjee. Love-struck Kareena mellows down! It is said that love can do what even mighty swords cannot. Ever since the news of her romance with newcomer Shahid Kapur donned the headlines of the gossip magazines, people began to see a changed Kareena. Frank as she has always been (sometimes over the top), she did not hesitate in telling the whole world that she was indeed in love with Shahid. They stuck together even while the controversy over the infamous MMS clip showing their intimacy became the talk of the town. Kareena has mellowed down. She is not the “same brat” any more rather a more mature, sensible actress who weighs her words before uttering them in public. Today Kareena is working with the best of directors in the best of projects (courtesy her better sense of judgement in choosing the right type of roles). Her heart-wrenching performance in recently released Omkara is like a seal of approval on the versatile talent of this exceptionally beautiful star- nah actress as we can safely say. In barely six years in the industry Kareena has proved her mettle to a great degree and has become inspiration for many young aspiring talents.

From Bebo, to Diwakar

The 'L'il Champs' participant was thrilled to get birthday wishes from his favourite Bollywood star. This birthday has been an exciting one for 'Lil Champs' participant, Diwakar Sharma. After being voted back on the Zee TV show by viewers, Diwakar was in for an even bigger surprise on his birthday last week. "I am a big fan of Kareena Kapoor and she called me to wish me on my birthday! I was so excited. I even told her that I was her fan," reveals Diwakar. Diwakar adds ecstatically, "I spoke to Kareena at length and told her that I have gone to the movie hall with my parents for all her films. She wished me luck and asked me to give love to all my family members. It was a memorable birthday for me. I hope to meet her some day." Incidentally, TV actor Aswini Kalsekar, who plays Jigyasa in 'Kasamh Se', had been so taken in with Diwakar's performance that she had gone to the sets to meet him. "He sings really well and I admire his positive attitude. Despite being visually challenged, Diwakar has been a winner," says Aswini. So when Diwakar told her that he was a big fan of Kareena Kapoor, she made it a point to tell the Bollywood star about it. Aswini herself is equally delighted by the outcome. "I really don't want to comment on this. I can only say that I ensured Diwakar had a great birthday," she smiles.

Court Admits Obscenity Case against Omakara Director & Cast

A court here has admitted a case against the producer-director and all lead actors of the recent Hindi flim 'Omkara' for vulgar characterisation of women and using obscene language in the film. The court yesterday served notices to 14 accused, including the film's producer-director, Vishal Bhardwaj, Ajay Devgan, Kareena Kapoor, Bipasha Basu, Konkona Sen, Saif Ali Khan, Vivek Oberoi, its music director and distributors and asked them to be present in person on September 25. Petitioner Ganesh Sharma had petitioned the court on September 4 along with the film's CD, saying the film's language is totally obscene and women have bared their bodies redundantly which can have an adverse impact on the society. He further said this kind of public screening of the film will degrade the morality of the society. The petitioner asked the court to ban the screening of the film and cases be lodged against the film's producer, director and actors. After hearing the plea, the court lodged cases against those connected with the film on Tuesday. (UNI) Copyright © 2006 Indlaw Communications Pvt. Limited. (ICPL).

‘Omkara’ for Oscar?

Omkara' may not have hit the box office, but the high critical accolades it received no doubt it's cast and crews can feel proud for that. Vishal Bhardwaj directed this movie is an adaptation of Shakespeare's ‘Othello'. Not only Vishal's efficient direction, its cinematography, dialogue, stars' performance, and so to say, in every section of modern filmmaking ‘Omkara' has achieved a great high, and it has made many optimistic about the film's chance at Oscar. As recently actor Ajay Devgan said to media that ‘Omkara' deserved an Oscan nomination. Ajay, however, admitted that Aamir Khan starrer ‘Rang De Basanti' also deserves to win an Oscar nomination. 0 Comments

Kareena is a Rare Film Star,” says Amrita Rao

“Kareena Kapoor is a rare film star,” said Amrita Rao on being asked about Kareena Kapoor’s opinion that she makes the best on-screen pair with Shahid Kapoor. Amrita added that in an industry when female co-stars seldom compliment each other it takes a large heart on Kareena’s behalf to have said such a thing. And, what about her chemistry with Shahid? “We started our career together in our first hit film ‘Ishq Vishq’ and we have acted in several films thereafter. We get along well and it reflects on screen too,” replied the chirpy actress. Shahid and Amrita will be seen next in Sooraj Barjataya’s ‘Vivah’ releasing this Friday. The duo can be seen all over right now be it the television promos, huge print adds sponsored by a diamond company or interviews. Yes, the two do make a cute couple. Although they haven’t been able to give a hit after ‘Ishq Vishq’ yet their comfort level is palpable and who knows ‘Vivah’ may do the trick for them.