You know whenever I go to PVR Director’s cut, I like to curl up on the giant chair and watch only, ‘good roles, good roles and good roles’ and that is why I am very happy for our Poo aka Kareena Kapoor Khan aka KKK. She just bagged a role in ‘Angrezi Medium’, a sequel to the hit ‘Hindi Medium’. Remember how I reported a few weeks ago that Irrfan Khan has recovered and is back on set! Well now we have the lovely Kareena accompanying him in the movie, playing the role of a cop. It will be interesting to watch how she portrays this role and it only made me think of all the other times she has pleasantly surprised me in the past with her offbeat on screen characters. Come let’s take a trip down memory lane, shall we?

Chameli

This film with its melodious songs and the beautiful imagery came out as a surprise winner at the box office, even more so for Kareena. The film was path breaking for its time. Many people advised her to not take on the role of a prostitute as it could be a career-damaging move.

Chameli portrays the story of a woman who works as a sex worker and in the course of the film we watch her life get intertwined with a gentleman on a rainy night. Hereon, many incidents bring the two closer and they become good friends. The friendship between these two helps heal wounds of the past. Needless to say, the prophecies of the naysayers never came true; Chameli did wonders for Kareena and it cemented her position as a versatile actress. The visual of Kareena playfully running in the rain in a contrasting sari to soulful music can still be counted as one of the most iconic moments in the last decade or so.

Heroine

Yes, it is a Madhur Bhandakar film, yes it showed Bollywood in a dark light and yes, Kareena again aced her role despite the film not doing particularly well. This film was surrounded by controversy, especially when Aishwarya Rai backed out due to her pregnancy. Kareena stepped in and proved her mettle essaying the role of a troubled actress in the world of glitz and glamour. While she had romantic interests, the focus was largely on how she worked at staying relevant with the help of her publicist. The critics lauded her for an in-depth portrayal and so do we! I remember seeing the empty look in her eyes when Mahi walked on to  the crowded streets of a foreign country, having let go off her tumultuous career. It still strums my heartstrings. Kitty has feelings you know! But then I also feel like dancing to Halkat Jawani now!

Asoka

I know this film was not a very big success but it had soul and a good story that we do not get to see in today’s time of brainless comedies. I love period films and Kareena performed well as an exiled princess who meets an emperor in disguise (played by Sharukh Khan). It takes a lot of screen presence and good acting to hold your own in the presence of a good cast, Kareena did just that. The ending brings a beautiful heart to heart conversation between the emperor and the re-instated princess who were married at one point but then meet after the end of a war that ensued between their two kingdoms.

Udta Punjab

This black comedy was much anticipated mainly because two ex-lovers were ‘re-uniting’ for a film. Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor did not share any scenes together but both excelled in their respective roles. Kareena played the role of a doctor who ran a rehabilitation center for the drug-addicted youth. Set in the backdrop of Punjab the film dealt with various characters connected to the menace of drugs and how it affected their lives. Kareena’s death scene still gives me heartburns, uff! Watching my girl turn from Poo to such strong character(s) makes me so proud!

Satyagraha

A politically charged film that deals with some real life issues, Kareena’s role as a journalist brought in a lot of praise. The film centers itself around the slow working (or lack of any) in a government office. There are a lot of protests and violent water shooting but even in scenes like these, Kareena was able to emote! It is one of those films that make you want to change the system the moment you exit the theatre till you reach your car. The resolve may dissipate but not Kareena’s acting.

Talaash

Oooooh! This film! I wish you could see me clapping in excitement! A psychological thriller, Talaash was such a treat to the eyes and even more so watching Kareena in such a mysterious role. The film takes you on a journey where you go through a lot of twists and turns. Add a dollop of supernatural happenings to that roller coaster and you have a winner! The ending was so eerie, especially Kareena as Rosie standing in front of the fast paced car driven by the cops. It was such fun to watch her do a role that is out of the ordinary.  

As many of you know my girl is gifted; while she and I may share ‘good looks, good looks and good looks’ we sadly don’t share the same talent. But oh well at least I have my Bellini and time to binge watch these movies again! Meow!