“I don’t want to do stardom anymore,” declared Kareena Kapoor Khan recently, ahead of the release of her film Jaane Jaan. This statement, from an actress who has been a bona fide star for a quarter-century, resonates deeply. It underscores her deliberate pivot towards roles that enrich her filmography, moving beyond the dazzling persona that has defined her public image since her Bollywood debut.
For 25 years, Kareena has navigated the intricate landscape of the Indian film industry with remarkable acumen. She has consistently made astute career choices, collaborated with premier filmmakers, and maintained a balanced public profile. Her rare ability to seamlessly integrate into the cinematic universes of stalwarts like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Ajay Devgn speaks volumes. Yet, beyond the mainstream glamour, she has also redefined her identity across generations — evolving from the ‘size-zero’ trendsetter to a powerful feminist icon who confidently walked the ramp while pregnant.
Beyond the Iconic: Revisiting Early Career Nuances
It’s an undeniable truth that some of Kareena’s earliest performances, such as those in Khushi, Mujhse Dosti Karoge, Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon, and Yaadein, often leaned towards the exaggerated, becoming inadvertent sources of internet humor. Even the character of Poo from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, while iconic, undeniably falls into this flamboyant, larger-than-life category.
Following the colossal success of Jab We Met, Kareena became almost synonymous with the spirited, outspoken, and self-assured girl next door, a character type that rapidly became a cultural phenomenon. Even Chameli, frequently lauded as her initial foray into offbeat cinema, didn’t fully capture the profound depth of her capabilities. Yet, through it all, her captivating screen presence remained impossible to ignore.
While her recent project choices clearly reflect a more intentional artistic direction, Kareena’s quiet journey to break free from the conventional confines of mainstream stardom commenced far earlier. She has been subtly yet consistently building a filmography designed for sustained relevance and a lasting legacy, rather than chasing fleeting acclaim. As she marks her impressive 25th year in the industry, it’s time to shine a light on five of her most profoundly underrated performances.
Omkara: The Heartbreaking Vulnerability of Dolly Mishra
Vishal Bhardwaj’s gritty adaptation of Shakespeare’s Othello, Omkara, may have revolved around Ajay Devgn’s intense portrayal of the titular character, Omkara Shukla, but it was Kareena Kapoor Khan’s understated performance as Dolly Mishra that quietly provided the film’s emotional core. The sheer innocence she imbued into the soft-spoken, yet inherently courageous Dolly, resonated deeply with audiences. Through Dolly’s wide-eyed fragility, viewers confronted the harsh realities faced by women in traditional Indian society – a world where even after relinquishing their homes and identities post-marriage, their fidelity and worth remain constantly under scrutiny. Kareena’s portrayal here was a masterclass in subtlety and pathos.
Udta Punjab: A Doctor’s Unwavering Compassion
To deliver a standout performance in a solo vehicle is one feat, but to consistently command attention in a multi-starrer, especially when sharing the screen with a powerhouse like Alia Bhatt in what was arguably a career-defining role for her, speaks to a different calibre of acting. In Udta Punjab, Kareena Kapoor Khan emphatically proved that screen time is never the sole determinant of a truly great performance. Portraying a compassionate doctor dedicated to combating Punjab’s devastating drug crisis, Kareena brought a compelling blend of strength and unwavering conviction to her character. Sporting a minimalist, no-makeup look, she delivered some of the film’s most poignant and powerful dialogues, leaving an indelible mark.
Dev: The Quiet Strength Amidst Chaos
While Kareena’s portrayal in Chameli justly garnered widespread acclaim, her nuanced role in Govind Nihalani’s Dev, released in the very same year (2004), regrettably went largely unnoticed. In this powerful film, she embodied the distressed character of Aaliya, a young Muslim woman tragically caught in the brutal crossfire of Hindu-Muslim tensions and destructive male egos. Though the narrative primarily focused on the ideological clash between Amitabh Bachchan and Om Puri’s characters, Kareena infused her part with a quiet, dignified strength and profound emotional depth. Her character also served as a critical moral compass, steering Fardeen Khan’s character away from radicalization. Unlike the often more theatrical performances of her earlier years, her work in Dev was remarkable for its striking subtlety and profound impact.
Talaash: The Enigmatic Rosie’s Haunting Truth
Reema Kagti’s crime thriller Talaash evoked a polarizing response from audiences; some lauded its intricate storytelling, while others were less receptive to its supernatural twist. Yet, amidst these divergent opinions, one aspect garnered almost universal praise: Kareena Kapoor Khan’s compelling and magnetic performance. As Rosie, she effortlessly melded an alluring glamour with a profound vulnerability. One of the film’s most haunting and memorable sequences occurs during a nocturnal encounter where she sits with Aamir Khan, reflecting on her life as a sex worker. Her chilling line, “We don’t exist in the eyes of the law — and if we don’t exist, how can we disappear?” was delivered with such masterful balance that it conveyed her deep pain without prematurely hinting at the film’s shocking climax.
Jaane Jaan: The Layers of a Resilient Mother
Sujoy Ghosh’s Jaane Jaan stands out not just as a triumphant return to form for Kareena Kapoor Khan, but arguably as one of her most finely tuned performances in recent memory. Here, she masterfully portrays Maya D’Souza, a single mother tormented by a dark past and haunted by an abusive ex-husband. When this dreaded past inevitably resurfaces, Maya exhibits an astonishing ferocity, resorting to extreme measures to ensure her survival and protect her daughter. What unfolds is a layered, breathtaking portrayal that showcases Kareena in multifaceted shades: singing with a playful allure under disco lights while flirting with Vijay Varma’s character, cautiously extending warmth to Jaideep Ahlawat’s reclusive genius, and transforming into a fiercely protective mother when danger looms. It is a performance that captivates and keeps the audience riveted until the final frame.
