Karisma Kapoor Interview: Family is my priority

Bollywood actor Karisma Kapoor recently breezed through Kolkata to inaugurate a shopping arcade- i-Core Planet. The diva in conversation with IBNS correspondent Sreya Basu

It’s long time that we have seen you in a film. Are you quitting Bollywood?

Karisma Kapoor: Not at all. But definitely I cut down on work after marriage and almost stopped working after the birth of my daughter Samiera in 2005. And that’s because family is my priority and it will remain so always. But that doesn’t mean that I have said ‘goodbye’ to films.

Are you reading scripts offlate?

Karisma Kapoor: No…at present there are neither films nor scripts. But one thing is clear, if I have to restart my acting career, the script has to be really good and challenging for me.

Do you miss the David Dhawan-Govinda-Karisma Kapoor combination that rocked Bollywood in the ‘90s?

Karisma Kapoor: Those were some of the most memorable moments of my life. Every day we eagerly waited for the shoots because in shooting with Govinda for David Dhawan, itself was a fun-time for me. I just co-judged a laughter show-Haans Baliye, with Davidji. I was telling him how we used to have fun on the sets.

You said you are open to films. But do you think the audience will applaud you the same way they did in the ‘90s, especially when comeback films of married actresses are generally not well-received?

Karisma Kapoor: I got what you meant. See, obviously the audience can’t expect the same Karisma Kappor of the Coolie No 1 or Hero No 1 days. Now I won’t dance in dream sequences or do some coquettish act. Instead I would like to explore different genres of films and characters. So there is the difference. But today’s audience is very intelligent. They judge a film by its script and an actor by his/her acting talent. So I don’t think there will be problem in reception.

Are you doing any television shows?

Karisma Kapoor: I just finished with ‘Haans Baliye’…let me breathe first (smiles). At the moment there are no tele shows. I am doing two advertisements. That’s that. I told you I no more want to rush myself. I have got my share of name and fame quite early in my life.

You inaugurated a shopping arcade in Kolkata. Are you shopaholic?

Karisma Kapoor: Definitely I am. I love shopping. Earlier I used to shop only for myself, then for my sister (Kareena) and now for my daughter.

What kind of dresses define you the best?

Karisma Kapoor: I am most comfortable in casual wear.

Kareena says she has learnt a lot from you not only in terms of acting but also the art of make up and how to dress…

Karisma Kapoor: Bebo (Kareena) is a born genius. We are more like best friends than siblings. Initially, I did help her with the basics, but now she knows how to do magic herself.

When is Kareena and Saif Ali Khan tying the knots?

Karisma Kapoor: I surely can’t comment on their personal matter and decision. It’s for them to decide and announce.