Kareena Kapoor Khan is a movie star. She’s an award-winning actress. She’s on magazine covers and tabloid headlines. Over the last 20 years, Kapoor’s career had its ups and downs, many hits and a few misses. But she consistently shows an integrity and commitment even in movies that are beneath her talents and glamor. What makes her such a valuable star in Bollywood is how she can elevate a film through her presence and by knowing exactly what kind of performance she needs to be giving. 

One of Kareena Kapoor’s most famous qualities is her attitude. She has always presented herself as a “take no prisoners” kind of movie star who speaks her mind. That carries over into her performances. Kapoor’s characters have a very defined sense of self-worth and strong convictions. Even when she plays characters who are more vulnerable or have lower self-confidence part of the arc is to build that back. Her characters might come from different backgrounds, however they are usually headstrong and independent of mind and spirit. 

To me, that comes across even in films where she plays “heroine” roles or has to be the second lead to a male star (like 3 Idiots, Ra.One and Bajrangi Bhaijaan). There are certainly films where the character didn’t need to be played by Kareena Kapoor, but the films are better for it just because she puts in the effort. These performances highlight Kapoor as a movie star, whose star wattage can brighten up a two-dimensional character. When Kareena Kapoor gets a meaty role, she is forceful and powerful. Kapoor excels in supporting roles, where she might not have a lot of screen time but she brings strength to however many scenes she has and makes herself essential in a large ensemble (films like Yuva and Satyagraha). 

You don’t need me to tell you to watch Jab We Met, Omkara, or Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, which I would argue are her more iconic roles. But I would recommend We Are Family, in which she plays the “career woman” struggling to connect with her boyfriend’s kids. The movie itself is an unapologetic tearjerker, but Kapoor’s heartfelt and raw performance is not to be missed. In Tashan, she plays a deceitful criminal who finds her way back to humanity. It’s a very cool performance in a divisive movie but one that has many shades and keeps you guessing. Chameli features Kapoor as a street-wise prostitute, with humor and vivacity that serve her well as she uses them as a mask to an intense inner life. Kapoor balances her modern sensibilities with an old cinema archetype. In what could be a paper-thin streetwalker role, Kapoor is vivid and authentic. 

Modernity is a defining feature of Kapoor’s performances;she hardly ever plays demure shrinking violets. She pushes against attempts to box her in and is forthright in what she wants. In Good Newwz, her most memorable scene is a monologue where she goes into detail how much pregnancy affects her body, something I cannot recall in another Hindi movie. Veere Di Wedding has her resisting being a traditional bride in a lavish New Delhi wedding. In Kurbaan, Udta Punjab, and Talaash, Kapoor seeks justice and continually tries to do the right thing despite opposition and oppression from all sides. 

Kareena Kapoor’s performances are spontaneous and versatile, fitting into a wide variety of genres and co-stars. I would say she’s a generous scene partner, and she often works with the same actors a few times. Kareena Kapoor is in some ways box-office proof; whether her movies are successful or not she remains a viable movie star. Her participation in a film raises interest, even if it’s a cameo or small part. Kareena Kapoor Khan may have begun her career as just another star kid whose last name bought her a career. Through hard work, talent, and screen presence, she has carved her own place in Bollywood with a multitude of classic performances.