How do you hold your own for 21 years in an industry that was, not too long ago, notorious for the short shelf-life of its leading ladies? If you’re Kareena Kapoor Khan, your acting prowess and stardom are just the armour you need to battle Bollywood’s sometimes archaic notions. Having enjoyed an envy-inducing career over the past two decades, the actor is ready to begin the next chapter of her life — she is set to turn producer with a yet-untitled thriller. The film, to be co-produced by Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji Telefilms, will be helmed by Hansal Mehta, who is at the top of his game after the success of Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story.

     

The gritty thriller, inspired by a real-life incident, is set in the United Kingdom. For Kareena, the movie is doubly special as it’s her first venture since the birth of son Jehangir. “I’m honoured to work as a producer on this film with Ekta. I am a huge fan of Hansal’s movies, and to work with him for the first time will be special. This film marks a lot of firsts,” she says.

Mehta may have his plate full with actioner Faraaz and Kartik Aaryan-led Captain India, but intends to take the project on floors soon. He has envisioned it as a noir outing with twists and turns. “Our aim is to create a gripping and moody thriller with Kareena playing a character that I hope will do justice to her talent as an actor. I look forward to venturing on this journey with Ekta and Kareena, both of whom are powerhouses [of talent].”

Ekta had previously teamed up with Kareena on the buddy comedy, Veere Di Wedding (2018). Hoping that the second time’s a charm too, she says, “Kareena is a dynamite combination of star power and talent. To have Hansal Mehta, one of the most prolific filmmakers of our times, tell this story makes it all the more exciting.”