Karisma Kapoor wowed the audience as she aced the ramp at the Bombay Times Fashion Week, held in Mumbai recently. She said, “I really enjoy walking the ramp, though I must admit that I always feel a bit nervous, because I am not a professional ramp model. So, I want to give it my best and feel that I can be a ramp model, too.” In a conversation with us, she speaks about fashion, films and family bonds.

Known for blockbuster films like Raja Hindustani, Dil To Pagal Hai, Hero No 1 and Biwi No 1, Karisma has been in the industry for more than three decades now.

Talking about what has been the biggest takeaway from all those years of work, she says, “I think my biggest takeaway is that there is no compensation for hard work. If you work hard and are sincere and professional, people will notice, and it will pay off. There are no excuses. Acting is a very tough profession, and if you have it in you, then, you have to give it your best shot.”

Karisma has seen the many phases that Hindi films have witnessed over the years. The song-dance routine that was an integral part of films in the 90s took a back seat for some time. Does the actress who was a part of many hit songs of the 90s miss that?

“Yes, honestly, sometimes I miss all the songs and dances that used to be there in our films earlier. I feel that kind of entertainment, which was fun and frolicky, made people feel good in a different way. So, I kind of miss it. But of course, cinema is growing and the kind of content we have now is very different and we must embrace everything. Content is king now, and I think it is great. There is so much new talent around now – new and young directors, writers, and actors. I enjoy watching different genres now.”

Karisma’s sister, Kareena, has been doing impressive work for years now, and recently, she even made a mark with her OTT debut. Talking about how she is Kareena’s biggest cheerleader, and she says, “Yes, it’s always been like that. I believe that it is sibling love that is always your first love. It is amazing to have a sister because you can share everything and you always have a best friend at home.”

When a teenage Karisma debuted in 1991 with Prem Qaidi, she wasn’t too comfortable posing for photoshoots. “When I was young, I would find photoshoots very taxing. I preferred dancing in front of the camera than doing a photoshoot. But now, of course, I am more used to it. I feel that certain artistes find photoshoots tough because we are so used to expressing ourselves verbally or in a different way than what is required in a photoshoot.”

Karisma’s sense of style off-camera has always been chic, and for her, comfort rules over wearing big brands. “Honestly, for me, brands are not everything and given a choice between brands and comfort, I would definitely choose comfort. I always go with what I believe in. If you ask me what the latest trend is, I wouldn’t know because I never follow fashion trends,” she signs off.