On Siblings Day today, we ask the sisters about some cherished memories of growing up together. Amrita (44) recalls, “Malla has always been protective of me. Through school and college, she always looked out for me. She really took me under her wing.”

Meanwhile, Malaika (51), reflects on their shared experiences: “Growing up together — school, college, and MTV — Amu has always been there. Even when I went on my very first date, she was my plus one! We were lucky that we did this together.”

Having always done things together, one wonders if there was any sibling rivalry or jealousy between them. But Malaika and Amrita are quick to say that it didn’t exist. “She would just stick with me 24/7, and I would tell her, ‘Amu, please give me some breathing space.’ But it was all very healthy. When Amu did her first film, she became her own person,” Malaika shares.

Amrita adds, “The hand-holding stopped because both of us ventured on different paths. But even then, there was never any jealousy.”

And who between the two of them is a secret keeper? Amrita responds, “Malla is secretive, I’m a secret keeper.” she elaborates, “You will never know what is happening in Malla’s personal space until and unless she wants you to. If she wants to share or confess something, she knows I’ll take it to my grave.” Malaika jokingly concurs, “Yes, but Amu’s chances of slipping up are far more.”

As they reflect on the evolution of their relationship from childhood to present day, the sisters credit their mother Joyce Polycarp for playing a significant role in shaping their bond.

Amrita recalls, “Our mother would always tell us, ‘It’s always going to be you and her forever’. That is instilled in us.”

Malaika tells us, “Mum would say, ‘Friends and partners will come and go, but it’s the two of you who will always have each other’s back. You must take care of and protect each other.’ Now, we have our own lives and homes, but we have each other’s back.”

Amrita adds, “Growing up together, I was more of a party girl. Malla was never on board with that. But, she would take a hit for me if I would get into trouble.”

As for how they spend their time together now, Malaika tells us, “I love family time and going on holidays with the kids.” She, however, adds, “One thing I wish we could do more of is spend one-on-one time. I do miss it.”

Despite their closeness, like any other siblings, they have had their ups and downs. “We’ve had our share of fights and there have been days when I wanted to catch her and slap her. That’s how it is with siblings. But at the end of the day, there’s a lot of love and understanding. There have been times when I’ve been upset with her, but Amu always reaches out. Irrespective of what goes on in our lives, all it takes us is one phone call or message to say ‘I need you here’,” Malaika ends.

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I was like a surrogate mother to Amu. She was the cutest kid; she would always come running to me, ‘Didi, I need this, didi, I want that.’ I was very protective of her.

- Malaika Arora, Actor

If a single person says something about my sister, without knowing the facts, I cut them off. I let go very easily, but if its about her, I hold (a grudge). It’s like, ‘Don’t mess with my family.’

- Amrita Arora Ladak, actor

Model-actor Malaika Arora’s father Anil Mehta (62) allegedly jumped to his death from the balcony of his 6th-floor apartment in Bandra’s Ayesha Manor on Wednesday. Police said while no suicide note was found, initial suspicions point towards old age and depression due to ill health as reasons for the step. Besides going through the building CCTV footage, police are looking for Anil’s diary hoping for insights into the cause. A building resident saw Anil, who had worked in the Merchant Navy, fall to his death and alerted the family and others.

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Mumbai: Bollywood actress Malaika Arora’s father, Anil Mehta (62), allegedly died by suicide after falling from the balcony of his sixth-floor apartment at Ayesha Manor in Bandra (W) on Wednesday.

Bandra police are investigating the case to determine the motive behind his action as no suicide note was found at the scene.

Initial suspicions point towards old age and depression due to ill health a s the reasons for this extreme step.

Police are also looking for Mehta’s diary hoping that it may provide insights into the exact cause behind his action, said police sources. Mehta, originally from Fazilka in Punjab, had worked in the Indian Merchant Navy.

“The deceased was in the balcony when he fell off between 10.30 am and 11 am. The family said they suspect it is a case of suicide. A case of accidental death report has been registered. No suicide note was found from the flat or in possession of the deceased,” said an officer from Bandra police station. “We are going through the building’s CCTV footage.”

Mehta’s wife was alerted to the incident by a building resident. “A resident standing near a parked car on the building premises saw him fall. The eyewitness alerted other residents who then called the police,” the police officer said.

Following the incident, Malaika and her sister Amrita rushed to Ayesha Manor, while many celebrities visited to pay their respects. After the post-mortem, Mehta’s body was handed over to the family.

Suicide prevention helplines: Vandrewala Foundation: 9999666555; I-Call (Tiss): 9152987821 (Monday-Saturday 10am-8pm); Samaritans Mumbai: 8422984528, 8422984529, 8422984530.

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Malaika Arora’s father Anil Arora passed away in Mumbai on Wednesday morning, a police official said. As per reports, Anil allegedly fell off the sixth floor of a building in Bandra area. Police rushed to the spot and shifted him to a hospital where he was declared dead before arrival. The exact reason behind the incident was not yet known, an official was quoted as saying, who also added that an investigation was underway.

Meanwhile, a source told PTI, “It’s true that Malaika’s father passed away this morning. He has not committed suicide, it’s an accident. They all are shocked because he had no ailment or anything as such.”

Upon receiving the news, Malaika, who was in Pune, rushed to Mumbai. Amrita Arora Ladak, too, was seen arriving at the Bandra residence. Malaika’s ex-husband Arbaaz Khan, followed by his parents Salim and Salma Khan and brother Sohail Khan as well as Arjun Kapoor were seen arriving at the residence.

Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; December 25, 2019)

Christmas is all about spreading cheer and spending time with the family. Every year, model-entrepreneur Malaika Arora makes it a point to bring in Christmas with her family and close friends. “I wait all year for this. I’m like a child who is very happy around this time,” says Malaika. “I plan my celebrations well in advance. I make notes about what my dinner table will look like and how I would like to decorate my tree and the house. I have to admit that this year has been extremely kind to me. It feels fitting to end the year on a high and what better way than doing it with your loved ones who matter to you,” she says.

This year, besides work, Malaika has been in a happy space in her personal life, too. Pictures of her holidaying with Arjun Kapoor made the rounds, and a few months ago, the couple confessed to their relationship for the first time.

When asked if Arjun will be a part of her Christmas celebrations, she says, “I am grateful for everything that has transpired in the year — personally and professionally. You often worry about how things will shape up. I am happy with the way my relationship has unfurled and my work has shaped up in the last year. This year, Christmas is special for so many wonderful reasons. And, of course, Arjun will be a part of the celebrations.”

Malaika’s mother Joyce puts together the Christmas menu every year. “I am in charge of desserts. My mother designs the menu and Amu (Amrita Arora Ladak) and I don’t have a say in it,” laughs Malaika, adding, “As children, Amu and I used to make sweets, which we don’t do now. We have a huge spread laid out on the table, which comprises traditional Christmas fare. Mom also includes dishes from different parts of the country, and some international, too. It’s like a world of food on the table, which is beautifully set by her.”

Malaika has fond childhood memories of her home being filled with cousins, uncles and aunts on Christmas day. “There would be 50-60 people at home, so imagine what the house looked like! Plus, we always had our friends and other guests coming over for the festival.

For me, Christmas has always been about getting together and spreading cheer. Everyone in my family can sing well, and they would display their skills on this day. It was also about exchanging gifts. As kids, we would put up the Christmas tree, and every year, one kid would get a chance to place the star on top of the tree. With the kind of lives we lead today, most of us don’t even get to see each other for the entire year. On this day, everyone makes an exception and gets together. If you ask me, an ideal gift that I would like to give my family would be to take them out for a holiday and enjoy a white Christmas together. We have never done that. That is my ultimate plan, and some year, I will do that for my mom.”

Like her mother, Malaika, too, has familiarised her son Arhaan with Christmas rituals. She says, “Every year, the night before Christmas, I tell him, ‘Arhaan, it’s 10 pm, we have to go for midnight mass, everyone’s waiting.’ And his response is, ‘Why can’t we go at 12?’ All said and done, we have to instill values in our kids and tell them what matters to the family. As long as they are young, you can do that. Once they are older, they barely listen. We have a large, secular family. Arhaan’s grandparents from both sides, his father (Arbaaz Khan) and I have familiarised him with our cultures and traditions. We have tried to bring him up as a secular child. Today, if anyone asks him what his religion is, he says, ‘Indian’. That makes me happy and proud as a parent. The colours of Christmas denote what the festival truly stands for. White for peace, red for love and green for abundance. Today, I pray that the world sees these colours for what they really stand.”

Every year, Malaika and Amrita, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Karisma Kapoor, and their mothers, Joyce and Babita, are seen attending midnight mass. For a long time now, the girls have brought in the festival together. When asked her about it, Malaika says, “My girl gang is very special. Every year, we attend the mass and then bring in Christmas together at Kareena’s house. The next day, we’re with our family. The reason our bond is so special is that we’ve all been brought up in a similar way, where our mothers have been the focal point of our lives. They’ve shaped us into what we are today.”

Aastha Atray Banan (MID-DAY; October 13, 2019)

Malaika Arora

Actor, model and television host, Arora became every Indian man's fantasy when she danced atop a train to Chaiyya Chaiyya

When I met Vahbiz at work, I thought for a tiny person, she was dynamite. She could throw her voice and everyone was scared of her. We needed someone like her, who could crack the whip, and keep things under control without being too bossy. Since then, we have lived our lives together, and travelled across the world. The only problem: she never wakes up for breakfast and she doesn't come along for workouts. She says my warm-up is her entire workout.

Vahbiz is not just my 4 am friend. She is the all-time, anytime friend. She is the keeper of my secrets, sounding board and voice of reason. You always have one friend for one kind of need, but she is all encompassing. With her, I have no filters. She has seen me through the highs and lows, and in the business we are in, it's important to stay grounded, which she is. She will listen to all sides before she offers her opinion. If I fight with Amrita [sister], she will say, "maybe you should put yourself in her shoes." "I am there for you, but know the pros and cons before you decide for yourself", is her stand. Sometimes, she will suddenly call and inquire, "Mals, are you okay?" I think we share an umbilical cord. I am the introvert, and so, if people want to know what's going on with me—even my family and manager—they call her.

That we are both independent women, who inspire each other to be creative and self sufficient, has helped us stay together. We are very headstrong too, and have had our share of fights. Once, we didn't speak for almost a month. It was hard for the both of us to back down, and to say, I am sorry. For us, this relationship is about conversations to be had until our next trip. That's the main agenda.

Vahbiz Mehta

Mehta has spent 22 years in the fashion industry, seven as a top show director

Malaika and I go back 20 years. We met at work; she was a model and I, a backstage manager. We were thrown together into sharing rooms when we travelled, and discovered that we liked the same things. For starters, we were non-smokers. We are obsessive about tidiness, and we both love South Indian food. She introduced me to the combination of curd-rice, pickle and fried fish.

But my first impression of her was from the point of view of a show director. I thought to myself: how is she a model? She was 5 feet 3 inches! But then I saw her walk the ramp, and how she owned it. She looked six feet tall. And this is all before Chaiyya Chaiyya. She was already famous; she was seeing Arbaaz [Khan], and she had done the infamous MR Coffee ad. But she was surprisingly approachable.

Even before cell phones came into our lives, we'd speak every day, and keep track of each other's schedules. We have seen each other through our weddings and the birth of children, and we have traveled a great deal — America, Greece, the Maldives. I think once people travel together, they realise if they can be friends or not. And we were alike, except that she is delusional when it comes to how much she can shop. Once in Cairo, we went to a home decor store where they had set packs made for the bedroom, for the kitchen, and so on. She bought the whole set for all rooms. At the end of that trip, I was sitting on her suitcase, trying to ram everything in.

When she was pregnant with Arhaan, we held a picnic on the MET [Metropolitan Museum of Art] rooftop in New York. On our Italian vacation, the best ever, we went around looking for the perfect Tiramisu, and ate it for every meal. On a deeper level, she inspires me to be a good friend. I am always giving her advice, mostly unsolicited. If she asks me for it, I tell her the truth, and she doesn't resent me for it. That's because she is down to earth to a fault. I have to tell her sometimes, 'Mals, you really need to know who you are!' She gives family and friends priority over everyone. She would rather be at a friend's place than a social gathering to be seen at. My birthday falls on May 24, and Karan's [Johar] on 25th. One year, I had a simple birthday, and he, a huge party. We wrapped up at 1.15 am, and the next day when I saw the papers, I realised she hadn't gone to Karan's, and she didn't even mention it.

Ours is an evolving friendship. We share everything. Last Sunday, I told her something important [about my life]. We have shared darker and deeper stuff over time. We are each other's retirement plan. The ultimate security blanket is not your husband, not even your children. It’s your friend. As far as love goes, we have very different tastes in men. It's all about following your heart, and seeing things through, and she is leading by example.

Meena Iyer (DNA; April 25, 2019)

For months on end, speculations have been rife about Arjun Kapoor’s marriage to Malaika Arora. Tentative dates, suggested dress codes, destinations and ceremonial details were tossed around. Frankly, even we at After Hrs, did buy into some of this. However, since neither the ‘groom’ nor the ‘bride’ were willing to address the question directly, it became nearly impossible to call out the bluff.

Finally, we managed to meet Arjun (quite by chance) and before he could retreat into his shell, we asked him:

Are you getting married in June?
No, I am not. I’m 33 and you have to take my word when I say, I’m in no hurry to get married.

What about the constant speculation surrounding your nuptials?
You tell me! The subject of my wedding is not something that I would like to talk about. Frankly, if I was tying the knot, people would know about it. Today, nothing stays or needs to be hidden beyond a point.

So, you are okay with this constant speculation?
Speculation is harmless. But I admit, I don’t like to respond to it all the time. Also, it gets tiring for the people involved to constantly react. There has been so much gossip on this subject that even the people who earlier tended to believe it are no longer doing so. I don’t have anything against anyone.

Are you tired of prying eyes?
No. The media and the paparazzi are doing their job. The people reading the ‘gossip’ are doing their job. They are forming an opinion based on what they are reading. No one is to blame. However, I have to do my actual job.

Which is?
(Laughs) I have to be an actor first. Honestly, through all this, the only constant has been that I have been shooting for Panipat. I have been at work every day and I am shooting continuously until May 31, except perhaps for a few days, when I will be promoting, India’s Most Wanted.

It has been a season of weddings in Bollywood for a while...
I know it is the marriage season. But marriage is a big commitment. I will do it when I am ready.

Do you admit Malaika Arora is special?
Yes, she is.

Nothing more on her?
I don’t have anything to discuss. I have nothing to hide. What the world is seeing, they are seeing. However, I have no desire to justify my personal life beyond a point. It is important to have good people around me and I feel fortunate that I have such individuals in my life.

You hang out a lot with Malaika, Kareena (Kapoor Khan), etc? 
Malaika, Kareena, Amrita (Ladak) and a bunch of us have always been close. I have hung out with them for years on end. It is not in the recent past.

Who are the others you are close to?
Rohit (Dhawan), Varun’s older brother and Ranbir (Kapoor) are also close friends. In fact, I hang out with Rohit and Varun. Aarti (Shetty) is also a dear friend. I don’t have too many friends who are my age or younger than me. I’ve always been a mature soul who bonds better with those who are older.

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; December 10, 2018)

Kareena Kapoor Khan is set to venture into a new space with her radio show What Women Want, which airs from today on Ishq FM.

The Bollywood diva says, “I instinctively wanted to do this because this is something that I believe in.”

The show will be divided into several segments. While a portion of about eight minutes will be made into a video and shared online, the entire conversation will be uploaded as a podcast. Bebo invited several celebrities — including her girl gang and family members — to be a part of it. “There’s a fun episode we have shot with Amu (her bestie Amrita Arora Ladak). There’s one lovely conversation that I had with Soha (Ali Khan). Lolo (Karisma Kapoor) and Manish (Malhotra) have also shot with me,” reveals Kareena.

Quiz her if she had to coax her friends to be a part of it and she says, “These are also the same girls who have always been there by my side, so when I thought of this new venture, it had to include all my favourite people. But it’s not just about that — the show will also have several other noteworthy speakers from different walks of life. I was moved by what Sunny (Leone) said on the show.”

Bebo confesses that it was hubby Saif Ali Khan who motivated her to explore a new avenue. She states, “When I told him about this opportunity, he asked me to go for it. He said, ‘You are amazing, you’ll be the best.’ He was extremely supportive also because he knows I have a take on everything around me and that’s what the show is also about. Saif is always game for new things and wants everyone around him to be open-minded because the world is changing. Cinema is changing, the mediums are broadening and he’s way ahead of his times.”

The glamorous actress hasn’t yet shot with the Nawab of Pataudi for What Women Want, but she is confident that it will happen in the near future. The Veere Di Wedding actress asserts, “I have told the team that they have to get Saif for an episode. It will be interesting to see what he has to say. He is such an amazing talker. He has a lot of knowledge about the world and is well read. In fact, I was telling everyone that Saif will make for a good RJ.”

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; November 23, 2018)

Unabashed and unapologetic, these are the first two words that come to mind when you describe Kareena Kapoor Khan. Despite being a Bollywood star, she has never shied away from voicing her opinions on several topics and played by her own set of rules. After being an actress for 18 years, Bebo is all set to make her radio debut with What Women Want on Ishq 104.8 FM. Tease her that she’s the apt choice for the show and she giggles, “I love to talk and here I get to share my opinion on different topics that should be dinner-table conversations. The idea was just right.” In a candid chat, the glamorous actress tells us how she has always followed her heart and why radio is an entertaining but a tough platform. Excerpts…

What prompted you to explore this medium?
Today, the platform doesn’t matter at all. It can be movies, TV, stage, the web or the radio — now, everything is about good content. When I was approached for the show, the concept appealed to me. We have never had a radio programme where we are talking about what exactly women want. Headlining something like this is just the perfect thing to do at present. I instinctively knew I should take it up.

You’ve always been a progressive woman. Did you connect with the show on that level?
I could relate to most of the topics that were discussed on air. Coming from a family of liberal women — whether it’s my mum (Babita) or sister (Karisma Kapoor) — all of us have done exactly as we have pleased. So, I knew I was the perfect choice (smiles). If we are talking about what women want, then I’ve been voicing my opinion and expressing my thoughts on whatever it’s worth. So, yes, there will always be that connect.

What Women Want will also let your fans to see how boisterous and unapologetic you are, as a person...
In films, you are always playing different characters. Watching a movie in a theatre is different from hearing somebody on radio. While talking about such important things, my fans will get to see a different side  of my personality. Maybe, this is something they have been wanting to see and hear. Radio gets into your heart and home. Whether you are driving or cooking, that voice and connectivity is there. On our show, there’s a topic for everyone. We have some hard-hitting subjects like gender equality, rape, parenting, safer workplaces and there are fun discussions like fashion and others. Parenting is again something which people want to know about. So that’s a relatable topic, especially when I’m talking about it (smiles).

You have battled gender inequality issues in your career. Does Veere Di Wedding (VDW)’s success prove a point in that regard?
Yes, absolutely. I feel this was the right time to address a topic such as sex on a public platform. What were we shying away from all these years? The industry has always had liberated women, but we are slowly understanding the power of our voices and that’s amazing. It was my belief to be part of a film like Veere. I don’t think any mainstream actor would do it. You need to have the gumption to say, ‘I’m going to be in the same frame with three other girls and I know I’ll do really well.’ Actors need to go with the scene, with the entire film together. Sometimes, the energies are right ­— you just have to believe in it and ultimately do it.

How difficult or easy is it to make radio entertaining?
Everything we discuss is not serious. We also have fun stuff lined up. The snippets from each show will be collected and uploaded as an eight to nine minute video on YouTube. For example, there’s an episode with Amu (Amrita Arora). People have just seen both of us in photographs, but no one knows how we talk and behave when we are together. So, my fans will get to experience that. Radio is tough because how do you make it entertaining? In cinema, it’s easy to be expressive and make things look entertaining. But awaaz mein bhi ek expression hoti hai.

Whether it’s marriage, pregnancy or motherhood, you’ve defied norms…
I was always clear about what I wanted. People had advised me not to get married because they felt producers film offer nahi karenge. They had told me I shouldn’t work while I was pregnant. But everything is possible — women multitask. You can be a mother and do your job as well. So many people around the world are doing that and we might not know about their stories. But, obviously, because I’m an actress, the spotlight’s on me. This show gives an opportunity to everyone to share their real stories. We have common people addressing their issues. And, of course, there are celebrities because we want to hear them. Longevity is in yourself — if you keep going, change is bound to happen.

How difficult is it for you to juggle everything?
I love doing nothing and being at home, just with my son, Taimur. But again, I also know that I can’t always do that. So, the idea is to find that balance. Strangely and honestly, I’ve found the perfect balance between my personal and professional life. For instance, if I’m working back-to-back for four-five days, I take the next two-three days off because I want that downtime. I need to have my family and friends around because my life revolves around them. I need to feel like a human being. I can’t treat myself like a robot because this industry and the atmosphere pushes you to become one. People are always on the go — if you’re not at work or a set, you’re on digital platforms like Instagram and Twitter or talking somewhere and giving your comments.

Finally, is there something that you were denied because you’re a woman?
No, there’s nothing like that. But yes, at one point a lot of people believed that married actresses don’t work in films. Like Lolo (Karisma Kapoor) never really worked after her marriage. That approach has changed. Today, directors are a lot more open-minded. The time that we are in is different from what it was in the ’90s and early 2000s. Look at AndhaDhun, Tabu toplined the film and she was amazing. Everything around us is changing and it’s the best time to be an actor.

Anything that you want and are yet to get?
Maybe a movie with Sanjay Leela Bhansali (laughs). But for that, Taimur has to be at least 10 years old because I can’t leave him before that. That’s the joke between Sanjay and me that we are star-crossed lovers (smiles).

Kareena Kapoor with Namrata Purohit at the pilates studio

Always in the limelight for her frame, hot momma Kareena Kapoor Khan on how accepting different phases of life enables her to stay fit
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; August 8, 2018)

It's a bridge she crossed twice -- shedding 20 kilos the first time around; then again dropping 32 after giving birth to Taimur. But while a journey like hers can rattle even the most determined, Kareena Kapoor Khan doesn't mind doing it again, should her career as an actor demand for it. "I mean, if I was in a Bridget Jones Diary, I'd gain weight again for it, and then go back to losing it. The script has to be amazing," she says of roles that have demanded such transformations from male artistes before.

It's not cumbersome to decipher why Kapoor is uninhibited when braving the fluctuations of the weighing scale. She has been able to get a grip of an essential that most women constantly battling the kilos, struggle with – the ability to sit back, analyse and understand their body. Also, she willing to accept -- even celebrate -- the fact that life happens. Talking about turning up at Namrata Purohit's pilates studio post-pregnancy as a "90-kilo girl" years after being in the limelight for her 'size-zero' image, she says, "I was bearing a child. It was obvious that I would put on weight. But I wasn't [rattled]. I enjoyed my pregnancy. I absolutely loved it. Losing the weight after that was another journey. I remember, sometimes, I'd wear tight pants, and people would tell me, 'You've put on so much weight. You're thighs are so big.' And I was like, 'I don't care because I'm working on losing it'. Honestly, I'm comfortable in any shape and size."

The toil was hers, but Kapoor is unrestricted when showering love on those who helped her reach here. It's hard to get past a few sentences without her crediting Purohit, or acknowledging the role that "food doctor" Rujuta Diwekar plays in her life. Her publicised weight-loss journey for Tashan (2008) had first brought attention to Kapoor's association with Diwekar. "The size zero phase was a result of a combination of yoga and Rujuta's meal plan. I was 68 kilos, and she brought me to down 48, which is when gave that bikini shot for Tashan. I took up that project as a challenge. Adi [producer Aditya Chopra] told me, 'You need to be super fit to be in this movie. Will you be able to do it?' And I said, 'Of course." To which he said, 'You're quite a heavy girl.' But I was determined. I was ready to challenge my genes, stand there in a bikini and show him that I can have amazing abs," she says, quick to add that the thought of delivering the "bikini shot", continued to be her motivation during the entire journey.

Convenient as it is to discredit toil, naysayers were quick to dismiss her effort, attributing her svelte frame to starvation instead. Kapoor too was rendered amused when news of her surviving on orange juice hit headlines soon after. "I'd love to make this fact clear that I lost weight the right way. I'm a Kapoor with a Punjabi built. I can't live without wholesome food and would not have been able to conceive, had I not eaten the way I did. Rujuta always had things sorted out for me, balancing the right amount of fat in my diet. I trusted her blindly, even when I was told to consume Parathas with ghee," says Kapoor, adding that even today, the nutritionist is only a call away to solve her woes. "Sometimes, I call her and tell her if I feel acidic after a string of late night commitments, or when travelling. Instead of prescribing medication, she'll recommend I have a glass of chilled milk with gulkand in it. On other occasions, she'll ask me to have water with kesar to flushes out toxins. Her methods work well for me."

Kapoor had a lot working in her favour when she underwent the physical makeover for the film, which paired her with now-husband, Saif Ali Khan. However, replicating the feat again after giving birth was never going to be the same. "Not only had I had a child, it had also been 10 years since Tashan released. Namrata made me repeat that journey even though [I had aged]. I had child-bearing hips and gained a lot of weight. But, she merely asked me to believe in her. She was set to change my body."

When chronicling her love for pilates, Kapoor makes it evident that going from strength-to-strength is turning out to be a cherishable experience. "We started our journey with me executing a mere eight repetitions in each exercise, because I had a weak back post delivery. Today, Namrata and I trained together, and executed a high-intensity class that involved 20-30 reps, one after another."

Kapoor admires the fact that Purohit doesn't keep her in the studio for more than 55 minutes "on the clock". "She always tells me, three-hour workouts are not needed. Even on the days that I'm not up to exercising, she'll ask me take a two-day break. I'm not the kind who'll train at 10 pm after a shoot. I'd rather go home, eat, and sleep. When you're body is exhausted, it's also the sleep that will help you lose weight. Maybe I won't have six-pack abs, but as long as I have a smashing body, I don't need to be in the gym for three hours." Prod her on suggestions she's partaken in 10-hour exercise sessions in the past and she says, "Even a robot can't train for 10 hours. For the past 15 years, I've trained in the gym for no more than one hour. I have a life outside of it."

It's evident that she had a string of professional help to guide her in her fitness journey, yet, a bout of childlike enthusiasm envelopes her voice when she talks about her army of girls who are also responsible for her success. "Best friend" Amrita Arora Ladak is credit repeatedly for holding her hand throughout this journey. "A special chapter in a book [on my life would] need to be dedicated to her. Without her push, and her constant care, this would not have been possible. She'd remind me to eat healthy, urge me to train, and even offer to do so together. She was always there while I was putting on my sneakers and fitting into my tights, telling me, 'C'mon, we have to do this."

As for her other besties, sis Karisma and Malaika Arora, Kapoor has some part of the blame to take for their fitness journey going awry. "Through my pregnancy, we would go to restaurants to eat. I'd eat two entire pizzas, and then the desserts, and eventually they would be tempted. They started putting on weight because of me. Every morning, I'd wake up and say, 'I want to eat samosas with motichur laddo'. And they'd be like, 'Oh God, we can't do that.' I'd urge them to eat, and eventually, they'd relent. So they've done that with me, and even brought me back to shape. Having a good friend is so important in this journey."

Kapoor confesses that, unlike Karisma, she has a heavy Punjabi built and must work on her frame. From being the person who cared little for fitness, to now barely going a day without working out, it's been a journey she's enjoyed. But her Punjabi upbringing is reiterated before she says, "Food is my biggest love." It's tough competition, she says, to pick one between "Saif, Taimur and food". "I'm passionate about my meals. Even at home, although we have three different types of meals made – vegetarian for me, non-vegetarian for Saif, and baby food for Taimur – it's all healthy. My meals are as basic as doodhi sabzi, karela subzi, one roti and bowl of rice. Dinner can be different versions of soups. But that doesn't mean I will deprive myself of things I love."

Pizzas and pastas, it is evident, seamlessly melt her heart. "Because we work, we don't have dedicated weekends to cheat. But, if we have a few days off, we call friends over, boil spaghetti, throw in some tomato, crack a bottle of wine, and unwind." And unlike it does to many weight watchers, a cheat meal doesn't have her scrambling to schedule her next workout session. "I'm at peace after cheat meals. I'm the kind of girl who says that if you eat what you want, and you're happy about it, there's no guilt and no calories. You have to nurture your body, and have fun."

Madhureeta Mukherjee (BOMBAY TIMES; May 25, 2018)

She has always lived her life with confidence, spunk and style. She’s not the kind to harp about feminism and gender debates, but her actions speak volumes. The actress tied the knot when her career was smooth sailing and eyes rolled and heads turned disdainfully. But firebrand Kareena Kapoor Khan proved the cynics wrong. Years later, she unabashedly posed for the paps with a baby bump, glowing with pride. And now, while 17-month-old Taimur is wowing everyone with his boundless cuteness quotient, mommy is slaying it in the upcoming buddy film, Veere Di Wedding, which is about four babes and their life, love and friendship. At this point, Kareena seems to be like an unstoppable force of talent. In a chat with BT, she talks about her various roles in life — as a super actress, proud wife and doting mom. Read on…

Veere Di Wedding took off and you got pregnant. The makers didn’t budge and waited for you to resume work. That must be quite flattering for an actress…
When I shared the news of my pregnancy with Rhea (Kapoor, co-producer), I told her that they should go ahead and cast someone else to play my part. I explained to her that I am in a different phase of my life, and that they should just make the movie with another actress. But Rhea was adamant and she told me that she would wait for me. I think that was very brave on her part. At first, when I heard the story, Rhea was apprehensive if I would be interested in doing a film about four friends. I said, ‘Let me just read it’ and when I did that, I totally loved it.

You have not done as many multi-starrers, and reportedly, you had turned down a huge star cast movie like Dil Dhadakne Do (2015), too. And here you are today, doing a film with four ladies. Has there been a change in your thought process when it comes to choosing a film?
Well, Veere… is different as the focus is on four women. It’s something that I have not attempted before. When I read the script, I realised that I wanted to be a part of this world and this style of storytelling. The thing is that you have always seen me in big commercial movies with big heroes, and this is nothing like that. And that is what makes it look so fresh. Today, the audience is ready for a fun and entertaining film; it doesn’t have to be rocket science. Four of us are dramatically different actors and we are also very different people. I’ve known Sonam (Kapoor Ahuja) for really long. I keep teasing Swara (Bhasker) and I tell her that she’s intellectualizing a commercial movie. I tell her, ‘You are such an intellectual’ and she turns around and tells me, ‘Kareena ji, kahan aap aise bol rahey ho.’ Working with all these girls has been so much of fun. Swara’s character in the movie is lovely and she’s a fantastic actress. Shikha (Talsania) is from theatre, she’s also an incredible actor.

In Veere… you girls are swearing,talking about sex, men, et al. Probably, a few years ago, you wouldn’t have done a film like this. Now, with the changing audience, is it easier to take these chances, without fearing scrutiny or being put on a morality meter?
Yes, but this is the kind of audience that we are catering to. Isn’t this how real people and women talk to their friends? When my friend Amu (Amrita Arora Ladak) and I sit down to chat, we casually swear about things, this is just how we converse. I have been in the industry for 18 years, if I have done a film like Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015), I have also done a film like Udta Punjab (2016). As an actor, I have always tried to dabble in different kinds of films. A mainstream commercial actress will always think twice before being a part of a film with four girls. She will think… do I have three songs and couple of action scenes? I never thought like that when I read this script. I said I want to do it.

After your pregnancy, you got back into shape and how! Were you ever worried that you would slip into a comfort zone after the baby, hence, you pushed yourself quickly to shed the weight?
I got back into shape, but that has nothing to do with having a baby. That is my nature, I have always been into yoga and fitness, and it’s not new to my life. If you place a plate of pizza and a plate of karele ki sabzi, I will most likely pick the latter. Also, I don’t think I got back into action so fast; my son is 17 months now. I wanted to live my life and I did it. About people talking and criticising… today, people have an opinion about everything. It really doesn’t matter. I don’t live my life for people; I live my life for myself. I don’t care about what they say, so it doesn’t affect my life.

The film subtly focuses on various subjects; one of them is body shaming. Do you think that way too much time is spent discussing and judging women on grounds of physicality? A woman has to look a certain type before marriage, after marriage, while she is pregnant or after she has delivered. It is a constant pressure…
I think women should embrace themselves however they are, whatever size that they are and do what their heart desires. I don’t bother about these trolls and social media. Logon ka dimaag kharab ho gaya hai…with this social media madness. There is this urgency to post this and post that, and then there’s also this need to use beauty apps to look prettier in posts. I think it has all become a big mess and it is a sham. You can’t live your life like that. Your life can’t be about a social media post. It has to be something deeper than that. You need to connect with people and have conversations with them. I am probably more traditional in this respect, but I can’t understand this craze. Even for movie promotions, I am told to wear this and that and click pictures for media promotions. I have to look fabulous for my screen character, right? I ask them why they can’t click a picture of me in my jeans and a tee. How does it matter? I guess that is the way it is now. When you and I are sitting and talking, this is a real chat. Otherwise, how will you even get to know and understand an actor, if we are constantly sitting with our make-up and great clothes, like our on-screen avatars?

In this film, your character Kalindi appears to be commitment-phobic. Usually, men are depicted to be in that situation, and it’s a general belief that men get more anxious about commitment than women. In real life, have you ever been commitment-phobic?
Of course, even women feel the pressure of marriage. Even they have doubts on how it will work out and if they need to follow family rules and things like that. I have never been commitment-phobic in my life; I am quite a sucker for love. In that sense, I am very traditional and different from my character in the film. We have some common traits, too, like she is outspoken, speaks her mind and makes her choices, like I do. But I have never had commitment issues.

For quite some time now, a lot has been spoken about feminism. Everyone seems to have their own version of what feminism means. What’s your take?
I think it’s about believing in equality. Women don’t need to prove that we are superior; of course, we are superior in many ways to men. But that’s not the point here. The whole idea is to talk about equality. I don’t have to scream out loud for women’s rights to prove that I am feminist.

True. The fact that you went back to work after having a baby, or the fact that you are a working mom makes you as much a feminist, as a woman who chooses to be a homemaker, right?
I love being at home and being a homemaker, and I love being on the set as well. When I am at home, it is my time and my space. I don’t want to meet anyone, as its precious time with my family. I love entertaining friends at home and being a wife to Saif, I think that is an amazing feeling. I like travelling the world with him and meeting all his friends. I am proud to be his wife and I’m also proud to be a successful actor. These are two different sides to my life. When I am entertaining friends at home, I am not a star and I don’t always have people from Bollywood over. When I am at home, I’m not an actor, and I am very happy to be known as Mrs. Saif Ali Khan. I will be proud to be that all my life. At the same time, when I walk out of this door where there are photographers waiting for me, I am also Kareena Kapoor Khan. So it’s lovely. This is the way I am and this is the way I am always going to live my life.

Do you find that new-age fathers are more involved with their children and share the responsibility in raising the child, beyond just providing for the family? Saif also seems very involved as a dad…
I think today it is all about supporting each other. Saif and I are both working actors and at times, it gets tough. When I was doing Veere… he was also shooting, but he would try to get back home to be with Taimur. Now, he’s busy shooting for Navdeep Singh’s film, so I know that I can’t shoot a film until he wraps up his in October-November. We have to balance it out and I think it is a great way to do it. Of course, he does get irritated sometimes when I am not home by 6.30 in the evening because he believes this is family time. It is something that we’re both particular about. Sometimes, even he’s shooting till late and I understand, because that is how our profession is. But as long as we can support each other, we know that it will work out fine.

Taimur is a superstar on the internet, there is so much of focus on him now. We guess he will draw more attention as he grows up. Does that perturb you?
We want him to have as normal a life as possible; we can’t take that away from him. It’s his right to have a normal life. We feel awful about the fact that he gets clicked everywhere he goes, but we can’t keep him confined to our house, right? He’s just 17 months old; he shouldn’t be given that kind of focus and attention all the time. Now he reacts to the paparazzi when they call out his name. I know this is reality and I can’t run away from it. In time, he will understand what this is all about, and hopefully, Saif and I will be able to keep it as normal and balanced as possible.