Kareena Kapoor Khan believes that her contemporaries and leading ladies like Deepika Padukone, Kangana Ranaut, and Vidya Balan have significantly improved the position of women in the film industry: not just in terms of roles but also in pay.
Speaking at a recent ABP conclave, Kareena discussed how these ‘strong women’, including herself, have taken a stand and are helping change the narrative for other women as well. Opening up about the difference in the treatment of female actors now compared to years ago, the ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’ actor shared, “I think it has changed because a lot of strong women have done a lot of strong parts in films. They have done films that have been loved by the audiences… So, whether it’s leading actresses like Kangana Ranaut, Vidya Balan, Deepika Padukone, or myself, we’ve always tried to stand for roles that have risen above just being there in the film. So, all of us have changed a lot of dynamics on many levels, like demanding a certain role, a certain fee, or position.”
The 43-year-old has never shied away from embracing her age and is comfortable in her own skin. On the topic of age, Kareena believes it’s just a number. She expressed her gratitude to the audience for liking her work. “Today the audience has become accepting. Age is just a number; it’s as old as you look. You have to be fit; you have to look good… I don’t want to ever be a 21-year-old again; I’m very happy. At 21, I was so much more hyper and anxious, and I’m much calmer now, and I’m in a happy place in my 40s.”
