Kareena Kapoor - Public Image and Character

Public Image and Character

Known for her nonchalant relationship with the media, Kapoor has gained a reputation for discussing her public and private life with no reservations. As a child she regularly attended award ceremonies and events with her mother and sister, and would also accompany Karisma on-set during filming. In an interview with Filmfare, she explained that growing up in a film family helped her develop a sense of professionalism and dedication towards her craft. Kapoor's private life has been the subject of media attention in India, with press coverage of her relationship with actor Saif Ali Khan. The couple—dubbed "Saifeena" by the entertainment media—has been one of the country's most-reported celebrity stories since 2007.

As one of her most distinctive physical features, Kapoor's lips have been identified by the Indian media as her trademark. Her personality has been open to debate and criticism. While a segment of the press has described her as friendly and extremely close to her family, others have described her as arrogant and vain—an image she gained in the wake of her superficial character, Poo, in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... (2001). She subsequently featured in films portraying similar characters, and this further established her off- and on-screen personae. Before the release of Chameli (2004) (in which she played a sex worker), Kapoor stated that "there is a certain image that people identify you with t always follows you whichever role you play. I am trying to transgress this image and become more screen-friendly than image-friendly". Chameli helped Kapoor reinvent her on-screen persona, and she later explained that her honesty and openness was often perceived by the media as arrogance.

Kapoor is also known for her assertive and moody nature. In an early interview, she confessed to being an "introvert, yet extremely candid and blunt", reasoning: "Total faith and complete belief in myself is my attitude towards life, films and virtually everything else. I am all about doing what I feel is right. It is not easy to pin me down as I can be a bundle of contradictions". When asked about the comparison with her sister, Kapoor explained that they were "poles apart" and credited her mother for allowing them to be themselves. In an article discussing the careers of Indian women in various fields, the magazine Verve mentioned Kapoor's outspoken views and assertive nature as making major contributions to her career; they "add to her superstar aura."

Today, Kapoor is considered as one of the most popular Bollywood celebrities in India. Her look and performances have established her as a style icon for young women. In a 2009 poll conducted by the newspaper Daily News and Analysis Kapoor was voted one of India's most popular icons; with her partner Saif Ali Khan, she was listed amongst the top celebrity endorsers for brands and products worldwide. She became the only Indian actress to be featured on CNNGo's list of "Who Mattered Most in India", and was later selected by Verve for its list of the country's most powerful women from 2008 to 2010. Kapoor placed eighth in Filmfare Magazine's annual "power list" (her second consecutive appearance; the previous year, she placed tenth). In June 2010 Kapoor was described as "India's Most Beautiful Woman" by People, whilst UK magazine Eastern Eye named her "Asia's Sexiest Woman" in 2011.