As Kareena Kapoor Khan celebrates her 44 birthday today, fans around the world are buzzing with excitement to honor Bollywood’s beloved diva. Known for her iconic roles and trendsetting style, Kareena Kapoor Khan has carved a unique niche in the film industry, making her one of the most influential actresses of her generation.
From her early days as a star kid to becoming a leading lady, Kareena’s journey has been nothing short of spectacular. But beyond her well-documented fame, there are surprising facts about Kareena Kapoor that even her biggest fans might not know.
So, on Kareena Kapoor Khan’s birthday, let’s dive into 5 lesser-known facts about Bebo that will leave you amazed and show why she remains a force to be reckoned with in 2024!
1. The Role She Almost Didn’t Play
Naina in Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)
Kareena Kapoor Khan was initially offered the role of Naina in Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003), a part that eventually went to Preity Zinta. According to industry reports, Kareena was the first choice of director Nikkhil Advani, and negotiations were almost finalized. However, due to differences over her fee, she opted out at the last minute.
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)
Kareena Kapoor Khan was considered for Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) for the role of Tina, which eventually became Rani Mukerji’s breakout role. Kareena has often mentioned that missing out on these films was a learning experience, teaching her the value of choosing roles that resonate with her artistic instincts rather than just star power.
Despite these missed opportunities, she bounced back with iconic roles like Poo in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and Geet in Jab We Met, both of which remain fan favorites.
2. Breaking Stereotypes with Size Zero
Tashan
Kareena Kapoor Khan’s transformation for the 2008 movie Tashan sparked a nationwide fitness frenzy. She popularized the “size zero” trend, where her extreme weight loss was widely covered by the media and discussed among fans. Under the guidance of celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar, Kareena’s diet was a strict combination of healthy fats, proteins, and rigorous workouts, including power yoga. This physical transformation, however, did not come without its share of criticism.
Over time, Kareena shifted her messaging from extreme fitness to balanced body positivity, advocating for women to embrace their natural bodies. Her journey from size zero to post-pregnancy fitness has been an inspiration, with her workouts and diet plans often featured in health magazines and talk shows, solidifying her influence beyond the silver screen.
3. The First Bollywood Actress with a Pout Trademark
Kareena’s signature pout is not just a facial expression; it’s a phenomenon. Known as Bollywood’s “Pout Queen,” her distinctive style has been captured in countless magazine covers, movies, and even Instagram selfies. This unique trait became part of her brand, setting her apart from her contemporaries. According to a 2018 survey by a leading beauty magazine, Kareena’s pout was among the top five most replicated looks by young women in India, often tagged on social media as #PoutLikeBebo. Her confident, effortless style has even inspired beauty brands to create shades named after her, like MAC’s “Bebo Bold.”
This trademark has become synonymous with her bold personality, making her a trendsetter not just in fashion but in the broader realm of pop culture.
4. A Record of Star-Studded Family and Film Debuts
Born into the illustrious Kapoor family, often referred to as the first family of Bollywood, Kareena Kapoor Khan made her debut in 2000 opposite Abhishek Bachchan in Refugee. While the film was not a massive box office success, it marked the beginning of her career, which was almost predestined, given her lineage. The Kapoor family has a rich history of cinema legends, from her great-grandfather Prithviraj Kapoor to her father Randhir Kapoor, and uncles Rishi and Rajiv Kapoor. Her cousin Ranbir Kapoor and sister Karisma Kapoor have also made significant contributions to Bollywood.
Despite her privileged background, Kareena carved her niche, proving that talent and persistence are key to longevity in the industry. According to box office reports, she has appeared in over 65 films, many of which were critical and commercial successes, making her one of the highest-paid actresses in Bollywood.
5. The ‘Good News’ Queen of the Box Office
Kareena Kapoor Khan has consistently chosen films that have not only resonated with audiences but have also raked in big numbers at the box office. Her 2019 film Good Newwz was a major hit, grossing over ₹318 crores worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing Bollywood films of the year.
Similarly, her movies like Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015), which crossed the ₹900 crore mark globally, and 3 Idiots (2009), which was one of the first Bollywood films to cross ₹200 crore in India, cement her position as a bankable star. Her ability to balance mainstream commercial cinema with critically acclaimed roles, like those in Chameli (2003) and Omkara (2006), showcases her versatility and keen sense of choosing scripts that align with the audience’s tastes.
Even after two decades in the industry, Kareena remains a box office queen, with her films consistently performing well across multiplexes and single screens alike.