Gen Z might have claimed the word ‘girl boss’, but Bebo invented it. Kareena Kapoor Khan has now completed 25 years in cinema. She debuted opposite Abhishek Bachchan in the film Refugee, which was released on June 30, 2000. Since then, Kareena has made every film count by putting her best foot forward in every character. Here’s how Kareena Kapoor Khan has influenced Bollywood and the audience.

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From Poo to Dolly Mishra: 25 years of Kareena Kapoor’s versatility

When people think of Kareena, they instantly remember her iconic characters like Poo from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and Geet from Jab We Met. In today’s pop culture era, we refer to her dialogues to bear the everyday chaos of life. Her fans continue to resonate with these lively characters deeply. But there’s more to Kareena’s craft. 

Have you seen her performance as Mira in Mani Ratnam’s Yuva, Chameli in Sudhir Mishra’s Chameli, or Dolly Mishra in Vishal Bhardwaj’s Omkara? Through these characters, she played an independent young woman, a prostitute and a naive lover. And yet, despite these powerful performances, Kareena often finds herself remembered more for her relatability than grit. 

Kareena Kapoor on her role in Omkara

As reported by Firstpost, in an interview with Bollywood Diva, Kareena said, “Omkara happened. I have won awards for it, and it was a role I feel I nailed. But when you talk about Omkara, you only talk about Langda Tyagi (played by Saif Ali Khan), and you still go back to Poo and Geet.” If you really want to see her diverse characters, you must watch Jaane Jaan, The Buckingham Murders, Udta Punjab, Heroine, Talaash, and We Are Family. The movies portray her in serious, layered characters that bring out her versatility.

25 years of the Bebo effect

While Geet preaches “Main apni favourite hoon”, Kareena lives by this phrase. She is most celebrated for being real and raw. Whether she is doing yoga in basic track pants or rolling her eyes at absurd questions from journalists, people adore Kareena for her realness. When she was pregnant with Jeh, she boldly flaunted her curves on the set of Koffee With Karan. 

Kareena Kapoor promoting body positivity 

In Tashan, Kareena was expected to be size zero for the role. But being a foodie, she refused to compromise on her favourite dishes. In a recent interaction with Vicky Kaushal on The Hollywood Reporter, Kareena shared her love for aloo paranthas with white butter. “I used to eat paratha for breakfast during Tashan also. I was never on this orange juice, size zero diet,” she said. Not only does Kareena live on her terms, but she also inspires people to feel confident in the way they are. This is why people love Bebo and aspire to be like her. 

In another chat with American actor and writer Gillian Anderson on Dirty, Kareena was asked about the beauty standards for female actors nowadays. “It’s quite a personal choice. I enjoy a few lines here and there on my face… I think it kind of looks sexy… I somehow feel like I’m happier in my 40s than I was in my 20s… I’m not old. I’m still rocking,” Kareena said. And we agree.

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