Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor, with over 25 years in the film industry, has seldom engaged in performing sex scenes on screen. In a candid conversation with Hollywood star Gillian Anderson for Dirty Magazine, Kareena explained why she has largely refrained from such roles, offering insight into the cultural differences between how sex scenes are perceived in India and the West.
The Cultural Perspective on Sex in India vs. the West
When asked about her decision to avoid sex scenes in films, Kareena shared, “I personally feel like it’s not important to take a story forward. It’s not something that I feel is required in the narrative to show that.” She emphasized that she has never felt comfortable doing such scenes, reflecting on the cultural difference between India and the West. “We don’t look at sexuality or sex as a human experience,” she said, highlighting that the topic of female desire is openly addressed in Western films, a perspective that is still evolving in Indian cinema.
Kareena elaborated, stating, “We have to start looking at and respecting that a lot more before we put it on screen.” She acknowledged the openness with which the West tackles female desire and sexuality, contrasting it with the more conservative approach in India. According to Kareena, the Indian film industry is still in the process of shifting perspectives on such topics, and for her, portraying such themes would require a more progressive and respectful approach.
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Chameli: A Defining Role in Kareena’s Career
Despite her reservations about on-screen intimacy, Kareena played the role of a sex worker in the 2003 film Chameli, a role that helped her discover her own sensuality and confidence. She shared how playing the character pushed her to be fearless, especially at a young age, and gave her the opportunity to explore darker, more challenging roles in her career. The experience of playing Chameli, she explained, helped her understand her own boundaries while also giving her a platform to embrace her complexities as an actor.
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Future Projects and Evolving Roles
Kareena, now an established Bollywood star, continues to evolve with her roles. She is next set to appear in a film directed by Meghna Gulzar, known for her films inspired by true events, such as Raazi and Chhapaak. While details of the film remain under wraps, it is expected to push Kareena’s acting boundaries further, as she continues to seek out roles that challenge her and allow her to grow as an artist.
In conclusion, Kareena Kapoor’s thoughtful approach to on-screen intimacy and her evolving career reflects her commitment to meaningful storytelling. As Indian cinema continues to evolve, Kareena’s insights provide a valuable perspective on the cultural dynamics of portraying sexuality in film.
