‘I Feel Happier In My 40s’: Kareena Kapoor, Gillian Anderson Discuss Ageing & Showbiz

Kareena Kapoor recently sat down for a conversation with Hollywood actor Gillian Anderson for The Dirty Magazine, where they discussed beauty standards, ageing in the industry, and the portrayal of intimacy on screen. The two actors reflected on their personal experiences and the evolving landscape of cinema.

Gillian Anderson and Kareena Kapoor on Ageing in Showbiz

Gillian Anderson highlighted the complex and often contradictory stance Hollywood takes on ageing. She explained that while there is growing acceptance of natural ageing, there is also significant pressure on actors to maintain a youthful appearance.

"But I also know that there is a weird catch-22 because you certainly have a lot of actors who have adjusted their physique in order to continue looking a certain age or to fit into the mould. And there is a lot of judgement about that, with tabloids still eager to tear them apart for making those choices for themselves. At the same time, the industry doesn’t fully accept those who haven’t had work done. So it’s a bit of a catch-22 in our industry. It’s much kinder than it used to be, but the struggle remains," Anderson shared.

Kareena Kapoor also shared her perspective on beauty and ageing, emphasising that cosmetic procedures are a personal choice. The actress, who has been in the film industry for 25 years, stated that she is comfortable with the natural changes in her appearance. "I think it’s a personal choice. I mean, I enjoy a few lines here and there on my face. I think it kind of looks sexy. Somehow, I feel happier in my 40s than I was in my 20s. I just want it to take its natural course. I’m not old yet, so I’m still rocking," she said.

Kapoor on filming intimate scenes in films

Despite spending over two decades in the industry, Kareena Kapoor has never performed an intimate scene on screen. The actor revealed that this has been a conscious choice, as she does not feel comfortable with such portrayals.

When Anderson asked her about this decision, she explained, "I personally feel that it's not important to take a story forward. It's not something that I believe is required, in the form of a story. I know I will not be comfortable doing that. I have never done it."

She also emphasised the need to change the way audiences perceive intimacy in Indian cinema. "It's just the way we look at the whole idea. We don't look at sexuality or sex as a human experience. We have to start looking at and respecting that a lot more before we put it on screen. It's my belief," she said.

During their discussion, Kapoor reflected on how sex and female desire are still taboo topics in India compared to Western countries. She noted that while Western cinema has openly embraced these themes, Indian society remains hesitant. "From where I come from, we are still not as open as having the narrative the way it is out there for you guys, the way you can feel it so openly. While female desire is openly tackled in the West, it's always been so open about it," she said.

Although Kareena Kapoor has refrained from intimate scenes, she did take on the role of a sex worker in Chameli (2003). The film marked a turning point in her career, helping her tap into a new level of confidence. "It was kind of a turning point because it also helped me tap into my own confidence, my sensuality at that young age," she said.

Speaking about her character, she added, "I kind of realised a lot of things. The fact that I didn't have to conform to the traditional notions, like looking a particular way of femininity, of being beautiful, because she was so brash and unapologetic. I think that was a form of beauty, which I really appreciate. I am happy that I got to play that part. It pushed me to be more fearless."

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