Kareena seeks new challenges after 25 years, finds a complex cop in ‘Daayra’

After more than 25 years in cinema, Kareena Kapoor Khan says the search for characters that challenge her has become increasingly important, with her latest film “Daayra” offering an opportunity to portray a police officer far removed from familiar screen stereotypes. The 45-year-old actor, who was in New Delhi to promote the Meghna Gulzar directorial, said a long career required her to keep finding different shades as a performer. Having worked across genres and played a wide range of characters, Kareena said acting remained her principal creative interest and she had no particular ambition to move into producing or directing. That, she said, keeps her constantly searching for interesting characters and stories.

A different cop

In “Daayra”, Kareena plays DCP Ajooni, one of two senior police officers investigating the aftermath of a crime that triggers widespread outrage. Prithviraj Sukumaran plays Raman, the other officer, with the two approaching duty and justice differently as the investigation increasingly blurs conventional ideas of right and wrong. Kareena said Gulzar was clear that Ajooni should not resemble the stereotypical woman police officer often portrayed as physically imposing, overtly masculine or constantly involved in gun-toting action. Instead, Ajooni retains her femininity, wears lipstick and can operate with a smile while remaining firm and authoritative. Kareena said the sensitivity of the film’s subject demanded a more layered interpretation of the character.

Living in the grey

The moral ambiguity surrounding the story was among the more difficult aspects of playing Ajooni, Kareena said. While she personally prefers to see life in relatively clear terms, the world of “Daayra” operates in shades of grey, forcing its characters to confront conflicting interpretations of justice. She said maintaining Ajooni’s trajectory through that conflict was challenging and believed Gulzar and Prithviraj would have faced similar questions while developing the film and Raman’s character. The actor expects Ajooni to remain among the memorable roles of her filmography.

Wanted Meghna collaboration

Kareena revealed that she had approached Gulzar herself because she wanted to work with the filmmaker after admiring films such as “Talvar”, “Raazi” and “Sam Bahadur”. She said relatively few filmmakers were able to translate stories to the screen with the impact Gulzar achieved while also drawing strong performances from actors. Kareena admitted she was “greedy” for the opportunity to collaborate with her and eventually found the right project in “Daayra”.

Malayalam film next?

Kareena also expressed interest in working in Malayalam cinema and praised Prithviraj, describing him as an outstanding actor. She said she had long respected performers from the Malayalam industry, including Mohanlal, and would consider it an honour to work in a Malayalam film if the right opportunity emerged. Produced by Junglee Pictures and Pen Studios, “Daayra” is scheduled to release in cinemas on September 18.