25 years of Bebo: Bollywood's ultimate performer

With over 60 films to her name, Indian film-star Kareena Kapoor Khan officially hallmarks 25 years since her entry into the industry. The silver jubilee of the Bollywood supernova's career was commemorated by the Kareena Kapoor Film Festival, which featured her most memorable films. With respect to the trend, let's list down our top 5 off the actor's discography.

'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' (2001)

The drama film follows an orthodox upper-middle class family as the members grapple over the acceptance and denial of what's customary to their familial traditions. The film primarily focuses on Rahul, the adopted son of the Raichand family, who strives to live up to the prideful expectations of his father, only to be casted out for choosing who to marry, and that too out of an act of selflessness. Other key characters include Anjali, Rohan, and the fan-favourite Pooja.

We can't start a conversation about Kareena's films without bringing up the iconic Poo. It's the law, even if Poo, as quoted by herself, has no right to look as beautiful as she does. The stylish, self-assured diva has coined many memorable dialogues that we adore. For Poo, it's all about good looks, good looks, and good looks! However, the core of her heart is soft as we watch her aid the plan to reunite the family members.

If you've confused this charismatic role to be Kareena's debut, don't worry, you're not alone! The heart-catcher, queen of materialism played a notable part in defining Kareena's on-screen charm for the next two decades.

'Asoka' (2001)

Shortly down the timeline, the actor dived into the role of a princess with ease. Set in the Mauryan period, this film serves as a dramatisation of the life of Asoka the Great and, along with the highs and lows of his monarchical journey, depicts the intricacies of his romantic life as well.

Kareena's contribution comes as a strong-willed Kaurwaki whose chance encounter with Asoka defines the rest of their lives. Embellished with a siren-like makeover, Kaurwaki is shown to have a stern sense of justice and the determination to survive against the odds.

Despite being an early character, the graceful princess brought out the emotional depth of the actor and allowed her to put on a tear-jerking show. Kareena's mesmerising performance in this film is a praise-worthy precedent set firmly down the line of an impressive legacy.

'Omkara' (2006)

Since we are talking about how much of a pretty crier she is, let's review Kareena's heartbreaking execution as Dolly in this crime-action film. In a tale driven by the violent intensity of love, betrayal is bound to join the mix and corrupt all that is sacred. That is the tragic outcome of Dolly's character arc, who dies as a faithful lover at the hands of her beloved, all because he is of the false belief that she has committed infidelity.

The film presents a bitter culmination of a tumultuous love affair, in which Dolly champions the purest forms of affection and innocence for the only man she's loyal to yet suffers brutally for it. A clip from Dolly's disturbing climactic scene has surpassed 9 million views on YouTube, with many commenters emphasising just how underrated Kareena's performance was in this narrative.

When Omkara punishes his wife for a sin she hasn't committed, the look of defeat is evident in her subdued entreaty for trust and forgiveness. Even as her husband accuses her of no longer being loyal, Dolly knows him well enough to understand that he has made up his mind—that this is the end for her. The silent shock and agonising betrayal conveyed by the actor's eyes alone is testament to her phenomenal trajectory as an artist.

'Jab We Met' (2007)

Time to make things livelier, for here comes Geet! Advancing like a wonderful road trip, this Shahid Kapoor-starrer knows what it did to the hopeless romantics by developing the fleshed-out love story between the depressed Aditya and the full-of-life Geet whose contagious energy brings renewed vigour into his existence. For many, this film is one's first glimpse into the grumpy-and-sunshine trope. The adventurous romcom is guaranteed to take anyone on everlasting nostalgic trips.

Upon recalling the film's re-release earlier this year, Kareena spoke on The Ranveer Show about the cultural influence of the narrative. "People have recited the film as though they're reading a book!" she enthused. "Very few films in a person's career are able to land that impact. 16-17 years and she's still an example."

"Geet's longevity with the audience is because she thinks from the heart. You don't find that sort of outlook in GenZ since these days, people tend to follow their minds more. They relate to Geet because they want to become more like her," the actor observed.

'Talaash' (2012)

Let's roll back to the tragedies with this murder-mystery thriller since the chemistry between Kareena and Aamir, two of Bollywood's treasures, is undeniably off the charts. The film follows Inspector Surjan who enlists the help of a sex worker to get to the bottom of a murder investigation. Along the way, Surjan is forced to confront truths that mar his perception of what he believed reality to be.

Infused with ominous yet subtle elements of the supernatural, the film continually keeps the audience vary of the sex worker Rosie (originally Simran), played by Kareena, and the sinister interactions she has with the male protagonist. A satisfying pay-off later, we learn that Surjan was literally chasing ghosts while Simran was the victim in the case all along.

Kareena embodies the vengeful soul to excellence; her portrayal is jarring in all its tragic intent, which reduces the horror factor enough to make the audience sympathise with the wronged woman. Simran is a haunting tragedy adorned in the strength of character and beauty that is exemplified by the indisputable on-screen presence of the brilliant actor.

This list merely scrapes the surface of all that the star has accomplished in the large expanse of her career. With a promising legacy clinging to her name, Kareena continues to make strides across the industry with her remarkable talent and range. Here's to hoping we see more characters that cement themselves in the star's artistic history.

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