Feuds and fiery remarks have long been a central focus of the Bollywood entertainment clickbait, which has been a facet of the star-studded stories that accompany Hindi cinema since its inception. And when two brazen, unapologetic actresses lock horns, it is only natural that it can make headlines. Fast-forwarding to earlier controversies, Bollywood’s own ‘Begum,’ Kareena Kapoor Khan, rekindled memories of an independent woman infighting with fellow actress Mallika Sherawat — although not for their one-of-a-kind acting abilities!
Self-proclaimed Kareena Kapoor Khan has always been known for speaking her mind, yet it’s often turned into sensational headlines, especially in the early 2000s. One classic incident involved her biting remarks regarding fellow actor and actress Mallika Sherawat, and it is a tale that still creates buzz.
In now now-famous interview with his colleague Syed Firdaus Ashraf, Kareena discussed her critically-acclaimed film Chameli from 2003, where she played the role of a sex worker. While the film was lauded for its gritty narrative and portrayal of the lead actress, some trade analysts believed the movie was missing the “sex appeal” that is often associated with women in such roles, in the Hindi cinema. Kareena, however, remained unapologetic.
“When trade people saw Chameli, they were like, ‘Arre Chameli mein thoda sex missing tha [there wasn’t enough sex in Chameli],’” Kareena had said. “They don’t understand that in Pyaasa, Waheedaji was not doing sex scenes either. I am sorry, you cannot expect Raj Kapoor’s granddaughter to do those kinds of scenes.”
While Kareena’s stance was rooted in preserving her family legacy and her definition of grace on screen, it took a sharp turn when Mallika Sherawat’s comments about Raj Kapoor were brought up during the same conversation. Mallika, who rose to fame with her bold roles in films like Murder, had once criticized the depiction of women in Raj Kapoor’s films, saying they were often sexualized.
That didn’t sit well with Kareena.
“She doesn’t realize what she is talking about. She made a laughing stock of herself. She is talking about a legend. Raj Kapoor always presented women gracefully and tastefully,” Kareena snapped.
The statement wasn’t just a defense of her grandfather; it felt like a deliberate dismissal of Mallika’s place in the industry. Coming from a Kapoor, Bollywood royalty, this remark was seen by many as elitist, while others viewed it as Kareena’s way of setting boundaries around her family’s cinematic legacy. Either way, it sparked a frenzy.
But the shade didn’t stop there.
Kareena also addressed the rumors that she had criticized Mallika’s blockbuster Murder (2004), a film known for its sensual content and daring scenes. At the time, tabloids speculated that Kareena disapproved of the film, causing a stir among the audience and the film’s makers. She, however, dismissed it with a jab of her own.
“That was a publicity stunt from them, the makers of Murder. It was ridiculous,” she said. “I saw the film and said it was nice. I just felt that there was too much overexposure.”
Now, let’s be honest — Murder was a massive hit, and Mallika Sherawat’s sultry performance grabbed eyeballs across the country. It catapulted her into stardom, with many calling her the next sex symbol of Bollywood. But Kareena, with her polished lineage and a career rooted more in character depth than bold scenes, clearly didn’t buy into the same narrative.
Some industry insiders at the time hinted that Kareena’s comments might have stemmed from a place of envy — a relatively offbeat film like Chameli had earned her critical acclaim, but Mallika’s unabashed boldness in Murder had garnered mass attention and box-office gold. Could this contrast have triggered a spark of professional jealousy?
Whether or not jealousy played a part, Kareena’s pointed remarks struck a chord. The divide between bold commercial cinema and “classically” tasteful cinema was never more evident than in this clash. For many, it opened up an important conversation about how women’s roles are judged in Bollywood, where boldness is sometimes branded as vulgarity, and subtlety is often labeled as boring.
Years later, both actresses have walked very different paths. Kareena remains an A-list star, with powerhouse performances in films like Jab We Met, Omkara, and Tanu Weds Manu. Meanwhile, Mallika took a step back from mainstream Bollywood, exploring international opportunities and often speaking out about sexism in the industry.
But that throwback interview still lingers in the public memory — a candid moment that exposed the undercurrents of rivalry, legacy, and Bollywood’s double standards on female sexuality.
In the end, was Kareena protecting her legacy, or did Mallika’s uninhibited rise ruffle the feathers of a star born into Bollywood royalty? The lines between pride, professionalism, and personal bias are thin in an industry that thrives on perception. One thing’s for sure — Bebo never needed a filter, and that’s exactly what made her the star she is.
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