On day one of Goafest 2025, Kareena Kapoor Khan discussed her iconic ‘Main Apni Favourite Hoon’ dialogue from the film Jab We Met (released in 2007) and how it’s become more than a film line and impacted her career.

“It hasn’t just changed my career; it has changed my life. It has also changed a lot of lives over the last two decades. Now, people are talking about the importance of self-love and self-care. Fifteen years ago, this wasn’t being discussed, and this line probably brought it up,” she said.

“It was a young girl who was just searching for her love,” said Kapoor, adding that she follows that mantra in her life, which has led her to give love to fans, husband and children because she believes looking after oneself is important.

On the line, she added, “Women tend to self-isolate because they have pressures and have boxes to tick. Mein apni favourite hoon hai has resonated with a gazillion people around the world because women connected, and it was about how they wanted to feel. Iconic is a loosely used word now, but it’s a mantra and part of life now, and I nonchalantly said this.”

Authenticity

Kapoor added the importance of authenticity, quoting that as the reason she’s had a long-acting career as well as one which has helped her endorse several brands.

While defining what she believes brand Kareena is, she said, “It is unapologetically herself and one that is very authentic. I have done this for more than 25 years. Authenticity has backed me. That has helped me stay and move with the times. I never wanted to stay in a box in terms of roles and have gone on to explore many. I have straddled different worlds, which I enjoy because I’m passionate and true to myself.”

Importance of talent

The actor also stated that one needs to have talent along with authenticity to have an established career.

“Nothing can be done without talent in any profession. People talk about tips and advice, but people don’t talk about the importance of acting and talent. Yes, one needs to explore roles and push boundaries, but longevity can only be achieved with talent,” she said.

She also added that the importance of not jumping onto too many trends and how one should be able to take a joke on themselves. 

Another tip she had was that success and failure should not be taken too seriously.

Relationship with the media

Kapoor stated that she’s happy not being in the headlines currently because she is more focused on her career and her family.

Asked about whether she, along with her husband Saif Ali Khan, can be seen as a ‘power couple’, she said, “I’m not sure about that concept, but we are great actors. And brands have taken us on board because of that. Saif also strikes that balance between a commercial actor and makes brave choices. I’ve been a strong wife, mother and actor. Somehow, when we come together, there’s a family union kind of feeling.” 

She concluded by stating that actors must take a leaf out of a marketer’s book.

“Brand managers have to strategise and be different, and that’s the same thing for an actor.”