Now I want to do only good films: Kareena

Mumbai, Jan 29 (IANS) Kareena has set high standards for herself after winning the best actress STAR Screen award for "Omkara", beating popular choice Kajol in "Fanaa".

The award has inspired Kareena to work harder. "Getting my first popular best actress award at the beginning of the year just elates me. I'm now getting the right scripts like Mani Ratnam's 'Lajjo'. Now, I want to do only good films. It's so easy just to be in big projects and get big money. I don't believe in that. I've to have a central part now," said Kareena.

What about the cameo in "Don"?

"That one song is running in all the night clubs. All the college kids are dancing to it. I've one big hit to dance to."

Kareena says Kajol, who lost the popular award to her, was genuinely happy for her.

"By chance Kajol was sitting right next to me when my name was announced. She was so genuinely pleased for me. Kajol along with my sister Karisma have always been my idols. Both have had their share of awards. Now, it's my turn.

"I've received critics' awards. But this is my first taste of popular awards since 'Refugee'. 'Omkara' has been a great experience for me. People still come to me on flights and the gym to tell me how much they liked me in 'Omkara'."

Everyone who counted were there at the awards to share her.

"Karisma was there and so was my mom and Shahid (Kapur). They were so happy for me. Shahid was nominated for 'Vivah'. But he was so happy when I won. I had gone only to perform. But I came back with an award."

She says she has tasted blood. "I want to win at every awards function this season."

She got to perform with the legendary Helen.

"It was a great moment. Of course, I knew her from before. I'm a filmy kid, remember? Helen aunty has seen me from my childhood. The Moranis (film financiers and owners of event management company Cineyug) suggested I perform with Helen Aunty.

"They suggested I drive onto stage in a sports car with the 'Don' music playing. When the sports car came in I could hear everyone from my own fraternity cheering me.

"It felt good. Then I danced to my version of 'Yeh mera dil' in 'Don'. After that Helen aunty came in to dance to her own version of 'Yeh mera dil' from the old 'Don'."

Kareena can't stop raving about Helen.

"She was so gracious. She was wondering why people were comparing her 'Don' with mine because times have changed. She said my dance was more dazzling and sexy. That was so sweet of her."

Talk veers to Kareena's sister.

"Karisma is looking like a million bucks. When she went on stage at the awards event to give Hrithik the best actor award, a collective gasp went up in the audience. She's pencil slim. And so am I these days. I'm working really hard on staying slim."

She is not going for any more holidays.

"Except one, for Shahid's birthday on Feb 25," she corrected herself.

"Otherwise, I'm raring to get back to work. I've put on my running shoes."x

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Omkara