Tusshar Kapoor has completed 25 years in Bollywood. As he marked the milestone, the actor took a trip down memory lane and talked about working with Kareena Kapoor in his debut film ‘Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai’ in 2001. Tusshar admitted that he was in complete awe of Kareena on set, describing her as someone who was fearless, confident, and at ease in front of the camera, adding that she already felt like a seasoned star while he was still finding his way as a newcomer.
Tusshar Kapoor calls Kareena Kapoor ‘like a hero’
Talking to India Today, Tusshar opened up about his experience working with Kareena and had nothing but praise for her. “Kareena’s confidence is something else. She’s one of the most entertaining people to work with, and she has absolutely no fear of anything. She’s like a hero,” he said. He added that her self-belief and the way she carries herself is something he has always looked up to. “There are no bad hair days for her,” he said. Tusshar went on to praise her screen presence, saying, “She carries herself with a certain flair, no matter which film she’s in or what character she’s playing. There are people I’ve worked with whom I’ve really watched and admired a lot, and Kareena is definitely one of them.”
Tusshar Kapoor on Kareena Kapoor’s confidence from day one
The actor recalled being stunned by the level of confidence and maturity Kareena showed even when she was just one film old, saying she carried herself like a veteran right from day one. “Maybe it comes from growing up watching Karisma Kapoor, or maybe it’s just her nature, but she has always been a very confident person,” he added. He also opened up about their early interactions during the making of ‘Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai’, revealing that even though the two knew each other socially, it took them a while to connect on set because of their very different personalities.
Why Tusshar Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor drifted apart on set
Tusshar confessed that while he was a shy newcomer still trying to settle in, Kareena was already operating like a seasoned pro. “She knew her lines immediately, knew exactly how to face the camera without feeling afraid of it, and had complete familiarity with everyone on set, whether it was the spot boys or the crew members. She knew exactly who was doing what,” he said. Their contrasting personalities on set were so stark that Tusshar admitted the two actually drifted apart in the initial days.
How Tusshar Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor eventually bonded on set
“We knew each other socially before we started working together. But when we actually met on set and started interacting, we realised we were very different personalities. She’s an extrovert, and I’m an introvert. So we kind of drifted apart initially because I’m not very talkative, especially when I’m working, and that was my first film,” he said. In the end, he praised Kareena for her warmth and supportive nature, saying it was her friendliness that eventually helped the two of them bond on set. They later went on to share the screen again in ‘Jeena Sirf Merre Liye’ in 2002.
About ‘Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai’
Directed by Satish Kaushik and produced by Vashu Bhagnani, ‘Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai’ marked Tusshar Kapoor’s entry into Bollywood. The film was a remake of the 1998 Telugu hit ‘Tholi Prema’. Anu Malik composed the music while Sameer penned the lyrics. The soundtrack went on to become the second-biggest selling album of the year, according to Box Office India.
