Sharmila Tagore: I like Kareena, she's a nice girl

Sharmila Tagore

During her heydays, Sharmila Tagore's star appeal was next to none. Many decades later, she continues to sparkle amidst an array of her much younger counterparts. She makes rare appearances in films these days. But, when she does, her presence eclipses most who share screen space with her.

Sharmila has lit up the screen in Nagesh Kukunoor's recently-released film. An Akshay Kumar starrer and "a murder mystery, with a supernatural twist", the film has been directed by Nagesh Kukunoor, whose style and sensibility belongs to the new generation. We ask her about her experience of working with him, and on the new genre of cult films that are slowly making their presence felt in Bollywood.

She replies, "I don't really understand the whole concept of cult films. But yes, films that are being made nowadays are very different from the films that were made in my times. But, that is because you have to cater to the changing times and changing mindset of the audience. As far as Nagesh goes, it is absolutely fantastic to work with him. I have seen a number of his films and love his work. He has this unique perspective on everything and is extremely talented in terms of treatment of the subject."

The lady has been a constant favourite for quotes and comments not just about her life, but because of the lives of her high-profile children ' Soha Ali Khan and Saif Ali Khan ' as well. So, we ask her about the truth behind rumours that she has had a rift with Soha over the latter's choice of films. She is quick to dissolve the rumours, "I don't know which tabloid said that. I have never heard of anything like that. I have absolutely no qualms about whatever roles Soha picks up. She is an actor and has the sense to choose whichever role she thinks is good. And, she is doing well for herself. All these are just rumours."

And, of course, how can we miss out on Saif and his ladylove, Kareena Kapoor, when chatting up with her? She speaks up, "Well, Kareena is a really nice girl. I like her. She loves Saif a lot and so does he, and they are really happy together. That is all there is to it. I wish them all the happiness together."

She was chosen as Goodwill Ambassador in India by the UNICEF. So, how does she feel about it? She replies, "I realise that it is an extreme honour, and I completely stand for the work that we do. We do a lot for HIV+ children, not just the ones infected by it, but also the ones affected by it, because of the stigma attached to it. It is something which I work very hard towards, and a cause I strongly believe in." Nice to hear that, isn't it?