Bollywood superstar Kareena Kapoor Khan, known for her iconic roles and timeless charm, is redefining ageing with her dedication to fitness and self-love. Speaking at the launch of nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar’s book, The Commonsense Diet, the 44-year-old actor shared her approach to staying fit, embracing age, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
Kareena, a mother to sons Taimur and Jeh with actor-husband Saif Ali Khan, emphasized the importance of staying independent as she ages. “Age is merely a number, and I want to stay fit to embrace everything that comes with it. Whether it’s stepping onto a film set at 70 or 75 or bending down to pick up my grandchildren, I want to keep going strong. To do that, I need to nourish my body the right way, and with Rujuta Diwekar’s guidance, I’m ensuring just that,” she shared at the event.
A Holistic Approach to Health
For Kareena, fitness goes beyond appearance—it’s about overall well-being. “Healthy eating, exercise, and yoga are all about how you feel, not just how you look. That’s what ageing and life mean to me. I love it, and I’m embracing it,” she shared. Her regimen includes consuming ghee, savoring simple meals like khichdi, incorporating weight training for muscle strength, walking, and practicing Surya Namaskars. Unlike many in the industry, she prioritizes natural wellness over cosmetic enhancements. “I prefer taking care of myself in my own way rather than relying on skin treatments or Botox,” she added.
Kareena’s unwavering confidence has always been a defining trait, much like her iconic Jab We Met character, Geet, who famously declared, Main apni favourite hoon. For her, self-belief is the key to life. “Every woman should live with this mindset. No matter how you feel, you must constantly reassure yourself every day—because when you believe in yourself, others will too,” she shared.
Looking back on her postpartum journey, Kareena shared that she gained 25 kg after welcoming her second son, Jeh, in 2021. Though she had a brief moment of doubt about her appearance, she quickly dismissed it. “After Jeh’s birth, I had a split second of, ‘Oh, my God, I have to go through this all over again.’ But it passed in a flash, and I reminded myself, ‘No, it’s fine. I still look fab,’” she said with a smile.
A Simple and Joyful Relationship with Food
Kareena’s love for food has been a constant throughout her life. “Even as a chubby kid, my relationship with food was wonderful. I never felt the need to starve myself—I was always comfortable in my own skin. As a teenager, I happily indulged in a packet of chips without a second thought. Confidence has always been a part of me,” she shared.
Now, she finds solace in familiar meals. “For the past 10-15 years, I’ve stuck to the same foods. Whether they’re considered good or bad, what matters to me is that they bring me comfort and happiness,” she shared. Her ultimate comfort food? Khichdi. “If I go three days without it, I start craving it,” she admitted.
The Kapoor family’s love for food runs deep, with their celebrations often centered around the dining table. “For us, food is an integral part of every gathering. We sit together, share a meal, and engage in conversations that somehow become even more enjoyable over good food,” Kareena shared. One of their all-time favorites is paaya soup, which she fondly refers to as a “golden dish for us.”
Cooking as a Way of Life
At home, Kareena and Saif have discovered a shared passion for cooking. “Saif and I have taken up cooking ourselves, and we truly enjoy it—it has become a part of our lifestyle. In a way, it’s even influencing our personalities,” she said. When asked who the better cook is, she laughed and admitted, “Saif is definitely the better cook. I can’t even boil an egg!”
Embracing Life with Positivity
Kareena Kapoor Khan’s approach to health, ageing, and self-love is an inspiration to many. With a focus on fitness, mindful eating, and a positive mindset, she continues to live life on her own terms, proving that beauty, confidence, and success are not bound by age but by attitude and self-care. As she gracefully steps into each phase of life, her philosophy remains clear: love yourself, embrace change, and live with joy.
