Kareena Kapoor is all set to explore an emotionally intense character in Meghna Gulzar’s Daayra. At the film’s trailer launch on Monday, the actress opened up about portraying Ajooni and the personal impact the role has had on her. Kareena revealed that motherhood has changed the way she approaches emotionally challenging performances, admitting that she feels she has become a better actor since becoming a mother. She also credited Gulzar for creating a character that gave her a new perspective and added another dimension to her life. Daayra, inspired by true events, also stars Prithviraj Sukumaran.
Kareena Kapoor on how motherhood influenced her acting
At the trailer launch of Daayra, Kareena Kapoor spoke about how motherhood has influenced her approach towards emotionally demanding roles. The actress, who plays Ajooni in the Meghna Gulzar directorial, said becoming a mother has made her more sensitive as an actor.
“Definitely. The Daayra is one such film. It always stays with you,” Kareena said, explaining how deeply the project has affected her. She added that the character written by Gulzar gave her a new perspective and brought another dimension to her life.
Kareena further reflected on how her experiences as a mother have shaped her performances. While she admitted she could not fully explain the reason, she feels motherhood has helped her evolve professionally. “I feel that as a mother, as an actor, I just feel like a part written by her, and I had this opportunity to play it. It has stayed with me,” she said. The actress added, “And I think, I don’t know, I feel ever since I have become a mother, I have also become a better actor. I don’t know why.”
Meanwhile, sharing her experience of working with Meghna Gulzar in , Kareena said, “What I loved about working with Meghna is that she makes you question everything you think you know about a character. There’s so much thought behind every detail, but she never takes away your instinct as an actor.”
She also added that playing DCP Ajooni Kohli stayed with me… because she pushed me into a space I hadn’t really explored before, and at this stage in my career, that’s always exciting. And then to have Prithviraj opposite me was such a pleasure. He’s an incredibly intelligent actor… very present, very instinctive… and there was an ease to working together that I really enjoyed. This was one of those films where the people you’re surrounded by make the experience that much richer,” the actress mentioned.
Kareena Kapoor And Prithviraj Sukumaran face a battle of perspective
The Daayra trailer introduces Kareena and Prithviraj Sukumaran in an intense story centred on justice and differing perspectives. The film explores the aftermath of a crime that triggers widespread outrage, with the two leads finding themselves on opposite sides of the debate. Directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Meghna Gulzar, Daayra is inspired by true events. The film also features Jitendra Joshi, Kshitee Jog, Kanwaljeet Singh, Sandeep Kulkarni and Trupti Khamkar.
Produced by Junglee Pictures and Dr. Jayantilal Gada (Pen Studios), Daayra is scheduled to release in theatres on September 18, 2026.