In every family, there's a playful tug-of-war over the dinner menu. It seems even celebrity households are no different, as Kareena Kapoor Khan recently offered a hilarious peek into the great food divide between the Kapoors and the Pataudis.
The Great Food Divide
In a candid
moment on 'The Great Indian Kapil Show', Kareena Kapoor Khan, joined by her husband Saif Ali Khan, pulled back the curtain on their families' contrasting culinary worlds. With a playful jab at Saif, she revealed that the entire Pataudi clan—from matriarch Sharmila Tagore to siblings Soha, Saba, and even Saif and his daughter Sara Ali Khan—has a strong preference for healthy eating. Their go-to vegetable? The humble lauki, or bottle gourd. Saif admitted his fondness for it, though somewhat reluctantly. This stands in stark contrast to the Kapoors, a family famously known for their love of rich, indulgent food.
Team Pizza and Paaya
Representing her side of the family, Kareena declared her allegiance to more decadent fare. 'Hum paaya khaane wale hai yaar (We are people who eat mutton paya),' she exclaimed, referencing the rich, slow-cooked trotter stew that is a Kapoor family favourite. She proudly proclaimed her love for pizzas and other indulgent dishes, humorously summarising the dynamic: 'Kapoors and Pataudis are on the opposite ends. They are too healthy. We are too unhealthy'. This isn't just a casual observation; it reflects a long-standing Kapoor tradition where food and acting are passions of equally high importance. Kareena has often showcased her foodie side, especially her love for pizza, which she famously craved during her pregnancies.
The Pataudis' Penchant for Lauki
The Pataudis' love for lauki isn't just a passing fancy; according to Kareena, it gets cooked every time the family gets together. While often seen as a simple, perhaps unexciting vegetable, bottle gourd is a powerhouse of nutrition. It is low in calories, high in water content, and provides dietary fibre, making it excellent for hydration and digestion. While Saif may be obsessed with the intricate flavours of Kerala cuisine, his appreciation for simple lauki speaks to the Pataudi family's disciplined approach to wellness. This 'healthy' tag is a badge the family wears with pride, even if it means missing out on the Kapoors' heavier indulgences.
Kareena's Balanced Approach
Caught between these two culinary philosophies, Kareena herself has mastered the art of balance. For over 15 years, guided by her nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar, she has maintained a diet rooted in simple, home cooked Indian meals. She champions traditional foods like khichdi, dal rice, and poha, and famously incorporates a dollop of ghee into her meals, a habit she credits for good health and glowing skin. While she turned vegetarian years ago, she doesn't believe in starving herself and embraces portion control. This philosophy allows her to enjoy her comfort foods—like the occasional pizza or a hearty plate of dal rice—while maintaining her fitness, proving that you can, in fact, have your lauki and eat your pizza too.
