Kareena Kapoor may be best known for iconic characters like Geet and Poo, but her filmography is also filled with unconventional choices that pushed her beyond
the typical Bollywood heroine. Long before she became a pop-culture icon with her memorable characters, Bebo was already experimenting with diverse roles. Her decision to play a sex worker in Chameli shocked many, but nothing prepared the audience for the choices she would make in the years to come. While she later starred in commercial entertainers and multi-starrers, Bebo continued to reinvent herself. Today, she's enjoying something of a second innings and taking on surprising roles that offer her something new as a performer. Kareena Kapoor's Unconventional Roles Kareena Kapoor is returning to the screen with another never-seen-before avatar as ACP Ajooni in Daayra. Ahead of the film's release, here's a look at and celebration of some of her most unconventional career choices.
Chameli
Bebo's act as a sex worker in Chameli remains one of the most defining performances of her career. Playing a woman navigating a difficult life on the streets, the actress moved away from the glamorous image and delivered a raw and layered performance. It may have taken guts to say yes to a character like this, but it took even more to do justice to it and Kareena did exactly that. She proved that she wasn't just willing to take risks, but could also back those choices with a performance that delivered.
Yuva
In Mani Ratnam's Yuva, Kareena played Mira, a young woman whose relationship with Lallan (played by Vivek Oberoi) becomes central to the story. Unlike the conventional romantic roles often offered to leading actresses, Mira had emotional depth and a strong presence within the narrative. Kareena brought vulnerability and conviction to the character.
Omkara
Bebo was already a well-established Bollywood star when she chose to step into Vishal Bhardwaj's gritty adaptation of Shakespeare’s Othello. At a time when she was largely associated with glamorous leading-lady roles and commercial entertainers, Omkara offered her a chance to completely change the way audiences saw her. As Dolly Mishra, Kareena played a young woman caught in a complicated relationship with Omkara, played by Ajay Devgn. Her tragic death scene remains fresh in the minds of fans.
Heroine
In Heroine, Kareena played Mahi Arora, a successful but troubled Bollywood actress dealing with the pressures and insecurities. In the demanding role that went beyond the polished image of a film star, she portrayed the highs and lows of a woman struggling to stay relevant in an unforgiving industry. Her portrayal brought vulnerability and emotional complexity to Mahi, making it one of the more challenging performances of her career.
Udta Punjab
Kareena Kapoor took on another unconventional role in Udta Punjab. She stepping away from the typical commercial heroine mould to play Dr Preet Sahni, a doctor working to help people affected by drug addiction. The character was mature, grounded and far away from the glamorous roles she had often been seen in. What made the role stand out was her understated performance. She nailed the role of a compassionate yet determined woman who refused to look away from the growing drug crisis around her.
Now, in the soon-to-be-released Daayra, Kareena will be seen as DCP Ajooni Kohli. From Chameli to her latest film, her career reflects her willingness to experiment with characters that offer something beyond the traditional definition of a Bollywood heroine.
About Daayra
Meanwhile, the much-awaited crime thriller Daayra is directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Meghna Gulzar. Following the highly acclaimed Raazi, Talvar and Sam Bahadur, Daayra marks Meghna Gulzar’s third collaboration with Junglee Pictures.
Produced by Junglee Pictures and Dr Jayantilal Gada (Pen Studios), and distributed by Pen Marudhar, Daayra releases in cinemas on September 18, 2026.
