Kareena Kapoor Khan does a 'wefie' with her fans
KUALA LUMPUR: The sea of people making their way around Jalan Masjid India is a common sight, given its reputation as a shopping haven for tourists and locals alike.
The area is often abuzz with the sound of traders promoting their wares and the chatter of shoppers as they admire goods for sale. The cacophony and the excitement goes up a notch during weekends and festive seasons.
However, that particular evening the streets around Jalan Masjid India were buzzing with a different kind of excitement.
The throngs of people gathered around the stage set at Jalan Bunus, Off Jalan Masjid India, went into frenzy as soon as they spotted the presence of Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan.
Kareena, who has a massive following in the country, was flown in from India to launch the first Malaysian outlet of international jewellery chain Malabar Gold & Diamonds.
Second visit
This is the second time the actress had visited the country, the first being eight years ago.
Many of her diehard fans camped outside the outlet from as early at 11am and waited patiently for almost seven hours for the chance to catch their idol in the flesh.
"Bebo (Kareena's nickname) here, here... Bebo, please we want to take a picture with you...Bebo, we love you," were among the cries heard coming from the sea of fans outside the outlet.
Kareena, who looked regal in an elegant black top and long, flowy skirt, seemed amazed and excited at the reception and responded with warmth and grace.
Despite tight security limiting her interaction with fans, Kareena treated her fans to several "wefies" with her.
Appreciation
Kareena's fanbase goes beyond India and thus it is not surprising she has a huge following here.
"I think the best thing about Malaysia is my fans. There are very loyal and love me so much. I'm happy to be here. So when people asked me where my craziest fans are from, I always say Malaysia because many of them are from here," said Kareena, a response which drew elated screams from the crowd.
The daughter to celebrity couple Randhir Kapoor and Babita Kapoor shot to stardom after her 2000 film debut, Refugee.
She has since taken on various roles in movies of a variety of genres, from romantic comedies to action packed movies.
Her popularity skyrocketed after starring in the box-office hit Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, making her one of the most sought-after actress by film producers and product ambassadors.
Other films she has starred in include Bodyguard, Golmaal 3, Jab We Met and 3 Idiot and she is one of the top grossing Bollywood actresses.
Latest gift for fans
Despite her fame and fortune, Kareena continues to instill love in her fans by constantly reminding them of how grateful she was of their undying support.
During her visit, she called out to fans to mark July 17 as the date to look out for the release of her next film.
"I know all of you are eagerly waiting for my next film with your favourite actor, Salman Khan. July 17 is a big day for all of us here because a film of mine and Salman's, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, will be out.
"It is an interesting story and I think most of the fans in Malaysia will love to see this film because people love to see me and Salman together. So I expect all of you to be at the theatre. I have a date with all of you," she said.
Kareena and Salman have been paired in several films together such as Main Aurr Mrs Khanna and Kyon Ki.
Her fans are also aware of the close friendship between the two, and understood why the 34-year-old actress brought up the issue of Salman's court case during the media conference at the launch.
She told the crowd that she was affected by the court's decision and was trying her best to provide her friend with unconditional support.
A sessions court in Mumbai had announced Salman guilty of culpable homicide for a 2002 hit-an-run case and sentenced him to five years in jail and a fine of 25,000 rupees (about RM1,500). However, the Mumbai High Court has decided to postpone his jail sentence while waiting for his appeal.
All about life
When asked about her relationship with her husband Saif Ali Khan, the actress who has garnered awards such as the Filmfare Award for Best Actress, said she was blessed to have married him.
Saif is the son of actress Sharmila Tagore and cricket player Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi.
"I have the best husband in the world. He is a great actor, a good human being and as a bonus, extremely good-looking," she said with a smile.
Kareena, a fan of diamond-studded jewellery, regarded her appointment as the ambassador of Malabar Gold & Diamonds as a meaningful achievement in her career.
Malabar Group of Companies group executive director Abdul Salam K P said Kareena was chosen as the face of the jewellery company because of her popularity and glamorous appearance.
Malabar Gold & Diamonds was established in 1993, in Kerala, India. It currently has 133 outlets in nine countries. Its Jalan Masjid India outlet is its first branch in Malaysia.
- Source: Bernama
- Source: Bernama
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