When Kareena Kapoor called Salman Khan 'bad actor', said, "I don’t like him, I tell him that...

When Kareena Kapoor called Salman Khan 'bad actor', said, "I don’t like him, I tell him that...

Before she became one of Bollywood’s most bankable and beloved stars, Kareena Kapoor was refreshingly outspoken and unfiltered—a quality that occasionally made headlines. In a candid early-2000s interview with Indya.com, the actress opened up about her admiration for Bollywood's leading men, the Khans, and her comments were as surprising as they were honest.

At a time when the three Khans—Shah Rukh, Salman, and Aamir—dominated the industry, Kareena had already worked with some of them or was poised to. Yet, her preferences were crystal clear. While she had nothing but glowing praise for Shah Rukh Khan, she didn’t hold back when it came to Salman Khan, expressing a strong dislike that caught many by surprise.

“I’m totally in love with him,” Kareena said about Shah Rukh Khan. “Don’t even ask me about him because if I start, I won’t stop talking about him for hours. Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh are the only two actors I admire. There is something about Shah Rukh that is amazing. He has that very boy-next-door appeal, which makes every girl want to take him home to her parents. His performances touch me.”

This admiration would eventually translate into several collaborations over the years, including Asoka (2001), Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001), and Ra.One (2011). Their on-screen chemistry and mutual respect became a highlight for fans who shared Kareena’s love for King Khan.

But her take on Salman Khan was a stark contrast. “I’m not at all a Salman fan. I don’t like him, he’s a very bad actor,” she stated bluntly. “I tell him that he hams all the time.”

It was a bold statement to make, especially in an industry known for diplomacy and guarded opinions. Yet over time, Kareena and Salman went on to work together in multiple successful films such as Bodyguard (2011), Kyon Ki (2005), and the blockbuster Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015), suggesting that whatever early reservations she had were eventually set aside professionally.

She also expressed admiration for Aamir Khan, noting, “Aamir’s good, I really liked him in Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke and QSQT, but out of the Khans, I’m a total Shah Rukh fan.”

While her views may have evolved, this throwback offers a glimpse into a younger, fiercely honest Kareena—one who wasn’t afraid to speak her mind even in a Khan-dominated industry.