‘I’ve always worn my success very loosely’: Kareena Kapoor Khan on failure and triumph being two sides of same coin, how to deal with both

Kareena Kapoor Khan shares her take on success and failure, explaining why neither should be taken too seriously (file)

Bollywood actor Kareena Kapoor Khan has long been known for her talent, confidence, and ability to navigate the highs and lows of the entertainment industry. In a recent interview, she shared her thoughts on success and failure, emphasising that both are part of the same journey and should not be taken too seriously.

For Kareena, acting is not just a profession but a passion she wishes to pursue indefinitely. She believes success is not a destination but a continuous process of doing what one loves.

“There’s so much yet to achieve because it’s something that I love and enjoy doing—acting. Acting is something that I want to keep doing. It’s part of my DNA, and it’s not like this is a goal that I have to achieve. There’s never really been a goal for me; there’s no end because I want to keep doing what I love, and that’s acting in movies,” she tells Harper’s Bazaar.

She also recognises that success and failure go hand in hand, and neither should define a person’s worth. Instead of letting achievements or setbacks dictate her emotions, she maintains a balanced approach to her career.

“Success, I think, should never be taken too seriously, and I feel most actors shouldn’t either. Because if there’s success, there’s failure, and without failure, there’s no success. It’s just the way it’s going to be, especially in this profession. So, I’ve always worn my success very, very loosely, and I don’t take it too seriously, right from the beginning.”

After spending more than two decades in the industry, Kareena has learned that true fulfillment comes from personal growth and self-belief rather than external validation.

“It’s something that we all look forward to, but it can’t be the be-all and end-all of your life. And that is something that, over the years, once you’ve matured in this industry and worked so much, you realize—you work for yourself too. And of course, your fans are so loyal, and you make so many fans along the way—that’s ultimately what matters. Not the Instagram likes, not how you look. I think all of that doesn’t matter. It’s your performance, your loyal fans—these are the things that count more than anything else.”

Counseling psychologist Srishti Vatsa supports Kareena’s views, emphasizing that acknowledging one’s shortcomings is key to developing resilience. According to Vatsa, self-awareness allows individuals to manage emotions effectively when facing setbacks. Instead of fearing failure, one should see it as an opportunity for growth.

“Acknowledging your shortcomings is important because it puts you in a growth mindset and helps you manage emotions when facing setbacks. It means being aware of your limitations without judging yourself. You can focus on improvement rather than perfection. This self-awareness helps you reassess your skills and potential realistically.”

Vatsa further explains that accepting weaknesses is not a sign of failure but rather a step toward personal and professional development. It allows individuals to seek help, collaborate, and learn from others.

“This will make room for personal and professional growth. It also encourages you to seek help—learning and collaborating with others when needed. Accepting your weaknesses is not about failure but about developing resilience and a stronger sense of self.”