Kareena Kapoor Khan has played everything from glamorous heroines and strong-willed women to mothers and cops, but Daayra brought a different shade to her screen persona
Published: September 21, 2026, 1:41 PM IST
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Kareena Kapoor Khan
Kareena Kapoor Khan has spent over two decades playing a wide range of characters, from glamorous leading ladies and strong-willed women to mothers and complex, layered personalitiesShe has also stepped into the world of action and crime dramas with roles such as a police officerHowever, her character DCP Ajooni Kohli in Daayra brings together several shades of Kareena’s acting in a way audiences have rarely seen beforeThe film gives her a chance to portray a tough and determined cop while also exploring the emotional conflicts and vulnerabilities behind the uniform.
As Kareena Kapoor Khan celebrates her birthday, Daayra stands out as an interesting addition to her filmography, showcasing the actor in a more restrained, intense and grounded avatar.
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Kareena Kapoor Khan in Daayra (PC-YouTube)
1Not the stereotypical female cop
Ajooni doesn’t need to be aggressive or physically intimidating to establish authorityMeghna Gulzar consciously moved away from the familiar “butch” representation of female cops.
2Strength without the swagger
Ajooni’s strength comes from her confidence and composureKareena plays her with restraint, allowing the character’s presence to speak for itself.
3A character in shades of grey
Unlike a straightforward cop drama, Daayra places Ajooni in morally complicated situationsThat ambiguity gives Kareena a different emotional space to explore.
4Less dialogue, more expression
Ajooni isn’t a character who constantly explains herselfKareena relies on pauses, expressions and body language to communicate what lies beneath the surface.
5Another side of the actor
From Geet’s exuberance to Chameli’s vulnerability and Mahi’s emotional turmoil, Kareena has repeatedly reinvented herselfAjooni is simply the latest addition to that journey.
