BABELICIOUS BEBO KAREENA KAPOOR KHAN

The Begum of Bollywood is in a celebratory mood ahead of her birthday on September 21. HELLO! unveils the true essence behind the actor's glam persona

- NAYARE ALI

It's simply the aura she exudes accompanied by a strong sense of self-assuredness and the inherent poise from having been in the public gaze all her life. At HELLO!'s cover shoot, which takes place in the historic Mehboob studio in Mumbai, replete with Bollywood tales hidden behind every brick, the superstar makes a relatively unobtrusive entry surrounded by her small coterie of support staff.

This comes as a surprise. Neither does she have a large entourage expect from an A-lister as one would nor does she have any exaggerated demands. The actress is accommodating enough to even bring her own dabba from home, for the duration of the shoot.

In front of the lens, Kareena is the picture of serenity almost stoic in stark contrast to the rest on the premises. She raises an occasional eyebrow, or depicts a subtle frown, giving us a glimpse into her mood. But for the most part, she yields entirely to the photographer's vision, trusting the process, and dazzling the crowd with her classic 'Bebo' expressions.

Unlike many from the Bollywood fraternity, Kareena needs no enhancers to accentuate her natural beauty. Her makeup is minimal and she feels no need to seek constant touch-ups. Perhaps, this speaks more of her inner state of mind, which exudes a zen-like vibe.

Personally and professionally, the actress seems to be in a great space. Just ahead of her 43rd birthday on September 21, she has a lot to celebrate! Playing actor and producer for her latest film, The Buckingham Murders, she's got plenty to look forward to.