Kareena Kapoor regrets leaving education after Class XI for films

Indian actress Kareena Kapoor has opened up about a decision she made at the beginning of her acting career, revealing that she still regrets not completing her education. The Bollywood star chose to enter the film industry after Class XI, a decision that helped launch her successful career but later made her reflect on the importance of education.

During a conversation with podcaster Hanuman Dass, Kareena spoke candidly about her academic journey and explained that she had the opportunity to continue her studies but decided to pursue acting instead. At the time, she was determined to establish herself in the Hindi film industry and believed that acting was the path she wanted to follow.

Kareena admitted that leaving her education unfinished remained something she carried with her over the years. She explained that she had stopped studying after Class XI when she entered films and never returned to complete her formal education.

The actress acknowledged that her decision was influenced by her strong desire to build a career in cinema. Although she understood that choosing films over education could attract criticism, she was focused on proving herself as an actor and making a name for herself in Bollywood.

Looking back, Kareena said her experience had significantly influenced the way she approached education for her children, Taimur and Jeh. Unlike her own journey, she wants her sons to complete their education before deciding what direction they want to take in life.

According to Kareena, her personal regret has made her particularly conscious of the role education plays in shaping a person’s future. She has encouraged her children to finish their studies first and then pursue whatever career or passion they choose.

Her views on education have also been connected to her involvement in initiatives supporting girls’ education and gender equality. Kareena has been associated with UNICEF India since 2014 and has supported campaigns focused on improving access to quality education and empowering girls.

The actress has previously spoken about the importance of ensuring that children receive opportunities to learn and develop before entering professional life. Her own experience of leaving school early has given her perspective on why education should not be overlooked, even when other opportunities appear attractive.

Kareena made her Bollywood debut in 2000 with Refugee, directed by J.P. Dutta. The film also marked the acting debut of Abhishek Bachchan, who starred opposite her. Kareena’s performance introduced her to Hindi cinema audiences and marked the beginning of a career that would span more than two decades.

Over the years, she established herself as one of Bollywood’s most prominent actresses, taking on roles in romantic dramas, comedies, thrillers and socially relevant films. Her performances in movies such as Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Jab We Met, 3 Idiots, Talaash, Udta Punjab, Veere Di Wedding and Crew further strengthened her position in the industry.

Kareena’s professional journey has continued to evolve, with the actress taking on a variety of challenging roles. Her reflections on education also highlight how personal experiences can influence the choices people make for the next generation.

She was also set to appear in Meghna Gulzar’s crime thriller Daayra, alongside Malayalam star Prithviraj Sukumaran. The project marked their first on-screen collaboration and was inspired by true events.

In the film, Kareena portrayed DCP Ajooni Kohli, while Prithviraj played DCP Raman Kumar. The movie was co-written and directed by Meghna Gulzar and produced by Junglee Pictures and Pen Studios.

Daayra was scheduled for a theatrical release on September 18, adding another highly anticipated project to Kareena’s growing filmography.