“I think as an actor, it's very important to be challenged, especially after 25 years of work. I have done all kinds of films. It's such a long career, so I will have to bring some shades into it,”Kareena told reporters while promoting the film in Delhi.

For Kareena, acting remains her primary creative pursuit. “I love acting and don't have any other interests like producing or directing. So acting is something that I enjoy, so I'm constantly looking for something interesting to do or an interesting kind of character,” she said.

In Daayra, Kareena’s Ajooni breaks away from the conventional image of a woman police officer. “I think there is this stereotypical version that we have of a cop that she is butch and she slightly has that particular walk, slightly manly, is gun toting and does action,” she said.

Describing Ajooni, Kareena added, “Meghna was clear that she wanted a woman cop, somebody who is like a woman, who is feminine, who puts lipstick but at the same time is quite stern, does everything with a smile.”

The film’s grey moral landscape also tested Kareena as a performer. “As a person, I walk the straight line. I like to believe that life, it's black and white. But in the film, it is grey,” she said.

Kareena, who had wanted to work with Gulzar after watching films such as Talvar, Raazi and Sam, said she was eager to take up the opportunity. “In our industry, there are very few directors who bring out performances from their actors. And Meghna is one of them. So I was also greedy to work with her... And I think this character will always be remembered in my filmography.”

The actor also expressed an interest in exploring Malayalam cinema, calling it a “pleasure and an honour” and praising her Daayra co-star Prithviraj Sukumaran as “an outstanding actor”.

Produced by Junglee Pictures and Pen Studios, Daayra releases in cinemas on September 18.