Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan has opened up about a personal regret that has stayed with her despite her hugely successful film career. The actress revealed that she regrets not completing her education after leaving studies following Class 11 to pursue acting.
Speaking in a recent conversation with podcaster Hanuman Dass, Kareena reflected on the decision she made when she was young. She said that while she was determined to establish herself as an actor and chose to follow her passion, leaving education incomplete is something she still thinks about.
“I never finished my education, and that was something that kind of stayed with me,” Kareena said. She explained that she entered the film industry and did not continue her studies after Class 11. Although she acknowledged that people might criticise or make fun of her decision, she said she wanted to prove herself as an actor and follow her heart.
Why Kareena Wants Her Sons to Complete Their Education
Kareena said her own experience has directly influenced the way she approaches the education of her two sons, Taimur and Jeh. While she wants them to pursue their individual interests and passions, she believes completing their education should come first.
“Education is something I do regret not completing. That’s why I have pushed my boys to finish their education first and then follow their hearts,” she said.
The actress’s comments offer a glimpse into her parenting philosophy. Rather than discouraging her children from following their dreams, Kareena wants them to have a strong educational foundation before making major career choices.
Taimur’s Sporting Dreams
Kareena also spoke about her elder son Taimur’s growing interest in sports. She revealed that he currently dreams of becoming either a professional cricketer or footballer and wants to compete at a global level.
Kareena said she fully supports his ambitions and would encourage him to pursue whatever makes him happy. At the same time, her emphasis remains on completing his education before he follows his chosen career path.
The actress has also described herself as both a “football mom” and a “cricket mom”, joking about how different it is to raise two boys after growing up with her sister Karisma Kapoor.
Her Regret Connects With Her Work for Girls’ Education
Kareena said her own experience of leaving education unfinished is one reason she feels particularly connected to campaigns promoting education for young girls in India.
She has been associated with UNICEF India since 2014 and has used her public platform to advocate for girls’ education, gender equality and children’s access to quality education. She explained that when UNICEF approached her to support girls’ education, the issue felt personal because of the regret she continues to carry about not completing her own studies.
Despite leaving school early, Kareena went on to build a successful career in Hindi cinema. She made her acting debut with Refugee in 2000 and has since become one of Bollywood’s most recognised performers.
Her latest comments show that, while she has no regrets about following her passion for acting, she wishes she had completed her formal education. For Kareena, that experience has become an important lesson that she now wants her sons to learn from: pursue your dreams, but make sure education comes first.
