Hillary Clinton swaps pantsuits for Indian kurta, while Karisma-Kareena Kapoor go contemporary

The inseparable Kapoor sisters, Karisma Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor Khan , came together for the 17th edition of the India Today Conclave on March 10. The sisters talked about everything from films, family and feminism. One of the most distinguished personalities who joined the second day of the conclave was the former US Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Moderator Rajdeep Sardesai began by remembering an image of the Kapoor family, and asked about the much debated issue of nepotism in the Hindi film industry. "It's about talent. We may be anybody's children or grandchildren, but once you're on the silver screen, you are anyone. Anyone can criticise you," Karisma said.

Kareena added, "There are a lot of star children, if nepotism existed, they would all be number one." She also used the example of Ranveer Singh to illustrate her point, claiming he's "numero uno" thanks to sheer energy and talent, even though he doesn't have superstar parents.

On the subject of the leading ladies from the first families retiring immediately after marriage, Kareena said, "It took two fiery Kapoor girls to break all the norms!"

Karisma and Kareena both drew inspiration from the legacy of the family, regaling the audience with stories of how they would go visit their grandparents in Chembur every Sunday and drop in at RK Studios, only to be mesmirised by the sheer talent in the Kapoor khandaan. For Kareena, it all started with her obsession with Madhuri Dixit and Sridevi songs that she would perform in front of the mirror.

Mourning Sridevi's untimely demise, Karisma said, "We were grief-stricken. We have idealised this woman for so many decades. Stardom can be here today and gone tomorrow, and an actor has to realise that." Kareena talked about her favourite Sridevi film and said, "I have watched Khuda Gawah in the theatre eight times. It's our favourite."

The sisters share a special bond - they're protective of each other and never competing. "I don't think we have ever had that competitive vibe. By God's grace, we have both had great careers and have made our own little contributions to Hindi cinema," Karisma said.

And the two also agree largely on the subject of motherhood and the ways in which it has impacted their lives. "My National Award, my Filmfare Awards, all my awards on one side and my children on the other. Children are the most important in the world. It's the greatest blessing in the world. Motherhood has made us more mature, more giving and more selfless," said Karisma.

Karisma and Kareena also believe that women need to speak out more. "It is a male dominated industry, it has been for generations. But it is changing slowly," said Karisma. The younger Kapoor joked that if they start a movement similar to #MeToo for Bollywood, Sardesai would have to back them. Ending on a high, Karisma took the audience down memory lane as she danced to Main Toh Raste Se Jaa Raha Tha. A hit of the 90s. "Films in the 90s were made on instinct and passion," she said. And we couldn't agree more.