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We caught up with Sonam Kapoor for a tete-a-tete on films, life and everything in between.
Let’s talk about your next film.
Sonam Kapoor: It’s called Veere Di Wedding, which means, my bro’s wedding.
You mean like Harshvardhan’s wedding?
SK: Ha ha. Not for a very long time, I am sure. No, ‘veere’ is like a buddy. This is a film about friends. We’ve so many guys’ films like Dil Chahta Hai and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobaara. But so few girls’ films. And I wanted to do something very light-hearted after Neerja.
Why?
SK: Neerja put too much heaviness on my soul. It was a cathartic experience for me but nerve-wracking. I needed a stressbuster after Neerja, just like I did Khubsoorat after Raanjhanaa. It’s important for my emotional equilibrium.
What is the film about?
SK: It’s about these four friends. One of their friends is getting married. It’s about these women going through a process of self-discovery. It’s about relationships. It makes a statement on contemporary women, not an in-your-face message but a subliminal message. And if you have a daughter, this movie will have a lot for you to take home.
Today’s 20-something girls are conflicted by traditional and modern values. This film addresses issues that are relevant to society today. There are certain thought processes that you can’t escape because they’re formed by tradition and society. I am definitely very happy to be doing roles that re-define the woman in our films. I’ve been trying to do something different from the time I did Aisha. I’m happy there are strong parts being written for women.
You’re playing a different character in each film.
SK: I don’t see any point in repeating roles. Anything that pushes me and my boundaries is welcome. Quite honestly, I feel my skills as an actor are very modest. I have a long way to go.
You were the hero in Khubsoorat, Dolly Ki Doli and Neerja.
SK: I wouldn’t say that. But it’s fun getting characters and roles which give an opportunity to change the arc of the plot. I won’t mind doing a 15-minute role if my character makes a difference to the film. It’s just a coincidence that I’m getting full-fledged roles. I am very, very lucky, I guess.
Was Kareena’s pregnancy written into the script of Veere Di Wedding?
SK: It was already a part of the script. We were aware of her pregnancy. As a matter of fact, we were waiting for her to get pregnant because that was part of the plot. I am very excited to work with Bebo. I’ve grown up in her company. She is one of my closest friends. Kareena, her sister Karisma, my sister Rhea and I are very close. So I am really looking forward to this .
So what next?
SK: Something I haven’t played so far, preferably with a director I haven’t worked with so far. By God’s grace all my films have done well. I am so happy I was in Neerja which is one of the most profitable films of 2016.
Whom do you unburden to?
SK: My sister. But I’ve realised that no one can solve your problems except yourself.
What is your one magic mantra for stardom?
SK: Be yourself. Wear what you are comfortable in. Say only what you believe. People respond to you if you’re an individual. No point in just being one of the crowd.
When do you plan to get married ? What sort of companion would you like?
SK: I don’t want to plan too far ahead. And I certainly don’t want to plan my marriage. But whenever the right man comes along, I’ll marry him. It’d be a very spontaneous decision. You can’t plan for your heart.
Someone who understands me. Someone who has the IQ and the maturity to understand the problems of an actor. I hate to sound self-centred, but we actors lead very different lives.
Do you feel vindicated with Neerja, after being talked about for your clothes rather than your performances?
SK: That (the fashionista talk) stopped long ago. Because this was serious real life story, it has people talking about my real look and performance. But even if you look at Raanjhana, Dolly Ki Doli, Khubsoorat… people have spoken about my performances. The reviews were superlative. But I agree, Neerja got me the kind of love I had not experienced before. God willing, no one will call me just a fashionista again.
Sonam, what do you feel about actors speaking on socio- political issues?
SK: For me art is related to what is happening in our society. I am very grateful for the platform I’ve been given. It’s a responsibility. There are lots of young boys and girls who look up to me. If I keep quiet on an issue I believe all those who believe in me, will feel let down. So yes, I am not afraid of expressing my opinion.
Often your frank speak gets you into trouble.
SK: But the platform to express myself comes with a responsibility. And I take my responsibility very, very seriously. I will never speak on individuals. It will be issues that affect our country. I am so thoroughly Indian. I love my country, but that doesn’t mean I’ll lie about its weaknesses.
You mean, constructive criticism is healthy ?
SK: I’m so glad I don’t have yes-men around me. When they surround you with flattery, you stop growing. The same is true of India. We can’t just keep praising everything falsely. We can’t grow that way.