Exclusive Desi Hits! Interview With Sonam Kapoor
February 02 2009 19:35 PST
The perfect mixture of elegance, grace and dignity, is getting over the phase where her first film didn't work and yet the actress is being quite optimistic to where her career graph is headed. Here's the gorgeousSonam Kapoor getting candid about her upcoming film Delhi 6, opposite superstar Abhishek Bachchan.
DH!: There is a lot of anticipation for your upcoming film, 'Delhi-6.' Tell us about it.
SK: Well, I am playing a girl who aspires to make it big as a singer. It's a simple movie which is touching at the same time. I signed the film a while before 'Saawariya' released. Rakeysh (Omprakash Mehra) spotted me in the promos of 'Saawariya' and he immediately called my dad (Anil Kapoor) and got me to sign the deal.
DH!: You've worked with two of the biggest filmmakers so far. How was it working with them?
I did my first film with Sanjay Leela Bhansali and my second film 'Delhi-6' is with Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra. These are big names and I am on top of the world for working with such esteemed filmmakers. I am glad that they believed in me, and I hope to always live up the expectations put forth by all my directors. It's like I got lucky twice. If I had to choose one filmmaker after Sanjay Leela Bhansali, I'd choose Rakeysh Mehra. I haven't seen his 'Aks', but I fell in love with 'Rang De Basanti'. I went beyond conventional definitions of the heroine in 'Saawariya'. I hope to do the same in 'Delhi 6'. It's a great follow up.
DH!: Was it upsetting that 'Saawariya' didn't fare too well, especially since it was your first film?
I was obviously very hurt. 'Saawariya' was a class in its own. It was a beautiful love story and I was appreciated by all. I was a little disappointed as I didn't get the best debutant award that year, but oh well, one has to move on (grins)
DH!: Deepika Padukone , she was a newcomer the same year you were. What do you think about the comparisons people make about you to her?
I can't compare myself with Deepika. She is doing mostly commercial roles and I'm just not doing that. She is signing on to do more films, but I want to do one film at a time. It takes nearly a year for a film to be made and that's why I am being seen lesser than her.
DH!: It's been more than a year since we last saw you on the big screen. Is there any particular reason why you took a break in your career?
Break? There was no break. I did 'Delhi 6' two months before the release of 'Saawariya'. I don't think there has been any such break in my career. I'm only one film deep in my career. According to me, doing one film in a year is nothing bad. I would like to take my own time to establish myself as an actress. I am in no rush to make it big.
DH!: Coming back to 'Delhi 6,' could you elaborate on your experience of doing the film?
I am very happy to be a part of 'Delhi 6'. I have done my bit. Being just one film deep into my career, I always looked up to Rakeysh for a good brief and an 'OK' nod. I am happy I could do justice to the role and make my director proud. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed to see 'Delhi 6' becoming a super-duper hit. The role is one-of-a-kind. I am sure the audience will identify with it.
DH!: Are you the Masakali that the song keeps referring to?
(breaks out into laughter) No I am not! (gasps for breath) Masakali is the pigeon who you see dancing over my head during the song and the movie. It's my pet in the film. The song Masakali symbolizes freedom and the zest to fly high. It also related to my character who dreams of making it big one day.
DH!: Are there any other songs that are particularly fond of?
You can't ask me that yet. I love all of them. (pauses) but if had to pick I would probably pick the love song and the title track called 'Delhi 6.' Itt's going to be the rock anthem of the nation.
DH!: Speaking of music, why did the team decide to host the audio launch at the reality show - Indian Idol?
We chose this platform to release the music of the film as the film is based on aspirants who want to make it big. This identifies with the participants. They too have come here to become something. My character in the film is exactly similar and can be related to each of these participants. And Indian Idol is a huge show, so why not opt for it?
DH!: How was it working with Abhishek Bachchan?
Abhishek is a really cool guy to work with. I've had a great time shooting with him. He's a complete foodie like me, so we use to have a great time hunting and finishing up all of Rakeysh's food. (smiles) But yea, Abhishek is one awesome actor to work with.
DH!: We heard that Abhishek and you were the pranksters on the set, is that true?
(laughs) I was not that prankster! It was Abhishek and Rakeysh. They have made complete fools out of me even at four in the morning. One day, Rakeysh asked me to get up by four and I was ready by five in the morning to begin the day. When I went over to Rakeysh, he simple looked at me blankly and said 'Why did you get up so early, the shooting is suppose to begin by nine?' Gosh! The entire unit had a good laugh that day. (laughs) At least you know now that I was the scape goat, and not them. (winks)
DH!: How was it working with the rest of the crew?
Vaibhavi [Merchant] was our chorographer, and whatever you seen on screen is all her magic touch. There's Binod Pradhan who shot 'Masakali' and made me look so good. He's done a fabulous job giving me the complete Delhi girl image. Honestly, whatever compliments I have been getting are all because of them. When someone compliments an actor it's all due to the hard work and the genius minds behind the entire look and feel of the movie.
DH!: You've had a non glamorous role in both films. Is that done on purpose?
People keep saying this over and over again. Everyone has given me a new tag called 'de-glam,' and I honestly disagree with the stereotyped mindset that everyone has. In 'Saawariya' I was decked up from head to toe. I am not trying to break away from my image. It's what my character demands me to do on screen. Off screen I am like any other young girl. I am not here to wear good clothes and just look pretty on screen. Whatever suits the character, we as actors need to stick to the script. If I am doing a girl next door scene how do you expect me to wear contemporary clothes? (grins)
DH!: What is your dad's take on the way your acting career is going?
He's so proud of me. He keeps saying he never knew I could be such a capable actor and handle the media with dignity and grace
DH!: So was acting always on your mind?
Not at all! (exclaims) I never wanted to be an actor. Come on, my dad's an actor. How could I be in the same profession as him? Nothing wrong with that, but I was not very comfortable on the thought of being an actor. I took a break from my studies so I could assist a few film makers in India. I was at a stage where I did not know where I was headed. I met up with Sanjayji so that I could assist him. In the first meeting itself he said that I should be an actress. It took him a while to convince me. I signed up as a lead actress for his film which is a dream offer for so many people. I began working on my acting skills and got totally into it. Now there's no looking back for me.
DH!: Many rumors were up stating that you hooked up with Ranbir initially followed by Kunal Kapoor, how true is all that?
None of it is. I am not the person to get into controversies. This was first lesson by my dad. Rumors may come and go, it's just best to stay away from them and not put your heart and mind into what people speculate about you.
DH!: Finally, are there any more projects in the pipeline?
My dad is scanning all of the projects that are being offered to me. I am in talks to sing in another film, but it's too early to talk about it. Once I am done with 'Delhi-6,' I'll begin working on getting into another film. As of now, I'll just keep my fingers crossed that this movie does well. Let's just hope for the best. (smiles)
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon
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