PV Exclusive: Sonam Kapoor IV

Exclusive: The idea of someone completing you, according to me, is detrimental: Sonam Kapoor

In her own words, Sonam Kapoor is a "ridiculous romantic". Her optimism and positive charm brings back memories of the old school concept of love, romance and beauty. But she is also a fiercely independent actor who is hoping to make serious impact with her forthcoming "Khoobsurat". A pin up girl for young girls across India, with a huge fan following amongst teenage girls, the film's positioning and the Disney factor fall in place perfectly. Add to that, a line-up of interesting films like "Dolly ki Doli" and "Prem Ratan Dhan Payo", and Sonam has a productive time ahead of her. But for now, Pinkvilla talks love, relationships and being beautiful with her.

They all liked your honest take on what a woman's beauty is. How do you view a woman as beautiful?

I think everybody is beautiful, and when they start believing that, everyone will see himself or herself as beautiful too.

I don't endorse a certain idea of beauty specifically. I don't like the word ugly, I don't think anyone can be called ugly. There is conventional beauty for sure, but I see beauty in everything. I see beauty in the streets of Mumbai, (smiles), we all know parts of the city is filthy. But you see beauty in sleek high rises, you see it in the trees, you see it in the peeling paint off old buildings. It's the way you see things, perceive things. It's a clichd statement, but beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. It's about how you see a person, or how a person makes you feel. That's beauty.

Your character in "Khoobsurat" Milli Chakravarty, she seems to bring in chaotic, fresh and positive energy to an old fashioned if beautiful royal setting. Is that why you picked the film?

I liked the idea behind it, honestly I did. The fact that someone says I am not going to change myself to fit someone's idea of a beautiful woman. There is a beautiful dialogue of Milli in the film, where in a conversation with Vikram, she says that Yaar main kissi aadmi ke liye badalne wali nahi hoon.' The whole idea of the film "Khoobsurat" is that you do not have to be conventionally Khoobsurat' to land a Prince Charming. If a person truly loves you, you don't have to change. It's not about fitting in; you don't need to be someone else to find the right guy.

I think a lot of girls nowadays want to dress or look or behave in a certain way, to land the perfect man, still. We have defined a prince Charming here in the film, but I think if the person fits you the best, will love you for who you are.

So is Vikram's character, your idea of "Prince Charming"?

No, the idea of Vikram's character in the film is that of a man who had to take on a lot of responsibility at a very young age for the sake of his family and legacy. He had to be strong. The great thing about any man is their ability to change. Anybody who has the ability to grow as a human being, is someone you should fall in love with, I think.

A person who is willing to learn and understand people is core to his character. I feel men who aren't full of themselves, and aren't pompous, and observe things around them, are nicer. That's the idea of Vikram, the film's prince. He is someone who is steeped in responsibility but is trying to be better.

So is your father a bit like that?

Yeah. He has grown as a person in the last 30 years. My father has always been an amazing dad. A lot of kids are disappointed in their parents, as they grow older. But I am just enthralled by my dad. I feel blessed, every year, that I have such a father, and he gets so much better!

It's got a lot to do with how he is, as a person, but I also feel like when you get the perfect partner in life, (pauses), you both tend to make each other better.

As in, the right partner makes you whole as a person.

No I don't think you become whole. I don't think anybody should complete you, but I feel like they are the perfect foil to who you are. You can take the good things from each other and become better and better and better! Some people deteriorate in a relationship, and some people blossom. You know I've seen that with my school friends and my childhood friends. Some people are not even married, they live together and you can see the change in both boys and girls.

A girl becomes confident, they feel more secure, and a boy becomes more responsible. I have also seen girls become more insecure and unhappy in a relationship, and guys becoming more chauvinistic. It's what you bring to a relationship, so you need to be whole on your own.

The idea of someone completing you, according to me, is detrimental. You need to be complete by yourself to truly love someone else.

I wonder, you have a clear notion of love and of relationships, and do come across as a die-hard romantic. Are you finding it tough to find the right men in the 21st century, are you a bit too idealistic about love?

(Laughs), Yeah I think I am. But because I am so idealistic, I think I will find somebody who suits me. It's going to take some time. There is no perfect person in the world, but there is always a perfect person for you. You just need to find that person. I am pretty idealistic, maybe I will meet a realist who will balance this side of me, but I hope I don't lose this ever.

Finally, you have been acting in love stories recently, be it "Raanjhanaa" with a crazy sort of love, or giving Milkha Singh the motivation with love in "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag". Do you like working in love stories, or is this just a coincidence?

It's just been a coincidence. I honestly think that love makes the world go around (laughs). I am a ridiculous romantic, and I love love stories, and I would love to be a part of them over and over again. I feel love makes people better. People say national pride, and sportsmanship and other factors. But I think love can make even the most normal, regular person better. Even anyone loves truly, that makes them special.