Sonam Kapoor talks to Subhash K Jha about life post Neerja

How did you feel Neerja's fear?
Subhash, we all feel the fear constantly. It needn't be in an aircraft. It could be when you step out of your home. Just like there are different manifestations of love-romantic, filial, parental-there are different facets of fear. The most beautiful thing about acting is that it allows you to use your emotional memory. I feel fear every day of my life. I used that to play Neerja. Of course, I don't know the fear that Neerja felt on that aircraft. But I looked within myself and I had to play her with grace and dignity. Because everybody we spoke to said she was dignified and graceful.

How much did the director Ram Madhvani help you to understand Neerja's fear?
This is the first time I've worked with a director who believes in the same kind of acting as me. Ram kept saying we were bonded. And it was true.

What kind of acting were the two of you looking at?
It was internalizing of the emotions. Feeling more than expressing. That's what Tabu said to me after seeing the film. 'You're just there,' she said. I wasn't trying to act. I didn't want to do a scene like I was showing what I could do with it. I didn't want to take away from the moment, from Neerja. And I didn't want Sonam Kapoor to be standing there saying those lines.

Unfortunately a lot of acting in our cinema is the showreel kind?
I don't want to comment on anyone else. But I felt Neerja deserved to be on screen without the actress' contribution. Every time I was given a flamboyant dialogue I was like, 'I am not saying that.' I have to thank the screen writer Saiwyn Quadras and the dialogue writer Sanyukta Chawla Sheikh for giving me scenes and words that never stuck a false note. It was all about team work. If I didn't have such wonderful creators, my performance would have been mediocre.

You also had some amazing actors with you?
You know, Jim Sarbh who played the most volatile terrorist, he was my main co-star. God, how much he helped me. You are only as good as your co-star and he was so f..king good. The audience hates him. I loved him! He is the kindest and sweetest soul.

And your screen mother Shabana Azmi?
You know, I actually had only two scenes with her. But the comfort that I shared with her was amazing. I had never worked with her before. She never once made me feel she was 'THE' Shabana Azmi. She was like a colleague and a friend. A lot of actors in her position would be patronizing. Not once did she tell me how to do a scene. That gave me so much confidence. I am very grateful to her for making me so comfortable, for letting me be and do my scenes. I warmed up to her immediately. Not once did I feel intimidated by her.

Now what, Sonam?
I am doing my sister Rhea's production. But I am not playing the central character. It's an ensemble cast. It will be directed by my Khubsoorat director Shashanka Ghosh. That's the only film I am doing right now.

You are okay with not being the central character?
I don't look at it that way. I had a 25-minute role in Delhi 6. Boman Irani, who is the best human being in the film industry, said something really great when he came to visit the set of Neerja. He said there are no big or small roles. Only big or small actors.

I think another great actor said that before him?
But, I absolutely agree with that. It's not about the size of the role .It's what I do with it. I don't need to be the heroine-heroine all the time. When I sign something more it has to be s spectacular role. In 8 years of my career, I've done very few films.

Finally Sonam, what do you feel about actors speaking up on socio- political issues?
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 they will feel let down. So yes, I am not afraid of expressing my opinion.

Often your frank-speak gets you into trouble?
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. I am not blinded by my love for my country.

You mean, constructive criticism is healthy?
I am 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.

I'll say it again, Sonam is really sensible. The way she talks about the success of the movie without taking from the others. She keeps on saying it's team work when she could have easily let people think it's all because it's a woman-centric and she gave it her whole.

Thanks for this great interviews I really like her answers

Originally posted by: mali89

Thanks for sharing 👍🏼

I'll say it again, Sonam is really sensible. The way she talks about the success of the movie without taking from the others. She keeps on saying it's team work when she could have easily let people think it's all because it's a woman-centric and she gave it her whole.

She's right about the "Yes men" thing it does prevent certain persons and country to grow.

I hope we'll get more of her IV's.

So her next movie won't be Battle for Bittora.

🤗 Bolly lover. Long time no see.

I am in the minority but I love her interviews 95% of the time. Sometimes she doesn't articulate herself as well but this one is a great interview.

And the praises she's getting for Neerja, she could have easily taken most of the credit but she didn't.

Success make you sensible I guess

She gives a sensible interview and hardly any one takes notice. Had it been a W*F statement or the other, I'm sure this thread would have gone at least 15+ pages. 😆

Whatever though, I love her as a whole (that also includes her blunt persona) so don't want that aspect of her to disappear altogether. 😆