Posted:
Bollywood's Sweetheart
http://www.sonam-kapoor.net/article.php/2010/03/04/bwood-s-sweetheart.html
Sonam Kapoor gives her take on the film industry, her role as Anil Kapoor's daughter, her notion of the ideal man and much more, to Ragini Gautam'I like men who have a politically incorrect sense of humour'
The Hollywood Reporter, a trade bible of Hollywood, in its recent special issue devoted to Asia, selected Sonam Kapoor as the only Indian representative of its inaugural 'Next Generation: Asia Class of 2009'. She was described by The Hollywood Reporter as "pretty heady stuff".
Wknd. caught up with this rising star for a freewheeling chat at her family home in Mumbai on what it means to be dubbed the new 'diva' of Bollywood and how the journey has been so far. A perfect combination of classical beauty and contemporary style, Sonam is surprisingly laidback and modest about the many accolades given to her. However, there is nothing laidback about how she wants to achieve her goals in life.
She tells us she never wanted to be an actress, but aspired to be a Nancy Drew or an Enid Blyton! While in boarding school, Sonam would read sitting on the pot in the loo, hiding from the warden. But despite all her aspirations to be an author or a detective, she is now one of Bollywood's reigning heartthrobs at 24. With luminescent skin, almond eyes, and a statuesque figure, Sonam seems destined to light up the silver screen with her beauty and style.
Excerpts from the interview.
Would being Anil Kapoor's daughter be enough introduction for you or would you have something more to tell readers about your background?
Anil Kapoor is a star but for me, he is — and always will be — simply my dad. Having said that, being his daughter is not at all enough introduction for me. Today, what I have achieved is a combination of my education, family values, background, and my hard work. I went to a local school in Juhu and not to some upscale school.
My schooling days were like any other ordinary middle-class child's with rules and regulations plus a regular routine way of life. My father never ever brought work home and my mother ensured we were never exposed to anything 'filmi' by keeping us grounded and level-headed. She was always a hands-on mom, always there for us and making sure we were following the routines set out for our well-being.
Later on, for high school, I went to a boarding and then took up theatre/drama studies.
How did Saawariya happen? To be directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali for your debut must have been a dream come true…
It was quite interesting how this came about. When Sanjay met me I was an over 90 kg 19-year-old, yet he declared that he would work with me for his next film! I couldn't really believe that but due to my passion for filmmaking I did end up assisting him for his movie Black for nearly a year. Then when he started auditioning I gave it a go and got the role. Of course, I lost a lot of weight and was ready to take on the role of Sakina in Saawariya.
I learnt a lot from Sanjay and he treated me with great affection, all the while mentoring and guiding both me and Ranbir Kapoor. I was not selected by Sanjay Leela Bhansali because I was Anil Kapoor's daughter; neither did my father launch me under his banner. For me, that is quite an achievement.
Even though Saawariya did not rock the BO you went on to gather critical acclaim for your sensitive portrayal and exceedingly enduring charm and refreshing beauty. How come you did not hop on the bandwagon and sign up for well-known banners and opted for Delhi-6 with Rakyesh Omprakash Mehra (Rang De Basanti)?
Signing films just to be in the race is not my goal at all. I love challenges and seek learning as I mature in my job. The script of Delhi-6 gave me a role diametrically opposite to what I had played in Saawariya urging me to take on the role. I thoroughly enjoyed doing it and once again it was a huge learning for me to work with an accomplished director like Rakyesh.
What in your view goes to make a fine actor?
Life experiences, meeting new people, travelling, getting out of your cocoon and being aware of your surroundings. Reading newspapers, watching new movies, TV, just being out there and opening yourself to life fully.
What do you believe in and where do you draw your inspiration from?
I believe in myself, in having a strong sense of individuality and in having an opinion which then leads me to take up issues and work for certain causes which are close to my heart like the fight against cancer, diabetes and an increasing awareness for voting. I believe that as India's youth, all of us have a certain responsibility towards standing up for issues which affect us on a day-to-day basis like lack of civic amenities or healthcare.
What are your forthcoming films?
Aisha based on the novel Emma by Jane Austen, which is produced by my sister Rhea. And I Hate Love Stories being directed by Puneet Malhotra with Imran Khan as my co-star.
How does it feel to be considered the reigning 'diva' of Bollywood and what message do you have for aspiring actors?
I am extremely humbled and of course flattered to be thought of as one of the most popular actors in the Hindi films today. It is a testimony to my hard work and my sincere desire to connect with my audiences everywhere. I believe I can achieve greater heights with their constant support and critical feedback.
As for all those of you who wish to reach for the stars and fulfill your dreams, please remember that even though destiny plays a big role in our lives, we can shape our destiny to some extent by being determined and never saying no to hard work. I feel that the Hindi film industry is open to new, unknown talent always. Look at Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit, Akshay Kumar… all these people came with nothing but their talent and determination.
Some of your favourite actors/actresses?
Meryl Streep, Kate Blanchett, Judi Dench, Waheeda Rehman, Madhuri Dixit, Nargis and Sridevi.
Future plans?
No future plans fixed yet — but for me the mention by Hollywood ?Reporter is a big high. Unfortunately, one cannot say the same for our own awards which are not always above controversy. I would like to create my own space and would not want to follow the same path. And of course have fun with my work.
Your take on love.
I believe in it and love reading Wuthering Heights again and again. The ideal man for me is someone like Clarke Gable in Gone With The Wind or Darcy in Pride and Prejudice with his passion and dry sense of humour. I like men who have a politically incorrect sense of humour.
As of now I haven't found anyone like that and am sure I do not want to date a 'hero' from within the industry as it is very difficult to nurture their egos!
- Khaleej Times
http://www.sonam-kapoor.net/article.php/2010/03/04/bwood-s-sweetheart.html
Sonam Kapoor gives her take on the film industry, her role as Anil Kapoor's daughter, her notion of the ideal man and much more, to Ragini Gautam'I like men who have a politically incorrect sense of humour'
The Hollywood Reporter, a trade bible of Hollywood, in its recent special issue devoted to Asia, selected Sonam Kapoor as the only Indian representative of its inaugural 'Next Generation: Asia Class of 2009'. She was described by The Hollywood Reporter as "pretty heady stuff".
Wknd. caught up with this rising star for a freewheeling chat at her family home in Mumbai on what it means to be dubbed the new 'diva' of Bollywood and how the journey has been so far. A perfect combination of classical beauty and contemporary style, Sonam is surprisingly laidback and modest about the many accolades given to her. However, there is nothing laidback about how she wants to achieve her goals in life.
She tells us she never wanted to be an actress, but aspired to be a Nancy Drew or an Enid Blyton! While in boarding school, Sonam would read sitting on the pot in the loo, hiding from the warden. But despite all her aspirations to be an author or a detective, she is now one of Bollywood's reigning heartthrobs at 24. With luminescent skin, almond eyes, and a statuesque figure, Sonam seems destined to light up the silver screen with her beauty and style.
Excerpts from the interview.
Would being Anil Kapoor's daughter be enough introduction for you or would you have something more to tell readers about your background?
Anil Kapoor is a star but for me, he is — and always will be — simply my dad. Having said that, being his daughter is not at all enough introduction for me. Today, what I have achieved is a combination of my education, family values, background, and my hard work. I went to a local school in Juhu and not to some upscale school.
My schooling days were like any other ordinary middle-class child's with rules and regulations plus a regular routine way of life. My father never ever brought work home and my mother ensured we were never exposed to anything 'filmi' by keeping us grounded and level-headed. She was always a hands-on mom, always there for us and making sure we were following the routines set out for our well-being.
Later on, for high school, I went to a boarding and then took up theatre/drama studies.
How did Saawariya happen? To be directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali for your debut must have been a dream come true…
It was quite interesting how this came about. When Sanjay met me I was an over 90 kg 19-year-old, yet he declared that he would work with me for his next film! I couldn't really believe that but due to my passion for filmmaking I did end up assisting him for his movie Black for nearly a year. Then when he started auditioning I gave it a go and got the role. Of course, I lost a lot of weight and was ready to take on the role of Sakina in Saawariya.
I learnt a lot from Sanjay and he treated me with great affection, all the while mentoring and guiding both me and Ranbir Kapoor. I was not selected by Sanjay Leela Bhansali because I was Anil Kapoor's daughter; neither did my father launch me under his banner. For me, that is quite an achievement.
Even though Saawariya did not rock the BO you went on to gather critical acclaim for your sensitive portrayal and exceedingly enduring charm and refreshing beauty. How come you did not hop on the bandwagon and sign up for well-known banners and opted for Delhi-6 with Rakyesh Omprakash Mehra (Rang De Basanti)?
Signing films just to be in the race is not my goal at all. I love challenges and seek learning as I mature in my job. The script of Delhi-6 gave me a role diametrically opposite to what I had played in Saawariya urging me to take on the role. I thoroughly enjoyed doing it and once again it was a huge learning for me to work with an accomplished director like Rakyesh.
What in your view goes to make a fine actor?
Life experiences, meeting new people, travelling, getting out of your cocoon and being aware of your surroundings. Reading newspapers, watching new movies, TV, just being out there and opening yourself to life fully.
What do you believe in and where do you draw your inspiration from?
I believe in myself, in having a strong sense of individuality and in having an opinion which then leads me to take up issues and work for certain causes which are close to my heart like the fight against cancer, diabetes and an increasing awareness for voting. I believe that as India's youth, all of us have a certain responsibility towards standing up for issues which affect us on a day-to-day basis like lack of civic amenities or healthcare.
What are your forthcoming films?
Aisha based on the novel Emma by Jane Austen, which is produced by my sister Rhea. And I Hate Love Stories being directed by Puneet Malhotra with Imran Khan as my co-star.
How does it feel to be considered the reigning 'diva' of Bollywood and what message do you have for aspiring actors?
I am extremely humbled and of course flattered to be thought of as one of the most popular actors in the Hindi films today. It is a testimony to my hard work and my sincere desire to connect with my audiences everywhere. I believe I can achieve greater heights with their constant support and critical feedback.
As for all those of you who wish to reach for the stars and fulfill your dreams, please remember that even though destiny plays a big role in our lives, we can shape our destiny to some extent by being determined and never saying no to hard work. I feel that the Hindi film industry is open to new, unknown talent always. Look at Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit, Akshay Kumar… all these people came with nothing but their talent and determination.
Some of your favourite actors/actresses?
Meryl Streep, Kate Blanchett, Judi Dench, Waheeda Rehman, Madhuri Dixit, Nargis and Sridevi.
Future plans?
No future plans fixed yet — but for me the mention by Hollywood ?Reporter is a big high. Unfortunately, one cannot say the same for our own awards which are not always above controversy. I would like to create my own space and would not want to follow the same path. And of course have fun with my work.
Your take on love.
I believe in it and love reading Wuthering Heights again and again. The ideal man for me is someone like Clarke Gable in Gone With The Wind or Darcy in Pride and Prejudice with his passion and dry sense of humour. I like men who have a politically incorrect sense of humour.
As of now I haven't found anyone like that and am sure I do not want to date a 'hero' from within the industry as it is very difficult to nurture their egos!
- Khaleej Times
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