Davina Raisinghani
22 July 2010
From contributing her designer sensibilities to selections from her personal wardrobe; Sonam Kapoor tells City Times how "gung-ho" she's always been about Aisha
IT'S NOT QUITE that easy to be an outspoken celebrity, least of all in an industry, which can easily be dubbed the land of diplomacy, glaringly averse to the airing of dirty laundry in public.
But Sonam Kapoor's got a remarkable knack for speaking her mind and leaving upset critics in her wake – just take a look at the recent instalment of her long-running feud with writer Shobhaa De.
For those of you who haven't heard, read or watched this piece of trivial theatre as it played out earlier this week, the actress chose to re-post on her Twitter account director Punit Malhotra's sordid reply to De's criticism of their film I Hate Luv Storys.
"Guys pls don't take Shobhaa De seriously. She's a fossil who's getting no action and going through menopause," read Malhotra's message that Kapoor immediately copy-pasted on to her page.
"Unfortunately, the current generation of Bollywood brats in their monumental arrogance and limited intelligence forget that not all journalists are purchasable commodities," came De's scathing reply to the two.
At which stage Kapoor decided to put an end to the war of words with one last 'tweet' – "Mrs De I owe you an apology for getting personal. I'm ashamed for my momentary lapse in judgement."
But despite De's blatant dislike for Malhotra, his movie and the female lead - who once upon a time labeled the critic a "60-something po*n writer" for disparaging her sex appeal - the recently released romantic comedy seems to have scored at the box office. And Kapoor couldn't be more thrilled.
"I feel exhilarated. I'm flattered, happy and more than anything else I'm glad that people have liked my film – to me that's what's really important," enthuses the actress over the phone from Scotland.
Almost done with her shoot up there with co-star Shahid Kapoor for his father, Pankaj Kapoor's directorial debut Mausam, the actress is keen to know how people are reacting to the promos of her upcoming release, Aisha.
"I'm hoping they like them and come watch the movie. It's a very honest portrayal of how girls can be these days," says Kapoor of the coming-of-age romantic comedy based on Jane Austen's popular novel Emma.
Co-produced by her younger sister Rhea Kapoor (with father Anil Kapoor lending a helping hand to promote the film), Aisha marks the actress' first in-house venture.
THE NEW-AGE EMMA
"I was really gung-ho about Aisha right from the start because of how challenging the role seemed," recalls Kapoor.
"Jane Austen always said that Emma is her favourite heroine because nobody but Austen herself would like her. This character has faults, is not always correct in what she does and that makes her very real."
In a contemporary twist, the setting of the film has been switched to high-society Delhi and instead of drama the story has cleverly been laced with comic and romantic elements illustrated by Aisha's frequent matchmaking attempts.
"I know a lot of Delhi girls. I attended a lot of parties to understand how they talk, where they shop and eat, how picky or judgemental they could be, and how generous and sweet they could be.
"They are constantly in their own world; all they think about is wearing the right clothes, getting married to the right man and how society is such a big factor in their life."
Joining Kapoor on the sets of Aisha as her character's romantic interest, the story's counterpart of Mr. Knightley, was Abhay Deol. And although renowned for his portfolio of unconventional roles, the actress claims he fit right in.
"Contrary to what most people think, Abhay's cinema is not offbeat – he works with good scripts in good films. He is just wonderful at what he does.
"Abhay will be a friend for life, one that I would love to work with over and over again. We have similar acting styles and ways of working. You will definitely see our chemistry onscreen," the actress promises.
Unfortunately, odds are the young Deol will be unable to join Kapoor, her sister and the supporting cast of Aisha when they head down to Dubai next weekend to promote the film; he's busy shooting for Zoya Akhtar's Zindagi Milegi Na Dobara in Spain.
STYLISH BEST
Meanwhile, rumour has it that the budget of Aisha skyrocketed because of the character's crucial designer wardrobe – one that even Kapoor shopped for and made major contributions to.
"It's true that I've used some of my own clothes in the film. So there is a little of me in her. She's very girly and loves to wear pearls, bows and hair bands. I'm not that big on the bows, but she definitely is. I would love to dress like her."
Often hailed as Mumbai's new celebrity style icon, the actress claims that it was under the guidance of her sister and costume designer Pernia Qureshi that she was able to make Aisha look just right.
"From art direction to costumes, a lot of work went into the look. Things were always done to make it better and different. Pernia and my sister put in a lot of time into that."
Eventually a grand total of 80 costume changes for Kapoor's character were added to the film's budget. But the actress claims her personal favourite out of the expensive lot is one not shown in the promos.
"I love the final climax outfit; it's a beautiful purple dress with a big bow on the back."
With so much money being invested in the film, and Aisha marking the first time that the Kapoor family is working together, expectations from its opening next weekend are certainly high.
"Our director Rajshree Ojha is a very sensitive, soft and mature person. And that will show onscreen in the way she deals with relationships and people. It's a well-made film and I hope people will appreciate it."
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Source: Khaleej Times
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