The Interview Goddess Sonam Kapoor on Bewakoofiyaan While Striking at London!

 Sonam Kapoor took out time from her busy London schedule recently when she was here to meet Bollywood reporter Sunny Malik to talk about her first YRF film, Bewakoofiyaan.

Bewakoofiyaan is a fresh rom-com directed by Nupur Asthana starring Rishi Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor and Ayushman Khuranna.

The film is about a young middle-class corporate couple that’s ambitious and likes the good life too.The leading characters, Mayera and Mohit, are passionately in love but trouble begins when Mohit loses his job and Mayera’s wilful bureaucratic father, played by Rishi Kapoor, enters the story as he believes that only a rich guy can bring happiness into his daughter’s life.

The film is written by Habib Faisal and is produced by Aditya Chopra.

Watch the trailer here:
London Fashion Week is going on. Will we see you attend any shows?
No, I can’t attend any LFW shows this time. I am in London for some work and unfortunately don’t have the time.

You had a good 2013 with successful films like Raanjhaana and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. Are you selecting your films more carefully now because expectations are high?
I am trying to choose films that push me as an actor. I am trying to do new and different things. I get bored really easily and I don’t want that to happen.

What do you want; box office success or awards?
I am greedy, I want both.

Your new film Bewakoofiyaan is your first YRF production. How did it come about?
Well, I have been in talks with Yash Raj for a few other projects but nothing ever materialised. I can’t tell you which other projects. It unfortunately doesn’t work that way (smiles). Nothing worked out but then this film came along and it was quite exciting. I really liked the fact that Habib Faisal (Band Baaja Baarat) had written it, Nupur Asthana was directing it and that I would be acting with Rishi Kapoor. When all these things came together, I just decided that I was going to do this film.

What was the deciding factor for you while listening to the script of Bewakoofiyaan?
I think it was the fact that the story had real problems and real people. I liked that. People like my character exist in cities like Mumbai and Delhi or any Indian metropolitan cities. People in such cities are concerned about their job, their cinemas and having popcorn (laughs).

How well do you think Bewakoofiyaan will do at the overseas box office?
My films have done really well in the UK and I hope that the trend continues with Bewakoofiyaan. But I don’t know. I just hope the audience understands the film because these are problems that you face in metropolitan cities in India. However, I think that most problems are universal and hope UK audiences understand them when they watch the film.

How was it like working with Ayushman Khuranna?

It was amazing working with him because he is very pleasant, hardworking and talented. When you wake up in the morning, you want to be on the film set with someone like him.

Not many expected you to work with Rishi Kapoor after the repercussions of your Koffee with Karan episode.

Yes, but honestly most of it was media created. I have known him all my life. I call his sister ‘Maasi’ (Aunt). We are family friends. I love him and he loves me. We had a great time working together.

Why is it such a huge issue for people that you are wearing a bikini in the film?

It’s the Indian mentality.

A few years ago you said that actors in Bollywood need stylists. Now a lot of your contemporaries use your stylist. Are you happy with how they look now?

I am always happy with what people wear. As long as it doesn’t hurt my eyes, I am good.

Bewakoofiyaan released in the UK cinemas on 14th March 2014.

Sonam Kapoor: Direction Is My First Love - Group Interview!

Actress Sonam Kapoor, who had assisted Sanjay Leela Bhansali in 'Black', says direction is her first love and acting came as a mistress.

"Yes, my first dream was to be a director. I love reading, I love movies, and stories. It's because of that I always wanted to direct," Sonam told reporters during a group interview.

"You get attached to the fame and glamour and I am attached to it. I won't lie about it. That was my first love, but then acting came as a mistress," added the actress who has been acting in front of the camera for the past six years.

In future, she has definite plans to go behind the camera to tell her kind of stories.

"Yes, I will direct films in future, but right now I want to focus on acting. It's too early to talk about direction right now," said the 28-year-old.

Recently, the actress has been part of two back-to-back successful films 'Raanjhanaa' and 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' and is 'happy' with the kind of films that are coming her way.

"And if nothing else, at the risk of sounding extremely spoilt, I have my sister (Rhea who produced 'Aisha') to make movies for me."

Sonam Kapoor: I Would Like To Play Character Meena kumari!

Sonam Kapoor’s body language reflects the mood of the cloudy Saturday afternoon in Mumbai. We are at her plush residence in Juhu. 

The torrential rain has just calmed a bit, leaving the fashionista in the mood to laze on the cushy couch in her living room. But congratulate Sonam on the success of her recently released movie Raanjhanaa and the babe springs back to life with her trademark vivaciousness….

Were you expecting the unbelievable reaction that your film Raanjhanaa is getting?

I am very happy with the reactions the film has received. While working on this project never did I imagine that we will get so much appreciation from audiences. I worked hard on this movie, just the way I work on any other film. It is up to God that some films become successful and some don’t. I enjoyed working with Anand Rai (director of Raanjhanaa). He is my favourite director. I would like to work with him again.

Your chemistry with Dhanush has been appreciated a lot. The Kolaveri di singer has done a fine job in the movie. What do you have to say about his Bollywood debut?

Dhanush is a very good actor and he is a very good human being. I think that’s what an aam aadmi likes- this rare combination of a good actor and a very good human being off the screen.

Do you think you are proving to be a luck factor for newcomers in the industry? You and Ranbir Kapoor debuted together in Saawariya. Today Ranbir is a huge success and now Dhanush has made a successful debut with you.

I think the magic lies in the script. If the movie is good, it will become a hit. I don’t consider myself lucky for anyone.

There’s a strong buzz about Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. Fans are looking forward to this movie. Tell us, how well are you going to support the Flying Sikh aka Farhan Akhtar in this film?

I have a very small role in this one. I think it is more of a special appearance. Having said that, I would like to add that my character is instrumental in turning Milkha into the Flying Sikh. I play a Punjabi kudi. She is very beautiful and very innocent and she inspires Milkha to explore his true potential. Unlike my character Zoya from Raanjhanaa, this girl in BMB is very shy and pure at heart.

How do you pick your films?

I make crazy choices. When I signed Raanjhanaa people were like ‘Arre, tu pagal ho gayi hain kya?’ (have you gone mad?). Any film I sign, people think that I am going mad. But my choices have helped me do good work. I don’t get typecast. I am working with the best directors. I am getting to work with Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, with Farhan Akhtar. I am getting to work with Anand Rai and portray a character like Zoya. I am working with Yash Raj in a film where characters are very strong. I am gaining new experiences and do what I like to do.

Is this a conscious move on your part that after showing your stylish self in Aisha you are playing small town characters first in Raanjhanaa and now in BMB?

My character Zoya is the prettiest girl in Benares. So she was glamorous in her own way. Just because I am wearing Indian dresses in the movie, you cannot conclude that I am less glamorous. In Aisha I played a South Delhi, high-society girl. I think every girl can be glamorous in her own space. I don’t want to be typecast. I am playing a village belle in BMB; then you will see me in a different, corporate-cool kind of avatar in the Yash Raj film opposite Ayushmann Khurrana and I will be a lot grungier in Khoobsurat. Yes, I have made these choices consciously and they will pay me in the long run.

In Raanjhanaa, your character is very politically opinionated. In your personal space too you voice your opinion clearly, even when most people think that it is best to remain silent or be politically correct on various social issues….

Because I am a public figure, I get noticed for my response to some of the idiotic and stupid remarks some of our spiritual and political leaders make. I say what I feel like saying. I say it on a social platform. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it. It encourages young girls to come forward and share their views. If somebody is telling me you cannot wear a short skirt because boys are going to be rattled by it, obviously I am going to raise my voice against it.

If I, as a public figure, cannot voice my opinion, then other girls won’t come forward to say what they want to say. I may not be a huge star or a very popular figure. But whatever fame I have gained, I want to make use of that to better the way women are projected. In fact, it is irresponsible to not have an opinion and to be politically correct all the time. You should stand for what you feel is right. I am doing that in my small capacity.

Do you think one needs to be politically correct to stay safe in the industry?

It is shameful that some actors do not want to talk about social topics, be it Jiah Khan’s death or the Uttarakhand tragedy. Not voicing your opinion is so incorrect. You cannot be politically correct on issues which need to be discussed. If you want to be politically correct, then don’t bitch about anyone. How many actors do that? I will never criticise any actor on the personal front. But when it comes to important things, then I should have an opinion.

Farhan Akhtar is playing Milkha Singh on the big screen – name one icon you would like to portray on the silver screen…

I would like to play Meena Kumari. She had a tragic life.

Sonam, you cried at the trailer launch of BMB. What got you so emotional?

Have you not seen the trailer? Did you not get emotional? I feel that I am blessed to be a part of this movie, even though my role is very small, because I know this film is going to go down in the history as an iconic film. I know Rakeysh and Farhan have made a film together which is really amazing. The blood, sweat and tears that have gone into making this film is insane. When I saw the trailer I thought ‘Oh my God, I am a part of it’ and I started crying.

We hear that you charged Rs 11 for this movie..

Main pagal hoon. I could not thank Rakeysh enough for making me a part of this beautiful film. I would want to make it very clear that this film was a one-off movie. Otherwise where will I get the money from to shop if I don’t charge for acting? I think this movie is special because I believe that sports in our country don’t get the push they deserve to get. This movie will encourage people to take up sport.

How was the experience working with Farhan Akhtar?

I did not meet Farhan Akhtar at all! He became Milkha Singh. I never met Farhan Akhtar on the sets.

You continue to surprise us with your immaculate style sense. How do you do that?

I have a multiple personality disorder, so I try to play different people. I experiment a lot and most importantly, I manage to be myself even then!

I love girls, I Surround Self With Only Women; Says Sonam Kapoor!

The Style Diva feels men sometimes bring negativity into women’s life!

Bollywood’s charming, young and fashionable actor Sonam Kapoor loves being surrounded by her ilk and feels men sometimes “bring negativity” into women’s lives. The 27-year-old, who has played feminine roles in films like Aisha and I Hate Luv Storys enjoys the company of women. “I love girls, I surround myself with only women. I think men bring negativity into your life sometimes. Only women work with me,” said Sonam in an interview.

She may not have been wise in choosing her roles, but the actor has proved that she never goes wrong in making style statements. She admits it’s a challenge to innovate winning looks every time she steps out. “It is a challenge and that is why you have great products to help you and I have great people to help me look good. When you see me normally, I don’t look so good,” she said.

Terming herself a bit “self-obsessed”, Sonam admitted that it is her sister, Rhea Kapoor, who gives styling tips to her dad, actor Anil Kapoor. “My sister is really good at that. I am really self-obsessed; so I only concentrate on myself,” the 27-year-old confessed.

While tackling a tough work schedule, Sonam stays fit by following a strict food regime. “I eat right, I have a nutritionist who takes care of me. I have people who are constantly firing me to drink enough water. It’s about eating right, drinking enough water and being happy in general…surrounding yourself with positive, happy people,” she said.

As far as acting is concerned, she will next be seen in Raanjhanaa, Bhaag Mikha Bhaag, the Khoobsurat remake and Yash Raj Films’ untitled project. She says her endeavour is to be different on screen every time. “Raanjhanaa is a very real character. She is a serious person. I don’t think one character has also been similar to my last character. The characters that I have in Raanjhanaa, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Khoobsurat and YRF’s untitled film, all are very different. They are about girls with incredibly different characters and journeys,” said Sonam.

Raanjhanaa will see her teaming up with southern star Dhanush and she said: “I love Aishwarya and Dhanush. They are the most amazing couple. I can call Dhanush a really good friend now. He is so respectful and modest and an incredible actor.”

Is Sonam ready to step into the South Indian film industry?

“I would love to do a Southern film. I saw how tough it was for Dhanush, so I am scared about it,” she said.

Sonam Kapoor - A Soaring Career Is Waited For Glamorous Babe!

A soaring career, and a life beyond it, actress Sonam Kapoor knows how to enjoy the limelight. She's got a career that's on a fast train to everywhere.

She's charming, has a point of view and reads - books, mind you, not Danielle Steele. In fact, on the day we catch up she's staggering under the weight of three bags crammed with purchases from the Landmark book store. Her shopping is impressive, its contents not exactly out of the Bollywood bazaar: there's Ibsen, Chekhov, Kerouac, Kundera, even Sartre

Her style is whimsical, original and often seems inspired by the glamour of Old Hollywood. Who else would show up for media rounds in a pretty pastel dress with Veronica Lake waves in her hair - and pull it off perfectly.

Her individuality doesn't just extend to film projects but to fashion as well. There's something of the throwback in Sonam: her style is whimsical, original and often seems inspired by the glamour of Old Hollywood.

In her year-long career Sonam has been linked to a slew of young stars, her Saawariya leading man Ranbir Kapoor being the first. "Thank God he started seeing Deepika, otherwise the rumours would never have stopped" (Chew on that, tabloids.) There have been murmurs about friends, about other colleagues and though often embarrassed she's able, for the most part, to remain sanguine.

She doesn't have a man in her life because her current love affair is with clothes - designer, street or vintage, she loves them all. And her cover look is, in fact, just her.

Sonam now has a plate that truly spilleth over. She will be starring opposite Imran Khan ("one actor besides Ranbir I can sort of have a conversation with") in a Dharma Production film to be directed by first timer Puneet Malhotra; she has two films with "fabulous, art house" filmmakers; also her first production with her sister Rhea and father Anil Kapoor.

"My parents have always allowed me to do everything, so there's no novelty. I became responsible at a very young age. They told me now you're on your own. My dad had nothing to do with me doing films. I do go to him for advice, but he usually doesn't have a say. He's a safety net for me. I have the luxury of making these choices because I know I have somebody to fall back on."

"I'm a bookworm, a nerd. I read a lot and am into sport. I can never stop writing. I have written quite a bit over time-short stories and story ideas. As for direction, I think I should start off as a writer first because direction is a very difficult task and you have to be in charge of a load of things-basically be the captain of the ship," says Sonam.

"When it comes to my acting skills, dad's my biggest critic. Mom too. Come to think of it, my brother and sis do the same!"

"I love fashion. You could say I'm obsessed with fashion. I love vintage stuff basically; so I go to a lot of vintage stores, especially when I travel. And there's a boho side to me as well.I like Sienna Miller's style a lot, Nicole Kidman is very classy. I like the way my sister dresses too and Shobha De, especially her saris."

"I don't think comparisons are fair to other people but most, to yourself. You can't compare yourself to other people or compare what you have with what they have. You just have to be true to yourself and concentrate on what's happening internally. If you bring in other external factors, it completely bogs you down."