Sonam Kapoor’s Sexy Stylish Six Years In Bollywood!

Bollywood's stylish actress Sonam Kapoor, who is riding high on the success of her two back-to-back hits - 'Raanjhanaa' and 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' - will be completing six years in the film industry on November 9, 2013. It was the day Sonam Kapoor's debut film 'Saawariya' released.

Sonam Kapoor, who is busy shooting for 'Khoobsurat' remake, tweeted , "Tom will be 6 years in the movie industry! Thanks to all of you I'm still around. Lots of love guys!"

Born to actor Anil Kapoor and jewellery designer Sunita Kapoor, Sonam made her debut in Bollywood with director Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Saawariya' opposite Ranbir Kapoor. The film however failed to make its mark in Bollywood.

Before starting her career as an actress, Sonam had worked as assistant director under Sanjay Leela Bhansali in 2004 during the making of 'Black'.

Sonam Kapoor has done mix genres, she went plain jane for her second outing in Bollywood - Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's 'Delhi-6' opposite Abhishek Bachchan in 2009 . Though the movie was acclaimed for its music by Oscar winner A R Rahman and won Best Feature Film on National Integration at 57th National Film Awards but it was a commerical failure.

Sonam Kapoor first tasted commercial success with the romantic comedy 'I Hate Luv Storys' opposite Imran Khan in 2010, which was directed by rumoured beau Punit Malhotra.

Next came 'Aisha', which was produced by Sonam's father Anil and sister Rhea. The film, though a commerical failure, brought her acknowledgment as a fashionista and praise for her unique sense of style. 'Mausam' in 2011 opposite Shahid Kapoor earned her recognition for her performance.

Inspite of not being able to make a strong hold on Bollywood, Sonam Kapoor was signed as brand ambassador for L'Oréal in 2011, which also took her to Cannes Film Festival that year and since then she has been a regular at the prestigious film festival.

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.

"Raanjhanaa" Collects Rs 21 Crore Over The Weekend!

The encouraging reviews and all the buzz surrounding Raanjhanaa has worked in favour of the movie at the box office. 

Starring Sonam Kapoor and introducing Dhanush to Bollywood, the movie by Aanand L Rai opened average on Friday morning but picked up during the course of the day. The Friday collections came to Rs. 5.12 crore net, which was average. More footfalls came in on Saturday and the collection rose to Rs. 6.81 crore net which is almost a 33 percent rise. 

But wait! Something better was in store on Sunday. 

On Sunday the film’s collection is said to have spiked to Rs. 8.15 crore net, again close to a 20 percent increase relative to Saturday’s collection. 

The first weekend collection of Raanjhanaa comes to just over Rs. 20 crore net> It’s a good figure for a film of its stature. 

The film’s leads, Sonam Kapoor and Dhanush, have won praises for their performance. The film is expected to hold its place during the week days. 

The other releases Shortcut Romeo and Enemmy fared very disappointingly. 

Meanwhile, Fukrey after its second weekend has cruised past Rs. 25 crore mark to emerge a hit. 

The coming Friday would see the release of Ghanchakkar, starring Emraan Hashmi and Vidya Balan.

Raanjhanaa Movie Review: Dhanush And Sonam Wins The Hearts; Abhay Deol Still Did Best!

The movie took us through different emotions and circumstances, some we could relate to and some that will linger in our minds for a long time

If you asked us to describe Dhanush and Sonam Kapoor’s Raanjhanaa, we would say it’s commercial and offbeat at the same time. The first half is pleasantly filmi, laced with romance and the childish high of being in love, whereas the second half takes you into the murky world of politics, with the passionate youth of Jawaharlal University trying the douse the fire of corruption and everything that’s affecting the country.

Aanand L Rai does a brilliant job of merging romance and politics in an extremely understandable way. So the romance bit obviously has to start with Dhanush – the superstar who doesn’t look like a superstar. Recently Sonam said in an interview that one doesn’t need language to emote, and in Dhanush’s case we couldn’t agree more. The dubbing is decent and the South actor’s way of translating scenes from paper to screen is remarkable. A small town guy Kundan’s (Dhanush) life revolves around Zoya (Sonam Kapoor). He is enamoured of everything to do with her. From fearlessly cutting his wrist to chasing her through every nook and cranny of Benares – the guy fell crazy in love the moment he saw ten-year-old Zoya reading namaz. And it remained that way when they reached their adolescent teen phase, and continued to be that way till they hit the rebellious period of their 20s.

But things changed when Zoya was sent away to study by her parents – they couldn’t tolerate their kiddie daughter having even the slightest feelings for a Hindu boy. And by the time she returns, things have changed…drastically! The small town gal from Benares is transformed into an opinionated and confident lass from Delhi with a degree from Jawaharlal Nehru University – the gullible school going Zoya becomes a fierce gal from the big city who would perform street plays with her activist friends, battle water cannon and discuss the status quo of the country with a fervent air.

While Zoya was wheeling around in different directions, meeting new people, learning new things, Kundan was stuck in the same spot – he was the same small town lad from Benares waiting for the gal he loves, the same lad who doesn’t have a care in the world, making a living doing odd jobs and every so often falling into a reverie filled with thoughts of Zoya. But despite the hurdles of different castes, different ideologies, the unusual combination of a well-read gal and a gawaar guy, they are still friends. And if Dhanush can slash his wrist for his love at 15, he can also do jugaad and drive all the doctors and engineers away that Zoya’s parents are trying to force their daughter into marrying.

Abhay Deol plays a tiny role as Sonam Kapoor’s boyfriend in the film. He is as ambitious and as self-possessed as is Zoya. The twist in the story arrives when the Kapoor chick introduces him as a Muslim guy to her parents so that they would give their nod of approval. The way Dhanush deals with it, how Sonam is going through turmoil – all of this takes a very unpredictable turn. Dhanush walks the rope that leads him to the politically aware routes of JNU. The way he transforms from a bhai-type Benarsi bully to an aggressive activist, and the reasons for and the circumstances that take him towards that path are beautifully etched in the film.

While the first half is all gloss and show the dreamy world of love and passion set against the backdrop of Benares, the second half is drenched in inspiring youth oriented politics set in streets thronging with rallies that wind through Delhi. Watch it for the super artiste Dhanush and also for Sonam’s rising acting graph – which has definitely reached an impressive point – and, of course, for Rai’s unconventional and moving storytelling

Rating:3.5 out of 5

Sonam Kapoor Denies All Rumours Being Approached For a Hollywood Project!

The Raanjhanaa actor says she is not doing Hollywood project Curry in Love with Nick Nolte

Refuting rumours that she has signed a Hollywood project titled Curry in Love with Tamil filmmaker P Vasu, Bollywood actor Sonam Kapoor said Tuesday that she hasn’t been approached for any English film as of now. “The news about me part of an English film is just a rumour. Nobody has approached me for a Hollywood project,” Sonam told reporters in Chennai.

It was reported Sonam Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Tamil actor Vijay and Hollywood actor Nick Nolte have been roped in to feature in Curry in Love, which was to be helmed by P Vasu, known for Tamil films such as Chandramukhi and Kuselan.

But the actress would love to act in any language film. “Language has never been a barrier for me. I would love to do films in other languages, but I don’t want to end up playing similar roles. If I get a challenging role to play, then I would be more than willing to work in any language,” she said while promoting her upcoming Hindi romance Raanjhanaa with Tamil actor Dhanush.

Raanjhanaa, directed by Anand L Rai, is dubbed in Tamil as Ambikapathy. While the Hindi version is scheduled to release on June 21, the Tamil version will release a week later.

AR Rahman Is Back With A Bang: Raanjhanaa Music Review!

Music: AR Rahman

Lyrics: Irshad Kamil

Singers: Jaswinder Singh, Rashid Ali, Neeti Mohan, Shreya Ghosal, AR Rahman, Rabbi Shergill, Javed Ali, Kirti Sagathia, Pooja AV, Madhushree, Chinmayi, Vaishali and Aanchal Sethi

AR Rahman seems to be back in good form with the soundtrack of Anand L Rai’s Raanjhanaa, after the strictly average music of Jab Tak Hain Jaan. The album has eight tracks, each with a distinct folk flavour, since the movie (starring Dhanush, Sonam Kapoor and Abhay Deol) is set in Benares.

The title track is a grand celebration of love, with dholaks, tuntuna and violins. It’s a high energy song, but it’s the sitar solo before the second stanza that touches your heart.

Banarasiya starts off beautifully with a violin melody and then moves on to a flute tune, creating the perfect setting for a song set in Benares. A semi-classical song, Banarasiya is sung by Shreya Ghoshal. The singer uses loads of harkats and alaaps to decorate this one. It is in the zone of Tere bin from Guru, with the magical instrumentals laced with tabla, flute and sitar.

Piya milenge, sung by Sukhwinder Singh has Sufi elements. Sukhwinder’s restrained singing is perfect for the track. It’s not a unique composition, but it grows on you with repeated listening. The writing by Irshad Kamil is poetic and fluid: Jisko dhoondhe baher baher, Vo baitha hai bheetar chhupke, Tere ander ek samandar, Kyon dhoondhe tupke tupke, Akal ke parde, Peechhe kar de, Akal ke parde, Peechhe kar de, Ghoonghat ke pat khol re, Tohey piya milenge…

Ay Sakhi, sung by four female singers – Madhushree, Chinmayi, Vaishali and Aanchal Sethi – is a semi-classical composition. It’s innocent and sweet, but doesn’t leave an impression.

Nazar laye is dreamy, romantic and fluffy. Singers Rashid Ali and Neeti Mohan lend a breezy feeling to it. The lyrics are sweet and simple: Nain hara main, tera sara main, meetha meetha tu, khara khara main. This one’s an easily likeable track.

Tu man shudhi reminds you of Dhaka laga buka from Yuva, except that the tempo is notch lower. Singer Rabbi Shergill shines as he does total justice to this song despite it being outside his comfort zone – light compositions and Punjabi flavoured numbers are usually his thing. It’s a rocking number.

Aise na dekho is a jazz-flavoured composition similar to what Rahman did with Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na title track. AR Rahman’s soulful singing and a warm tune touch you. The lyrics could have been better – lines like Aise na dekho jaise pehle kabhi dekha nahin sound a bit too ordinary, considering that the composition is above average.

Land of Shiva is an instrumental track composed of heavy beats. The scale is grand and ominous, combining temple bell sounds, dhol and conch.

Tum tak tum tak is quite a mushy number speaking of a person who is obsessed with his lover. Javed Ali sings with a lot of love and passion. The shehnai and tabla combination gives this love song a spiritual touch.

All the songs leave you in a celebratory mood – the album celebrates love and passion. The soundtrack as a whole is not one of AR Rahman’s best works, but it’s still quintessential Rahman. Raanjhanaa has its heart in the right place. Welcome back, AR!

Raanjhanaa Climax revealed - Exclusive! Read Now..

We know what exactly happens to Abhay Deol and Dhanush in their upcoming love triangle. Curious? Read on…

Aanand Rai’s romcom Raanjhanaa releasing next week is one of the most awaited films of the year for several reasons – the popular Kolaveri di singer and South star Dhanush marks his Bollywood debut and he’ll be sharing screen space with Abhay Deol and Sonam Kapoor in his first outing. The film is basically about the lead couple – Sonam and Dhanush – students from Benaras. Dhanush is madly in love with Sonam since childhood but he’s worried about Abhay (who plays a struggling politician) snatching Sonam away from him.

Though it comes across as a time pass, musical entertainer with Dhanush pataoing his ladylove, the excitement around the movie is not just about that. Our well-trusted khabroo tells us that Aanand has come up with a foolproof plan to ensure that his movie doesn’t look like a ghisa-pita love triangle and gets a good opening.

Spoiler Alert: Sonam Kapoor gets irritated with Dhanush who keeps following her everywhere. There comes a point when she can’t take it anymore. And…we don’t know what leads to it, but Dhanush dies and so does Abhay Deol in the climax. Now, why the two lovers give their lives away and leave Sonam all alone – for that, we gotta watch the film and we can’t wait for it to hit the screens on June 21!

Sonam Kapoor: I Am Not Allowed Late Nights At Home! Exclusive Interview Of Style Diva.

Sonam Kapoor is the daughter of Always Looking-Young-Handsome Anil Kapoor. She started her career with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Saawariya'. She is the spokesperson for French beauty brand L'Oreal. With a career span of approximately 9 films, She still prefers to keep her personal life away from Media. She is considered as a Style Goddess for most of the actresses in Bollywood. The one and only Sonam Kapoor goes candid with Faisal Saif

Let the Style Goddess speak about what she likes about her Stardom?

I like everything about stardom. I don't mind being in the public eye. If anyone tells you that they want to be a film actor but they don't want to be a star, that means they are lying. I love acting and love the fact the people like both my work and me. I am not pretentious enough to say that I cannot stand the attention.

And your feeling on playing so many characters?

I love being in front of the camera and I love creating new things. Can you imagine a girl from Juhu playing a girl from Chandni Chowk or a girl from Banaras or a girl from Defence Colony. It is amazing to be able to play different people.

It is also said that a Director has to convince your Dad (Anil Kapoor) first before narrating you the script?

Not really. My dad is not going to play my role in any film. They come to me. I take a call. I do have strong views in this aspect. But after a certain point, my dad does get in. I don’t want to concentrate on the details that follow.

But you do discuss your films with your dad?

Of course. What is the point of having him as my dad? I think that every child looks up to his parents.

So this means your dad is a very strict father?

He is definitely protective about me. He doesn’t want me to do anything wrong. I am not allowed late nights. But then, even I am a very responsible girl.

And you believe your job is a challenging one..

People are not as bad as people think they are in the industry. We work very hard with odd hours. It is not only emotional, but has physical and mental work as well

You are considered as a Style Icon for many of the Bollywood Actresses..

It stems from my mother’s side. My mom has been into fashion designing. I love her style. Even my masi is very aesthetically inclined. I wear branded clothes, But i also wear many vintage clothes too. If required, I will wear a simple sari. I pick up tees and jeans from streets as well.

You have also said that you are inspired by veterans such as Rekha and Waheeda Rehman?

I did meet Rekha and she was like 'it is amazing that you are doing the remake'. There are three or four heroines who I am obsessed with. They are Waheeda Rehman, Nutan, Rekha, Jaya Bachchan and Sridevi. I copy them all the time.

You are working on Rekha's Khoobsurat Remake, Do you believe in the current Remaking-Old-Films criteria?

I think every generation re-looks at a story. I don't think there is anything wrong with remakes.

If given an opportunity, Which "Remake" you would like to work in?

I would love to remake Guide of Waheeda Ji, Saraswatichandra of Nutan, I am the part of Khubsoorat and I would love to do Umrao Jaan. The make up and thumris were just amazing. I have completely copied Waheeda Ji's performance in Guide in my film Raanjhanaa.

But you say your character in Raanjhanaa is inspired by 'Guddi'?

I needed a reference point for my character. A naughty spunky school girl. I had already seen 'Guddi', but I saw it again before shooting for the film. I was inspired by Jaya Bachchanji in 'Guddi' for the film.

Which one is your favorite from The-Anil-Kapoor-Film's Collections?

Woh Saat Din, Tezaab, Beta, Ram Lakhan and Slumdog Millionaire.

Raanjhanaa Song Banarasiya: Dhanush and Sonam Kapoor Get Romantic & Naughty!

Shreya Ghoshal’s magical voice gives this romantic number a touch of naughtiness

Kolaveri di fame Dhanush is making his Bollywood debut with Anand L Rai’s forthcoming directorial venture, Raanjhanaa co-starring Sonam Kapoor and Abhay Deol. Produced by Eros International, this movie is releasing on June 21 and going by the curiosity this desi love story has evoked among college goers one can safely say that it will get a good opening.

And here’s the new song Banarasiya. Composed by AR Rahman and sung beautifully by Shreya Ghoshal, it is mushy but has a tinge of naughtiness to it. We found the teenage romance blooming between the gorgeous Sonam and the lanky Dhanush really cute. Set in a small town, this track is visually very colourful and has a strong desi charm to it.

Watch Banarasiya and tell us if you like Sonam and Dhanush’s unconventional jodi!

Raanjhanaa - Exclusive Theatrical Trailer

Discover the colours of love with Dhanush & Sonam Kapoor in their upcoming romantic film 'Raanjhanaa'. Presenting the exclusive theatrical trailer of 'Raanjhanaa' a Aanand L. Rai directorial film.

Produced: Krishika Lulla

Written by: Himanshu Sharma

Music: A.R. Rahman

       

Raanjhnaa is an upcoming 2013 Hindi romance film, directed by Anand L. Rai and written by Himanshu Sharma. The film is produced by Krishika Lulla under the banner Eros International.