My father is my hero: Sonam Kapoor

Your last couple of films didn’t work out at the box office. Are you worried?

(Thinks) I feel every actor gives his or her best to make the film look as good as possible. No one wants a film not to work because there are so many people involved in making a film. However, it’s not in the hands of the actors or the directors to make a film a hit. When a film doesn’t work it certainly hurts but at the same time an actor should try and understand the reason and try to do better in the future. I am not worried but I am even more charged up to do something better than what I did in my last project.

You seem to be a lot confident.

It’s not about being confident. I believe there’s no point regretting your failures. The best thing is to learn from your mistakes and try to do something better. I am ready to work hard and do more films and give my best to make my films a good product.

You are also known to be outspoken and have often drawn the ire of many.

I have always been outspoken and have never hesitated to voice my opinion if I find something wrong. But I also know to draw the line. I never say anything with the intent of hurting that person. I think everyone should speak up if you don’t like something. There’s no harm in voicing your opinion but that certainly doesn’t mean hurting someone.

You don’t have too many films up your sleeve.

I think this happens with all the actors. This is something that can’t be controlled. It depends on how many films are you signing and then how many of them are you shooting simultaneously. At times there are three to four films releasing back to back and then there can be a time when you have only one film. There are a number of factors that work together and it’s not in the control of one person.

How do you select films? Is it just the story and the character you are offered or are there other parameters.

(Smiles) I think every actor follows the simple rule of going by the story of the film. It’s the story that attracts you first and then of course the character. But those are not the only two things. I also ask myself the question if I will be able to do justice to the role that I am being offered. It also depends on who is making the films. It’s not about a big name or a debutant director. It’s about how much does he believe in the script because he is the person who’s going to lead from the front. I mostly go by the script because a good story is what matters the most. Co-stars are the last factor.

You will be seen alongside Salman Khan in Sooraj Barjatiya’s Prem Ratan Dhan Payo eight years after making your debut alongside him in Saawariya.

(Laughs) It’s a strange feeling but I am really enjoying it. Yes, it has been eight years and I think I have come a long way since then. It’s again a romantic film, much like the films Sooraj Barjatiya is known for making. We have already shot for a few portions. I am really excited about this film because I have grown up watching both Sooraj Barjatiya and Salman Khan’s films such as Maine Pyar Kiya and Hum Aapke Hain Kaun. It was every aspiring actor’s dream at that time be part of such films. I too dreamt the same and today I am working with them. It’s really a dream come true for me.


Do you discuss films at home with your father and uncles?

It’s not that we always talk films whenever we are at home. There are so many other things to discuss and talk about at home. But yes, when there are people from the same profession in the films, you also discuss work. We all talk films at home but there are no serious discussions going on all the time.


How about working in Hollywood given that your father is now a known figure there?

I really don’t know, as I haven’t thought on those lines. My father is my hero and he is a real rockstar. I am really proud of being his daughter. He is one of the best actors in this country and that’s the reason his work is also being accepted and appreciated in the west.