My brother Harsh has learnt a lot from my mistakes: Sonam Kapoor
Actor Sonam Kapoor talks about her brother Harshvardhan Kapoor’s debut film, and why she chose to do a light-hearted film after Neerja.
Sonam Kapoor is on cloud nine and she’s got all the reasons to fly high — Veere Di Wedding, brother Harshvardhan’s debut, working with Kareena Kapoor Khan and a lot more. Excerpts:
Your brother Harshvardhan makes his debut this year; were there any tips from the star sister?
Yessss! I am so glad he’s starting his career with one the finest filmmakers in the industry, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra. I think Harsh has learnt a lot from my mistakes. He is much sorted about what he wants to do in his career. He won’t take up too much work and will focus on one film at a time. It took me some time to get to that stage. More than being successful, I hope he remains happy with the work he does. I don’t think anyone in our family runs after success.
But your dad Anil Kapoor has done quality work, and a lot of it.
My dad has a unique space in our film industry. I don’t think anyone else can get into that space. I always wanted to be like him. That’s the main reason I became an actor.
Talking of your next film, what is Veere Di Wedding all about?
It’s about four friends — these women going through a process of self-discovery and relationships. It makes a statement on contemporary women, not an in-your-face message, but a subliminal message. And if you have a daughter, this movie has a lot for you to take home.
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What tempted you to take up this film?
We’ve had so many guys’ films like Dil Chahta Hai and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobaara. But so few on girls’ bonding. And I wanted to do something very light-hearted after Neerja.
Why is that?
Neerja put too much heaviness on my soul. It was a cathartic experience for me but nerve-racking at the same time. I needed a stressbuster after Neerja; just like I did Khoobsurat (2014) after Raanjhanaa (2013). It’s important for my emotional balance.
You and your co-stars seem to be having a ball even before the shooting has started.
All four of us, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Swara Bhaskara, Shikha Tilsania and I have been bonding. We’re working on our comic timing and getting the rhythm of the drama correct. With talented co-stars, you just want to do better. When the film gets over, we should say, ‘Arrey. Ho gaya?’ And after seeing the film, the audience should say the same.
Watch: Harshvardhan Kapoor in Mirzya trailer
Was Kareena’s pregnancy already written in the script?
We were aware of her pregnancy and it was already a part of the script. In fact, we were waiting for her to get pregnant because that was part of the plot. I am very excited to work with Bebo. I’ve grown up in her company. Kareena, Karisma (Kapoor), my sister Rhea and I share a close bond for years.
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Do you feel you’ve grown better as an actor with all your films?
Every film I did after Raanjhanaa has been rewarding. I was in no hurry back then. I am in no hurry now. Every character that I played has been loved in varying degrees. I don’t want to let the audience down. I am so happy I was in Neerja, which is one of the most profitable films of 2016.
Is Veere Di Wedding the only film you are doing this year?
Yes, as of now. I am looking for more inspiring work after this; something more intimate. I don’t want to flood my career with projects. After Raanjhanaa, I had taken a year and a half break to decide what to do next. The patience paid off.
