« Back to article

Print this article

Sonam Kapoor: I am not interested in men

"I don't have the time to celebrate the success of Raanjhanaa," Sonam Kapoor announces, as we settle down for an interview to promote her next film, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag.

Raanjhana, co-starring Dhanush and Abhay Deol, is one of the biggest hits of the year so far, and a fantastically romantic movie.

The 28-year-old actress was especially candid, as she chatted about romance, her insecurities and why she thinks she isn't beautiful.

Raanjhanaa has been getting rave reviews. Were you expecting this kind of reaction?

It's a little strange that a lot of people are considering Raanjhanaa as my breakthrough performance. I have never done a role and film like Raanjhanaa. I still have a long way to go.

I need to become a better actor and a better person. I have just started my career and there are so many things that I want to do.

A lot of people see Raanjhanaa as your career best performance. How do you see it?

I am not happy with my performance. I think I can do much better. I would give myself 4 out of 10.

I don't know if it is my best performance but I hope to grow with every film I do and Raanjhanaa has surely helped me a lot.

'I charged only Rs 11 for Bhaag Milkha Bhaag'

Why did you cry at the trailer launch of your next film Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (BMB)

It is a very passionate project. People will realise that the film is made with good intentions once they see it.

The cast and crew have worked really hard to make BMB a good film. Besides that, the story would make anyone feel emotional. The film celebrates the joy and victory of the human spirit. I was really happy to be a part of it.

How was the experience of working on BMB?

I am in my happy place when I am working with Rakeysh (Om Prakash Mehra, producer-director of the film). I feel like I am home. I have worked with him earlier (in Delhi 6).

It was very easy for me. I just had to go on the sets and look beautiful (laughs). It was not like Zoya (her character in Raanjhanaa), which was a very difficult character to play.

Is it true that you charged only Rs 11 for BMB?

It's true. I could not thank Rakeysh enough for making me a part of this beautiful film.

I want to make it very clear though that this film is a one-off. Otherwise where will I get the money from to shop if I stop charging for my films? (laughs).

'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag is going to be an iconic film in Indian cinema'

You are working with some of the best directors right now. Are you choosing your films carefully?

I want to be part of good films. With Raanjhanna, I had an author-backed role in a brilliant film. With BMB, I have a small role -- more of a special appearance -- in a brilliant film.

I would rather do a small role in a brilliant film than a full-fledged appearance in a mediocre film. 

BMB is going to be an iconic film and will go down in the history books of Indian cinema. In fact, I had told Rakeysh that even if you want me to walk across and do a passing scene in BMB, I am ready to do it. Working with Rakeysh and Farhan is something that I can tell my grandchildren about.

'I don't think I am beautiful or talented'

A lot of girls feel that you have the perfect life -- you're beautiful, talented and fashionable. How do you see yourself?

I don't know what girls have to say about me but I know I am happy in my space. I don't think I am beautiful nor do I think I am talented.

Yes, I am fashionable but it's just about being myself. I love what I am doing and would like to explore a lot of things in life.

Have the pressures of stardom ever got to you?

I don't think I am a star. At least in Mumbai, there is no stardom as there are bigger stars walking around in front of me every day.

'I think every actress is better than me'

What is your biggest insecurity?

My only insecurity is that I am an extremely confident person. I always speak my mind and don't care what people think about it.

I don't make safe choices and do some crazy films. I am not in the rat race and don't want to be in it, as I am very happy in my own space.

I think every actress is better than me. I am self-critical and I compete with myself. I am ambitious to be a better actor and a better person and not to step on other people's toes.

Do you keep a tab on your contemporaries?

I read all the gossip about everyone, I read all the newspapers. I like to know what is going on in the industry. I am active on Twitter and you get all the news on it.

'I dont believe in love at first sight'

What is your take on love and do you believe in love at first sight?

No, I dont beleive in love at first sight but love is an amazing experience. It makes the world go round. Let me make it clear right now, I am not interested in men (makes a long pause) in Mumbai, because they are all stupid (laughs).

Can you tell us about your upcoming project with Yash Raj Films?

I am enjoying working on the film. Everybody on the sets is a woman and poor Ayushamaan (Khuraana) doesn't know what to do. He is surrounded by women. It's a light romantic comedy and it's completely different from what I have done so far.