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29 March 2024

Sonam: die-hard romantic

Sonam Kapoor says she is a shy person and likes the certain level of anonymity provided by Twitter. (SUPPLIED)

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By Bindu Suresh Rai

With three generations of filmmakers dotting her family tree, Sonam Kapoor was probably groomed to face the limelight while cooing in her cradle.

Yet, rather than mouthing prose with the kind of political correctness that Bollywood's Bachchan dynasty has turned into an art form, this young Kapoor is notorious for throwing caution to the winds while gleefully calling a spade by its given name. Critics could argue this character trait would make her an unworthy chess opponent, but anyone who doesn't hesitate in publicly addressing author Shobha Dé as a 60-something porn writer knows exactly how to play the game.

Emirates Business caught up with the 25-year-old who jetted into Dubai to promote her latest film, I Hate Luv Storys, with co-star Imran Khan.

 

So, the question begs to be asked: do you hate love stories?

Naah. I'm just like every other girl who dreams that there is someone out there, waiting for me. I'm a die-hard romantic, even when I was a child.

My first love was a 13-year-old's obsession with a boy in my class. The whole relationship was not defined by a boyfriend-girlfriend tag, but rather an experience that encompassed all the innocence of what a first love should be

I guess that innocence ended when you grew up and become a famous film star. Or does that child still exist?

I was a very shy person back then, and am one even now. I love people, but rather than participating, I'm much more of an observer these days.

You can hardly be just an observer considering how active you are on social media site, Twitter. So which one is it?

Twitter is different from talking to a face. Here you are dealing with a name, a handle, a number. You are secure in a certain level of anonymity.

These days though, that line of anonymity is getting blurred as more and more celebrities use this social platform to bridge the gap between artists and starry-eyed fans. Don't you agree?

I guess. But how much can be really said in 140 characters?

Enough, considering some celebs use it as a mode for media bashing. Has that happened with you?

Fortunately, I have never been victimised by tabloid journalists. Frankly, I don't take rags seriously; neither do most readers.

So in that case, all that we read about you refusing a film with your first co-star and former boyfriend, Ranbir Kapoor, is all made up?

I was not offered a film with Ranbir. There was a script reading, which never appealed to me. I would like to reiterate that the co-star does not matter, as long as the director is aware of his vision for his movie.

Aside from IHLS, what other films can we expect this year?

Well, there's my dad's film, Aisha, which sees me opposite Abhay Deol. My sister Rhea is also a producer in the film – all in the family. Honestly, it is one of those fulfilling roles that you get once in a lifetime. I play the title character that is based on Jane Austen's Emma.

Then there are two other films, Mausam with Shahid Kapoor and Anees Bazmi's mad caper, Thank You. Can't say more on them right now.

Have you seen your father Anil Kapoor in 24 yet?

I've seen clips, and he looks amazing! It's great to see dad getting recognition for his efforts after so many years. But before you ask, we haven't signed on a film yet.

So aside from the fun on sets, any more run-ins with your favourite "Indian porn author Shobha Dé" who blogged not so pleasant things about you and your acting?

I don't know her, and don't ever care to know her either. I refuse to give such a woman any importance, even if t is negative publicity.

A vintage portfolio

She may have mastered the coy, giggly girl next-door act down to pat, but once the cameras switch off Sonam Kapoor is an enterprising entrepreneur who wears many a business hats to secure her growing empire.

"I collect vintage clothing, the same way people collect art for investment," she says. "I would like to emphasise that every penny invested in my collection is my own; my parents support my venture but don't provide me the finances for it."

Ask her how passionate is she about her growing wardrobe and the actor says that going without food for a month is acceptable but she "needs" her clothes, which includes a vintage Lava dress that Kapoor calls ridiculously expensive, but refuses to divulge the hefty price tag. "Some of them are museum pieces; how can you put a price on that?" she asks. "I also collect rare books, but I'm not sure where all this will lead to. If nothing else, it's a great collection of family heirlooms."

A risky investment? Some would agree, which is probably why the business savvy Kapoor is also pooling her money in more traditional tidings.

"I am looking at accumulating assets via purchasing property in Mumbai," she says. "My mother is helping me."

Funding these expensive ventures, the three-film old Kapoor is also banking on her brand endorsements to keep the money rolling in, which is handled under the watchful eye of Atul Kasbekar, friend, photographer and owner of celebrity management company, Bling!, which represents the actor. "I endorse four brands, including Montblanc, L'Oreal, Spice mobiles and Anant jewellery. I have an annoying idealistic streak and am a very bad liar, which is why I only lend my face to companies that I can relate to," Kapoor says.