I am still a mediocre actor,says Sonam Kapoor

Sonam Kapoor: That was quite a bash. It was lot of fun. But yeah,nobody throws me a bash. Actually I find the very idea of success parties to be a bit weird. There’s too much work yet to be done. I have miles to go. This is just the beginning. I have had no time to process the impact of Raanjhanaa. The film is not out of my system yet,but I’m already into Bhaag Milka Bhaag. It’s been a rollercoaster ride.

Question: You’ve had a hit film after a while,so this must be a good feeling?

Sonam Kapoor: I don’t think like that. I’ve always focused on choosing characters over projects. From Sakeena,Bittu,Simran,Aayat and Aisha to Zoya in Raanjhanaa,people remember my character’s name. As an actor,the only choice I can make is to pick up interesting characters and make sure they are memorable. If the film does well then it’s sone pe suhaga. My ambition is not to be the biggest star in the country,but be the best actor in the country.

Ques: Interesting you say that since the only template films you did were Players and Thank You,which didn’t work?

Sonam Kapoor: I did Players because I felt I’d have a good time working on it. I needed a break from intense films. I got to drive some really cool cars. I looked quite hot. Usually Abbas Mustan films do well. It’s destiny.

Sonam Kapoor: Did you have a point to prove with Raanjhanaa?

Sonam Kapoor: Not really. But I did give my all to the film. I was a neurotic emotional wreck by the end of the film. It took us 15 days to shoot the climax and it was the most creatively satisfying yet emotionally draining experience of my life. I felt like an empty shell after shooting it. There were instances when I wouldn’t stop crying even after the director called ‘cut.’ There were moments I couldn’t breathe.

Ques: What was the toughest part about playing Zoya?

Sonam Kapoor: It was difficult to achieve a fine balance between not making her evil and yet playing her as a flawed character. I wanted today’s girls to identify with her. My take was that she is flawed and yes,she made some high-risk choices,but there was no other option. Zoya was pretty stubborn and she’s not a loveable person. I had to be in love with her to play her and make her real,which took some time. We didn’t have any readings for the film. Aanand (director Aanand L Rai) sir doesn’t believe in workshops or rehearsals. He gives us the space to interpret the character. He directs his actors in a way that they don’t feel they are being directed.

Ques: What prompted you to take up Bhaag Milkha Bhaag?

Sonam Kapoor: It’s a small role but I always wanted to be a part of a cult film. I’d rather do a small role in an iconic film than a big role in a mediocre film. Milkha gets inspired to be Milkha because of the character I play. I interpreted her as a dream that echoes through the film.

Ques: The general perception about you is that you are not pushy enough about your career. Do you agree?

Sonam Kapoor: I don’t want to be pushy. I like to travel,be with friends and live life rather than just run from one studio to another. I need a reserve. I want to grow as a person and an artiste. I’m still a mediocre actor. I have to get better and for that I need more experiences — if I don’t live a life,I can’t portray it on screen. This doesn’t mean I’m not ambitious. I’m very pushy for my work,but not to get projects. I’d rather push myself to perform better than push other actors.

Ques: Can you go upto a director and tell him that you want to work with him?

Sonam Kapoor: I’ve told Dibakar Banerjee and Shimit Amin that I’d like to work with them but I feel it’s unfair to put directors in this position. It’s not about ego or pride,but I feel these guys know that I’m around and if they want me,they can cast me.

Ques: You’ve positioned yourself as a fashionista but do you ever feel that it gets in the way of your work because there’s just way too much talk about your clothes?

Sonam Kapoor: I don’t think it affects my films. Filmmakers are still casting me as the simple,no-make-up girl next door. Don’t forget our directors are very intelligent. In my films,I’m always the character and never Sonam Kapoor. Anyways,I’d rather be known for my fashion than controversies.