‘I don’t let others really define me’

Sonam Kapoor explains why she’s a director’s actor and more...

Sonam Kapoor is basking in the success of Neerja and she says there’s an added bonus because this is the first time she, as an actor, has carried a film entirely on her shoulders.

“I have been here for nine years and my films Aisha, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Raanjhanaa and Delhi-6 had done well. But the one thing I am sure with films like Neerja getting a great response is that people definitely connect with emotions. The success of a film depends on the whole team. The director is the conductor and if actors, no matter how good or bad they are, follow the director’s guidance, they will be able to portray the character properly.

“Also, I’m happy that all the directors I have worked with – Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Rakesh Om Prakash Mehra, Anand Rai, they all like to work with me. In short, I’m totally a director’s actor.”

She adds, “With all humility, success does not make me proud. Instead, I work hard- er. I try to keep my head on my shoulders. Whatever goes up has to come down, so I have to remain grounded. The credit goes to all.”

And about Neerja not being screened in Pakistan, Sonam is disappointed.

“People need to watch the film for them to know the what happened. When I was in school abroad, there were students from all over the world. And I gelled with Pakistani students so very well. In fact, we Indians and Pakistanis have so much in common — our behavior, culture and most of the things are the same. People do not bear any grudge at all. It is all politics. Indians here watch Pak TV shows, also Fawad (Khan) is a heart-throb.”

Sonam’s mantra of empowerment is self-confidence.

“I feel women need to maintain their self respect. One should not get carried away by compliments; people praising you today could one day say your performance was s**t. What I mean to say is we women need to have confidence. I define myself in my own way.”

What goes up has to come down I have to remain grounded — SONAM

KAPOOR