‘ALL I WANT IS TO BE MYSELF’

She has had a great year with her first National Award (Special Mention) for Neerja, a clothing brand, and a solid line-up of new films. As Sonam Kapoor blows out the candles today, we chat with her about birthdays, life, love, and career.

Are you a birthday person? Yes, but it’s more like, ‘Now I’m a year older, a year wiser’ and all of that. But I like birthdays and celebrations in general. I also like to take some time off on my birthdays. Anything special planned with the family? Why should I plan on my own birthday (laughs) ?My friends and family should plan for me. But I’m not doing anything major… maybe a special dinner.

Do you remember any special birthday while growing up? Not really. I’ve never had a bad birthday. I’m very blessed as far as my family and friends are concerned. They shower a lot of love and appreciation on me; it makes me feel very loved and celebrated. I think that’s the most important thing. If you have the right friends and family around you, you feel very secure and confident. If anyone is not feeling happy, then they need to get the right people in their lives.

Ever since Neerja, you seem to be happy, in a good space… I’ve always been like this. It has [now] become very obvious to the world, but I’ve felt that way since Raanjhanaa. I decided that all I want is to be myself — that’s the only thing that can make me happy. Be honest with yourself, be appreciative of what you have around you, and automatically, things will fall in place.

How do you feel about your career right now? I think my life has just been good; it’s getting better and better as far as work is concerned. I’m working with amazing filmmakers. Working with R. Balki sir (in Padman) has been good. He is so amazing — I don’t think anyone has given me so much confidence, appreciation and love. The same goes for Raju [Hirani, director of the Sanjay Dutt biopic] sir, too. They are very good bosses.