‘IT’S HEARTNING TO WIN AWARDS’
Sonam Kapoor, who has bagged her fifth award for Neerja (2016), talks about why she hates being called a ‘fashionista’ and her plans for Hollywood
Actor Sonam Kapoor has received several nominations over the past few years for her performances. But her last release Neerja (2016) has earned her the first ‘Best Actor’ award of her career. The film released in February last year and ever since, the love and support coming her way has been more than overwhelming. “I have been winning awards since the film released in February last year. Of course, it’s great to be validated for the work you do and it’s heartening to win awards, but honestly, your work should be your reward. I don’t think I would be upset if I didn’t win awards because by that logic, I should have stopped working if I thought that way. I have been nominated five times before, but I guess people only remember when you win awards. I got fifth time lucky,” says Sonam.
The actor started her career with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Saawariya (2007) and has worked with equally established film-makers. Though Neerja has definitely been the turning point in her career, Sonam insists that there hasn’t been a significant change in the ‘quality’ of roles and scripts being offered to her. “I have been getting the same amount of work as before. I have worked with some amazing film-makers, who are the best in the business (Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Sooraj Barjatya, Aanand L Rai, etc.) and I will continue to do that, so nothing has changed. I have worked with the best directors and they would vouch for me,” she says.
Though there is no dearth of films in Bollywood but Hollywood as a career, is an option that Sonam is currently exploring. However, she is very clear that she won’t compromise on the ‘quality for quantity’, no matter what the offer. “I don’t think just because it is an international platform, I want to give up my ideals. I have signed up with a great agency and they are chuffed about the kind of work I do. I am waiting for the right opportunities,” adds Sonam.
I don’t think just because it is an international platform, I want to give up my ideals. SONAM KAPOOR, ACTOR
While Sonam Kapoor “admires” Priyanka Chopra for the way she has handled her career and her work in Hollywood, she isn’t sure if she is game for that kind of juggling. But, what if she is offered a show like Quantico? “Honestly, I don’t know. It is a very long commitment to make. I don’t think I want to move out and live in another country for such a long period. I will miss my home a lot much,” she says.
Sonam is quick to add that it is “brave of Priyanka to do what she is doing”. She adds that she wants to take up “projects that make us proud”. “I am a patriot. We are a fantastic country, filled with such talented artistes. I want to take up projects that make us proud. I am a proud Indian,” say the Raanjhana (2013) actor.
Besides films, Sonam has always been in news for her fashion sense. Although the actor admits that she loves clothes and fashion, she says her priority will always be acting. “Till Delhi-6 (2009), people did not concentrate on my fashion sense. Then, I did Aisha (2010) and that’s when it all started. People hadn’t seen celebrities wearing clothes like that. It was new to everyone. I love looking beautiful, but I hate the term ‘fashionista’. It is derogatory, especially for a woman. Besides, I lead a non-controversial and simple life, so my clothes make great copies.”