‘I DON’T LOBBY FOR AWARDS’
Sonam Kapoor is ecstatic about the National Award and calls it a “huge validation”
After the release of Neerja (2016), Sonam Kapoor took a break for an entire year. Now, she is back on the sets, relaxed and rejuvenated, with three films in her kitty. What makes the return special is that her last film — Ram Madhvani’s biopic on the fearless PanAm stewardess, Neerja Bhanot — won the National Award for the Best Hindi Film. Sonam also received a special mention for her career-defining role in the film, and she attended the ceremony in Delhi yesterday (May 3). Sonam talks to HT Café about her ‘slow and steady’ journey in Bollywood and her National Awards win. Excerpts from an interview:
You didn’t speak about the National Award win at all, until now. What was keeping you busy?
I am really shy and awkward about these things. I am ecstatic with the Best Hindi Film award and of course, the special mention for me too, but I just can’t take credit for it solely. It’s such a happy occasion and I am elated that our film was recognised for this honour.
Your father, Anil Kapoor, couldn’t stop gushing about your National Award win. How does that make you feel?
He is too sweet. But it’s amazing because I am here with my parents and it’s a matter of great pride. For me receiving the award being Anil Kapoor’s daughter is the biggest joy because I don’t lobby for awards. Funnily, I didn’t feel any pressure or nervousness, I just feel light because this is a huge validation. Contrary to what people think, I work really hard on every project and I do it with a lot of integrity. When a film like this wins an award, it’s reassuring as everyone is part of a competition and the rat race. It’s about putting your head down, being focussed and working at your own pace. I’ve realised that aggression doesn’t work in the long run. It affects you mentally and physically, and eventually burns you out. If you are kind and honest, it should be enough.
You have completed a decade in the Hindi film industry. How much have you changed in the past 10 years?
I don’t think I have changed as a person. But I have learnt that you have to keep gathering experiences as an artiste. Acting is my job, so, I haven’t set any targets for myself. It’s not like I will work till I am 34 and then quit acting to get married. I am not running a race, it’s my job and I am never going to stop acting.
Acting is my job, so, I haven’t set any targets for myself. It’s not like I will work till I am 34 and then quit acting to get married. SONAM KAPOOR, ACTOR
You took a year off after Neerja released. What did you do in that time?
The idea is to evolve and be a better person and artiste. I learnt a lot about myself in this time. I am a work in progress. I travelled a lot and also decided to work towards the betterment of society. I am involved with cancer awareness, raising awareness about malnutrition, and equal rights for LGBTQ. I want to be sure about the causes I support, so I spent a lot of time working with people, reading up and researching these things. Education, good roads and infrastructure are issues that we definitely do need to deal with. But in a country like India, where the gap between the rich and the poor keeps widening, the focus should be on basic needs like food and shelter.
You recently wrote a piece for Hindustan Times on trolling. Was there an incident that triggered it?
It wasn’t anything specific that triggered it, but I try to have an opinion on things that matter. I love writing and I am thankful that HT chose me for this initiative, but I do think I could have been more articulate. Unfortunately, I only had a day to write it. But I do enjoy writing and have written about issues close to my heart. I think it’s alright to say what you really feel and stand by it. Even if it means only ten people will read it.