Anil Kapoor says his actor-daughter Sonam is making brave choices

As actress Sonam Kapoor Ahuja is being lauded for promoting the LGBTQ community in her latest

release Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga, her father and actor Anil Kapoor, who has shared screen space with her for the first time in the film, says she is making brave choices in her film career.

“She is making such brave choices. Neerja was a film that broke many myths. It gave Sonam a chance to prove herself as an actor. I am thankful to (director) Ram Madhvani for believing in Sonam. Now I feel Ek Ladki... gives Sonam another opportunity to prove Exploring new territories what she’s worth. Her performance is not over pitched. She is never over dramatic because she relates with real people and situations through her first hand experiences. She’s widely read and travelled. She connects to her character in Ek Ladki... and expresses the character’s emotions with such natural grace,” Anil said with pride in his voice.

According to Anil, it is necessary for an “actor to make risky choices in life” and he is “glad” that Sonam has played the role of a lesbian in the film. “Whether it is mainstream actors or filmmakers, they’ve always done the unexpected. Raj Kapoor saab’s Mera Naam Joker and Guru Dutt’s Kagaz Ke Phool didn’t work at the box office on release. In retrospect they are regarded as master works. One has to make risky choices in life. I am so glad Sonam is doing it so early in her career,” he added.

How’s your experience working with Sonam on screen? “Apart from the beautiful script, she is the main reason why I did Ek Ladki..., we waited to do the right film together and not just share screen space as a gimmick. And I am very impressed by her dedication,” he said.

Anil also shared that he wishes to direct Sonam in the future. “If I ever direct a film it will only be so that I get to direct my daughter. Yes, my film as a director would have Sonam and no other actor, as the protagonist.”