'I am complicated'
Sonam Kapoor hasn't exactly had the best run in Bollywood — in fact, most of her films have done very average business at the box office. However, the actress remains unfazed; she seems to be looking at things in a positive way and feels that her stint in the industry has helped her grow.
"There are no regrets; it is all about looking at things positively and regarding everything as a part of your growth. I don't think anyone should have regrets, whether it is about your personal decisions or your career choices, as you learn from them," Sonam admits.
"Being a human is about learning from your life and that's why we have been put in this world — to gain knowledge," she adds, philosophically. Daughter of actor Anil Kapoor, Sonam made her Bollywood debut with the 2007 film Saawariya and has since been part of movies like Delhi 6, Aisha, 'I Hate Luv Storys', 'Thank You', Mausam and 'Players' — though most of them failed to garner their expected success at the box office.
The actress, however, is undeterred and is now eagerly looking forward to her two new films, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and Raanjhnaa.
Both the films release next year. "Next year is a good year; so I am looking forward to Raanjhnaa and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag," she expresses. Though the 25-year-old has played diverse roles in a career span of five years, Sonam feels none of them was even slightly close to her real-life personality.
"I am too complicated a character to be incorporated in a film. I don't think anyone would be able to write such a complicated character like me," she smiles, adding, "Unfortunately, I have been stereotyped as a de-glam actress. All my friends are in fashion; so they ask, 'When are you doing a glamorous film? When can we give you glamorous clothes?' Other than Aisha and 'Players', my movies didn't have much of fashion involved, though."
She will once again be seen playing a simple Indian girl in Raanjhnaa too. "In
Raanjhnaa, I play a Banarsi girl, who joins JNU (Jawaharlal Nehru University). I think it is important to have an Indian touch, as we have been doing a lot of films influenced by the west. I like the language, story and everything about the film. I had the best time working on this film," she adds.
She also admits that she's keen to work with the three Khans of Bollywood — Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan. "I would love to work with all three — maybe at the same time. Whatever comes my way is good. I would like Aamir to direct me. One of my favourite films is Taare Zameen Par," she states, adding, "I love him as a director. I think he has a keen eye when it comes to performances; so, I would like him to give me that knowledge."
'I treat myself as a youngster'
Younger actresses like Kareena Kapoor and Katrina Kaif might be able to boast of having worked with all three Khans of tinsel town but Rani Mukerji is quick to add that she shares connections with them as well. In fact, the actress says that she is comfortable working with them, and has actually learnt a lot from all three super stars.
"I have always treated myself as a youngster and a learner in front of SRK and Aamir. I am not shy anymore. It's important for me to take suggestion, as I want to be guided by them. They are my seniors. So, when we are working, it's always a give-and-take policy. There is always room for discussion," says Rani candidly.
The actress adds that she does not compare SRK, Salman and Aamir to any other stars. "Though I debuted with Shadab Khan and Farhad Khan, I was just 17 when I worked with three biggest Khans — Aamir, Salman and Shah Rukh. So, I will always have a soft corner for them. I always look up to them and cannot compare them to any other co-stars. They are all outstanding. Neither do I judge them on the sets nor do they judge me," she states.
Director duo on a roll
The director duo of Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru, who are currently shooting the last leg of their feature film 'I Love New Year', starring Sunny Deol, Kangana Ranaut, Prem Chopra and Reema Lagoo, seem to have become the favourite of Salman Khan.
The super star has started a new trend, by asking the two to direct songs for his movies. This started with Mast Mast Do Nain and Chori Kiya Re Jiya in Dabangg and now, Dagabaz Re and Sanson Ne for Dabangg 2.
Dagabaz Re has been getting rave reviews for its video and the director duo has just returned from Dubai after finishing the last song of Dabangg 2 — Sanson Ne, featuring Salman and Sonakshi.
'Vyjayanthimala is a great inspiration'
Apart from wowing her fans on-screen, Hema Malini has another great passion — classical dance.
And the veteran actress admits that her main inspiration when it comes to this art form is yesteryear actress, Vyjayanthimala.
"My all-time favourite is the one and only Vyjayanthimala. I really admire her and have always tried to follow her footsteps. She is over 70 but is still perfect and dances so well. She is a great inspiration for me," Hema Malini says.
Mallika's plans for New Year's Eve
Mallika Sherawat is practically a permanent fixture at New Year parties, since she always takes up offers to dance at these events. Apparently, this time around, she will be ringing in the new year in an American fashion — the actress, who is currently in the USA, plans to perform at a New Year's Eve gala in Los Angeles.
In fact, she is rumoured to have been offered Rs 1.5 crore for this. Jalebi Bai may be skipping the countdown to another year here, but has not given up on what she has been doing for years on December 31.