“I don’t want to be No. 1 or No. 10” – Sonam Kapoor

By Bollywood Hungama News Network -

July 6, 2010 - 11:47 AM IST

Imran Khan calls Sonam Kapoor a drama queen in real life. He also believes that she is a far better actor in real life than in reel life. All in good humour though. I don't know whether this is perfectly true or not. However, during a conversation with her, you do realise that she is one of the most expressive people from the film fraternity. No, it is not just the case of emotions oozing out. But Sonam is someone who hears you out and then comes up with her own take on the state of affairs. Of course with an expressive touch to it. You soon realise that Imran is right. One can be rest assured that the moment you press 'off the records' button, Sonam makes for an even brilliant copy. However, as of now, presenting the readers an 'on the records' version of the conversation that happened between her and Joginder Tuteja!

“I don’t want to be No. 1 or No. 10” – Sonam Kapoor

A film like I Hate LUV Storys or Aisha are different and yet so commercial

I Hate Luv Storys has used all the clichés of classic love stories and presented itself differently. An attempt to get some new age story telling here?

Well, the only thing constant in life is change. The tolerance level also changes with time and so do audience. One has to either change with times or let other people do things differently. This is why newer directors like Punit are coming in. A film like I Hate LUV Storys or Aisha are different and yet so commercial, something that audience will definitely enjoy. This is not a new trend though. Look at films starring my dad. He did films like Woh Saat Din and Saheb which were not masala films but they still did well, mainly because they were good films.

Well, I Hate LUV Storys did turn out to be as 'masala' as it gets, what with its emotional upheavals.

(Smiles) That was the intent of the film. It was meant to be that perfect outing where there was going to be conflict. It had its own ups and downs.

Your own career has now seen an up with IHLS though it was relatively down after Saawariya and Delhi 6, both of which failed at the box office.

Firstly, neither Saawariya nor Delhi 6 had failed. It's all a media perception. Please checks figures and facts, both of them did recover money eventually. Secondly, when I look back, it is so disheartening because all it takes is one write up to pan a film. They don't realise that there is so much that goes into the making of a film. No one wants to do any 'chaalu kaam' in the industry. Each one of us wants to come up with a good film and make it work.

Ok, but I am sure you would have expected much more from these films. Wasn't it heartbreaking since expectations were not met?

Films don't fail; it's the budget that fails. Saawariya and Delhi 6 may not have been blockbusters and could have been better but I am very proud of these films. I made some great relationships due to these films. I don't carry any heartbreak whatsoever. Also, I don't believe in looking backwards.

Well, your future does look exciting, what with Aisha, Thank You and Mausam being next in line. Quite some work happening here?

Yeah, I don't have a personal life currently (smiles). But that's ok. I am fortunate to have some good films coming next. I hope audience too likes them all. I am playing a variety of roles and I wish to continue working and acting all my life. I strive to do better with each of my outings.

...and aim to make a march towards that top slot?

See, quite a few actors say that they want to be number one and all. Some say that they are in the profession only for money. However, I don't want to be No. 1 or No. 10. Yes, if something good happens then that's a great plus point but I am not working to achieve that. I am here because I wish to be remembered for my work.

One hopes that you do get remembered, just as is the case with Imran who is seeing widespread appreciation coming his way ever since the release of IHLS.

Really, I have never met a person like Imran. I am happy for him. He carries with him the kind of integrity that I have seldom seen in many. There is nothing grey about him as he is very correct. He tells you what he feels in his heart. He is not someone who takes anything that you say in a wrong light.

I don't want to be No. 1 or No. 10

You seem to be mighty impressed with him.

And that's because he is very hard working and honest. He will be 100% successful because of the kind of person he is. He will always be known as a good man.