This Masakali is too sharp-tongued for a star-kid and a Bolly actor. Talking to Sonam Kapoor makes you feel talking to a next-door girl who has a mind of her own. Our correspondent got in conversation with the new Kapoor star.

Your characters in SAWAARIYA and DELHI 6 are poles apart. But which one carries your real life traits?
It's the middle-class girl Bittu in DELHI 6 who is just like me-full of pranks, down-to-earth and a rebel. I can't be so quiet, goody-goody and eternally waiting for my uncertain lover like Safina in SAWAARIYA.

What was your reaction after SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE won Oscars?
Great...I watched SLUMDOG MILIONAIRE even before it was released in theatres and was bowled over by the film and my father's (Anil Kapoor) performance. Winning BAFTAs and Oscars were like slaps on faces of the people who made criticizing SM their motto of life. I just wish my father would have won an Oscar too.

Having Anil Kapoor as a father means loads of restrictions in your life. Right?
Partly right. But I think not just Anil Kapoor, any father who has a beautiful daughter like me; (laughs) will turn possessive. It's a father's right to be possessive and protective about his daughter, especially when she is into showbiz.

What are the restrictions you have?
Like, whenever I go out, I have to go with a driver, especially appointed for me and then, my mom keeps calling me 20-40 times a day to track my whereabouts.

Don't you protest?
Not in this case for I understand their worries. But I am a born rebel. I even joined Sanjay Leela Bhansali as his assistant in BLACK despite my father's initial objection.

Your father didn't want you to join films?
No, not that. I was only seventeen and he wanted me to complete my studies first and then do whatever I want. But I was too stubborn and approached Bhansali through Rani (Mukherjee) and Ranbir (Kapoor). I tell you...I threw Bhansali in a puddle. On one hand, he wanted to take me as an assistant, on other hand; he couldn't do so going against my father. So, finally I myself had to convince my father.

And, when did the heroine thing happened?
Even before I joined as an assistant. In our first meeting with Bhansali, he said I am the heroine of his next film.

We heard your father chooses scripts for you?
Nonsense...why should he. But I will be a moron if I don't consult an experienced actor like him while choosing a script. However, the final decision is solely mine.

You were very plump in your childhood. How did you shed weight?
I was 84 kilos when at school. I will tell you what. I had a very middle-class upbringing. I was not sent to posh schools like Mumbai Scottish, where star-kids usually went. My schooling was at Arya Vidya Mandir, and then I was sent to a boarding school for Class 11-12. While at boarding, for the first time in life, there were no restrictions...I was a free bird. I am a complete foodie and at that time I gorged on anything that came my way-chocolates, pastries, junk food, cold drinks...every thing. And the result showed. But I am always an attention-crazy person and people will only be drawn to you when you look great (read sexy). Hence, after rigorous sessions of dieting and yoga, I became The Sonam Kapoor. In fact, I am too thin for my 5 ft 9 inches long body.

When did you get a tattoo done?
After the release of SAWAARIYA. It's 'Sonam' written in Chinese on my hip-bone. My name means 'good luck'.

Unlike typical Bolly ladies, you are too sharp-tongued...
That's good for you...won't have to hunt hard for catchy phrases. Seriously, I don't believe in being a hypocrite. I am a bindaas ladki who knows how to voice her mind. But, off late, I have been told (don't ask me, who) to learn to sugarcoat my speeches as no one here is ready to hear the truth.

Have you ever been in love?
If your read-between-the-lines question is 'Have you been in love with Ranbir?' Then the answer is 'NO' because even during SAWAARIYA, I think he was seeing another girl and after the film, of course he was all Deepika's (Padukone). As for me falling in love, I won't name the person, but yes, I was in love long back. Again, I don't know if it was love or infatuation...was too young to understand all that.

What type of man you are looking for?
Oh... you should have told me earlier that you have a matrimonial column as well. I don't want a goody-goody husband material type man. He should be little naughty, love me loads and most importantly, smell good.