Fresh from the success of I Hate Luv Storys, Sonam Kapoor talks about her co-star, screen idol, favourite love stories and the pros and cons of being a star daughter. Excerpts from an interview with the actor.

Imran Khan teases you a lot. Are you okay with it?

Imran is one of the gentlest people I have ever met. He is so modest and has no hang-ups. We both were trying such romantic scenes on screen for the first time in “I Hate Luv Storys”. He is ethical to the point where he can drive you mad. He is the perfect foil for my craziness.

So you didn't mind the ragging?

He did it like a ritual. I didn't mind his teasing because it showed how comfortable he was with me, otherwise he just minds his business.

Do you believe in love stories in real life?

Yes, I do and hope I will be part of a successful love story in real life soon. For me, love is enduring and everlasting; it makes the world go round. My character in I Hate Luv Storys is an amalgam of memorable romantic characters from Preity Zinta in Kal Ho Naa Ho to Kajol in Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge. Romance is pretty much in our blood. Two of my favourite love stories are Erich Segal's ‘Love Story' and ‘The Unbearable Lightness of Being'.

Do you have a screen idol among heroines?

Sridevi, for all that she has achieved across every genre of cinema. If I become even 10 per cent of the actress she was, I will have achieved something! I think she is the only actress who has been able to get an opening for a film featuring her in the lead.

Which is your favourite love story starring your dad?

Lamhe, Woh Saat Din, Tezaab, Beta — also all of them were superb.

During IHLS, you were linked with director Punit Malhotra. Comment.

Yeah, because he's a good-looking man and I'm a good-looking girl, so chalo jodi bana do. But nothing is true. When he came to me with the script, I thought ‘Yeh director hai? He should be an actor. I also thought he wouldn't have written the script. Not only had he written the script but also the dialogue. He has worked on some of the biggest hits of the decade such as KANK and Dostana.

In IHLS and your upcoming film, Aisha, why did you choose to work with new directors after having worked with seasoned directors such as Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Rakesh Mehra?

I got many offers from seasoned directors but when you work with them, there are a lot of expectations. Both my earlier films were big-budget films; IHLS is a low-budget film. When you have less money and lesser time, you start thinking of different ways of being creative. I don't think films flop; according to me, budgets fail. If Saawariya's budget had been Rs. 15 crore less, it would have been a hit.

How was it working in Aisha, which is being produced by your sister Rhea?

It just felt like any other film. I was pulled up if I did anything wrong and my work on the film ended when we completed our last shot. After that, I have just disconnected, which is what I do with most of my films. I saw a song because Rhea asked me to come; even Abhay Deol saw it with me.

What are the pros and cons of being a star daughter?

There are only pros. I have my dad's experience behind me and because I'm a girl, there's not much comparison. I don't have to talk to people directly, they go to dad. I don't have any awkward conversations about money as people have too much respect for him and he has got a good reputation. People just want to work with him and they think ‘the apple can't fall too far from the tree, maybe she is good as well'. So I get work. I have no qualms about it.

The biggest stars in our country are Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra who are not from film families and you also have Ranbir Kapoor, Salman Khan … it is all about your destiny.

How have your parents reacted to your three years in the industry?

In November, I will complete three years, and if you count the time I was assisting on Black, it has been five years. My parents love me but they are also very honest. They tell me what works for me and what does not. Mom told me not to even think about joining the rat race: ‘You can't do it, there have to be manipulations and you will start crying. You will do well, if it is your destiny. Don't fret over why so and so wrote this or who has signed which film, as all this starts affecting everything else you do'. I have blinkers on my eyes. If I'm offered a film which someone has rejected I don't even want to know who rejected it. Since I follow my mom's advice, my dad is very happy.

How will you handle the release of two films in two months?

There is a lot of hard work, a lot of travelling and a lot of interviews.

Stressful?

Talking about yourself is never stressful (laughs).