She may have had a tepid start with ‘Saawariya’ and ‘Delhi 6′ but Sonam Kapoor finally arrived with ‘I Hate Luv Storys’. While critics gave the film a mixed response, the viewers embraced it with open arms, so naturally Anil Kapoor’s daughter is mighty thrilled. She is not in the country to enjoy her success is a dampener though as she shoots for Pankaj Kapur’s directorial debut ‘Mausam’, with son Shahid (Kapoor) in Edinburgh. Also coming up soon is her home production, ‘Aisha’ based on the book ‘Emma‘, which has her playing the title role while younger sister, Rhea gets her hands dirty with production. We caught up with Sonam for a telephonic chat. The line was bad yet the lovely Ms. Kapoor managed to win us over with her candid answers. Over to Miss SK.

It must be frustrating to not be in the country when your film is a huge success?

(Laughs). No…I like the distance. I am happy this way.

The critics gave a very mixed response to I Hate Luv Storys…Did that bother you?

Not at all. I feel they have been fair and kind to me. Ever since I made my debut with ‘Saawariya’ and then ‘Delhi 6′, I have not got any bad remarks. It’s been pretty good, predominantly very positive. The same was with ‘I Hate Luv Storys’ apart from a couple of unflattering reviews, by and large, everything was ok. I am glad people loved the movie and it is a success.

With every film, there is growth for any actor. What was it for you when you did this film?

I don’t know, maybe the viewers are the best judge to answer this. I guess the critics will best judge my growth as an actor.

You are shooting with Shahid. Weren’t you worried about being sidelined in his father’s first movie? Is your part good enough?

I wouldn’t have done it if it wasn’t. ‘Mausam’ is a classic love story and a love story is incomplete without a girl. Both the characters have to be equally strong, if either of it isn’t, then there are chances of it not working. I loved the script and so I am doing it.

How is Pankaj Kapur as a director? He comes across as this stern, reserved sort of person both on screen and off it…

(Smiles). No…he is not at all like that. He is very paternal, very nurturing, kind and gentle. He takes immense care of me.

Have you grown up on ‘Karamchand’?

Of course, I have seen it and his ‘Office Office’ too. In fact, just the other day I was telling him to give me all the DVDs of both the shows. I love them and can watch them any time, over and over again.

Are you wearing flats to match up to Shahid’s height?

(Smiles) No, because Shahid is about an inch taller than me! Really, he is. Both Anushka (Sharma) and Deepika (Padukone) are taller than me and he has worked with Anushka in ‘Badmash Company’ so, yes he is taller than me. In fact, I am not as tall as you think I am. I may look tall on screen but I am not very tall.

‘Aisha’ is releasing soon. What’s she like?

‘Aisha’ is a coming of age film. It’s about Aisha who lives in her own world, which she thinks is the centre of the universe. She is a generous spirit. It’s her journey from a girl to a woman, much like it is mine…Yes, we are contrasting personalities but we both are growing up, going through the girl to a woman ritual. Growing up is painful but it is necessary and it’s eventually very beautiful. Yes, you would want to live in a dream world and not care to see reality but you have got to some day and the experience is worth it. Because growing up means you don’t look at things as naively as you would. You become more mature and you can handle your emotions, feelings your life a lot better. In fact, I am growing up publicly. All that I am learning, doing, thinking is happening in this big industry, in front of so many people. A couple of years more and I too would have the maturity to look at things differently.

Isn’t Aisha a matchmaker too?

Yes, she is and match-making is a very Indian thing to do. Especially Punjabi women, who love to match make. I am an Indian at heart and I am sure there is a Punjabi aunty within me.

What do you do when some Punjabi aunties try to set you up with someone?

I am too young to even go there, to think of marriage right now.

It’s your home production and your sister has worked on it. It’s obviously special to you, no?

(Smiles) Absolutely! Rhea and I had a great time working on this. We have put in our heart and soul to it, so irrespective of how it well it connects with the viewers and critics, it will always remain special to us.

What is the downside of being Anil Kapoor’s daughter?

That people are quick to point fingers at you, your parents; they are quick to pass judgments and sometimes very harsh at that. The minute your parents are public figures, you are often made to answer for a lot of things. But otherwise, being my father’s daughter, only have its pros!

What is that one bit of advice he has given you?

To ignore the negativity, focus only on the positives.

You are known for your fashion sense. You have been on fashion glossies and magazine covers as the most well dressed girl. What is it that you desire to hear about you now?

Even then, I never desired to be called a fashionista. It’s just that I love having fun with my fashion and if people liked it, great. I would rather hear about my acting skills and most importantly hear about me as a compassionate, sensitive human being than anything else.

Ranbir Kapoor said in an interview that you are about 500 times a better actress off screen than on it…

(Smiles) I know, I read it. I don’t know why he said that but yes, I love drama.

Finally, what’s your current state of mind like?

Very happy! I am enjoying working on Mausam and looking forward to Aisha. Feel good.