‘I didn’t even mention Deepika’s name’
Sonam Kapoor dismisses much-talked about dig at Deepika Padukone
Roshmilla Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 21, 2015)

Sonam Kapoor is miffed that she has been drawn into another war of words with Deepika Padukone. "I didn't even mention her name but as usual my words were lost in translation," she says exasperatedly. The actress is reported to have said that she would never publicise her plans to do social service, soon after Deepika announced her plans to support the cause of mental health awareness.

Sonam insists that she only said that while charity needs a public platform, it should not be used for personal gain. "I don't even know what causes Deepika supports. I respect her, she's always gracious," she points out.

So why did Deepika give her the 'royal snub' at a recent award function, refusing to sit next to her? "I didn't even know she was at the same function," retorts Sonam. "Seriously, there's nothing wrong between us, it's the media which lacks news. Any kind of negativity makes for good copy."

She's adds that she's somebody who is always unapologetically herself which is why she connects with her character in Dolly Ki Doli, a conwoman who dupes men into marrying her, then robs them. "She's no Sati Savitri, she's quirky and fun," Sonam laughs. "Good, bad or ugly, a woman should always be someone rather than a decorative prop. All my screen avatars from Dolly to Zoya (Raanjhanaa) and Mili (Khubsoorat) have their own identity."

Buzz is, she's pairing up with her Khubsoorat co-star, Fawad Khan, againfor a film adaptation of the novel, Battle For Bittora. "Since I have bought the rights of the book, I'm definitely doing the film. Fawad is family and will always be our first choice. But he has to like the role too," she reasons.

So is Sonam, of late, her name has only been associated with Shah Rukh Khan and Raees and Ram Madhvani's film on Neerja Bhanot, the Pan Am air hostess who was shot dead in 1986 by terrorists on board the hijacked flight. "Neerja is close to my heart, she was a brave girl. But I can't speak about the film since the deal hasn't been sealed yet. As for Raees, that was just a rumour not started by me. It's the fastest way to hype a project," she says dismissively.

For Sonam, a self-proclaimed Salman Khan fan, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo is the "big deal". "It is the biggest film of my career so far," she asserts, recalling a call from Sooraj Barjatya in July 2013 after he'd seen Raanjhanaa.

"Six months later, when shooting in Rajasthan, I finally learnt that I'd been cast opposite Salman and started jumping. I play a traditional Indian girl with a modern upbringing. It's not a four song, three scene appearance. I'm on the sets everyday," she asserts.

Salman, along with Anupam Kher, has a double role, what about her? "No one has a double role but there are surprises in store," she promises.

Any advice for brother Harshvardhan who will debut in Mirziya? "I tell him to keep his head down and work hard because your work speaks for you, irrespective of who your father is. It was easier for me, I was just Anil Kapoor's daughter, but Harsh, being a boy, will be directly compared to dad.

Fortunately, he looks like both mom and dad and being a fourth generation Kapoor, he should be able to handle the pressures," she says. And when is Ms Kapoor's doli going to leave her home? "After six years I'm finally being taken seriously as an actress, so for the next couple of years the focus is on acting and filmmaking," she says. "My film has a line, 'Dolly ki Express shuru ho gayi hai, tez speed se jaa raha hai, usse rokhna nahin.' I'd say the same to you."