2010 is certainly the year of Sonam Kapoor, with not one but two films getting ready to release and both have got fans a buzzin’! In August, she will be seen in Aisha, a film based on the classic Jane Austen tale Emma. However, fans can get their Sonam fix sooner because her film, I Hate Luv Storys releases this week. It is not only Sonam fanatics that are waiting impatiently for the rom-com, if you ask random sample of Hindi cinema buffs, I would bet my bolly-budget that they would say I can’t WAIT to see this movie. A Dharma/Karan Johar production, the film is directed by Punit Malhotra and co-stars Imran Khan. The film is a look at the love story between Simran, who luvs love stories and Jay, who does not believe in love. The backdrop of the story is set in the film industry and makes for some fabulous picturizations, but more on that later. Sonam has been on a whirlwind tour to promote the film and we got a chance to catch up with her in London.
What was it about the film and your character that made you say yes to the film?
I think it was that it was an unpretentious, simple script. It was a good script. It was a good story and I enjoyed doing it. I enjoyed the whole vibe to the film and that is why I decided to do it.
Who is Simran, what makes her tick?
Well, I think she is like any other girl from Juhu, which is like a suburb in Bombay. She believes in love, she is idealistic. She is a bit of a perfectionist and she is a bit of a control freak. Her world gets kind of shaken up when the character Jay, which is played by Imran Khan, comes into her life.
Did you enjoy playing her?
Of course I did. The only reason I do my movies is because I know I am going to enjoy playing these characters and I always do end up enjoying playing them.
When I interviewed Punit he said that you were SO the character and fit it to a tee. Do you agree?
Oh, that is flattering because the character is not like me, so maybe I have done a good job in convincing him.
How was it working with Punit?
He is incredibly talented. He is incredibly hard working and he is very easy to work with, really, really easy to work with.
What about acting opposite Imran?
It was so much fun because he is so simple, he is so humble and he is so good looking. It is easy to have good-looking people around you that are such nice people. It is a rare combination.
Did you all work well and feed off each other during the scenes?
I think acting is all about reacting and you either have a connection with someone or you don’t. I think Imran and I have a great connection while working together. We work well together.
What is your favorite scene in the film?
I think my favorite scene is there is this long process when Imran and I are becoming friends. I am wearing this pink t-shirt and we are on set and we are having chai together and all we do is talk about love and life.
I know there are several scenes, sort of a tongue in cheek tribute to Hindi films. Can you tell us about filming that and did you enjoy it?
Yes, of course I enjoyed it. It is not technically tongue in cheek, basically the backdrop of the film is the film industry and it more like a tribute to all the films that Punit has worked on.
That was shot partially in New Zealand, how was it shooting there?
It was lovely working there. It is beautiful, New Zealand is beautiful!
Your favorite song in the film?
It is ‘Bin Tere’.
What advice would you have given your character if she came to you asking about love?
I would say go with the flow and do what your heart tells you, not your head.
How would you define love?
I think love is an all-encompassing feeling of respect, happiness and companionship.
The promos have really gotten quite the response. Are you excited that fans are so excited?
I am, because you make the movies for the audience and you want them to go and watch it and if there is excitement then I am sure it is going to do well.
How would you describe the film?
I would describe it as a simple, unpretentious romantic comedy.
What do you think audiences are going to love about I Hate Luv Storys?
I think they are going to love the story, the humor and Imran and me as a pair.
What have you learned during your experience in the industry about yourself as an actress?
That I have patience, that I have endurance and that I have the capacity to grow as a person.
What does you fans support mean to you?
A lot. That is the only thing that means anything to me in this industry.
Your fans are dying to know when your official site will be up.
My website is going to take a while because they still haven’t been able to design something nice or something that I am excited about. What they have designed does not match or fit my personality so I am being a little anal about it. I am trying to figure what I can and do what I can. They just keep coming up with rubbish.
You also have Aisha coming up, can you tell us about that?
It is based on Jane Austen’s Emma and stars Abhay Deol and my sister has produced it. It is a fun joy ride.
Of course, we love a good love story, so we cannot wait to see this film and see if Sonam’s Simran does indeed fall in love with Imran’s Jay and live happily ever after. You can catch I Hate Luv Storys on the big screen on June 30th in the US and Canada, July 1st in the UAE and July 2nd in UK, India and everywhere else. We know we will be there first show! Stay tuned because we also have interviews with Punit Malhotra and Imran Khan coming up very soon! BollySpice is all about I Hate Luv Storys this week.
