Showing posts with label Neerja. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Neerja. Show all posts
I like reinventing myself with everything that I do - Sonam Kapoor | Exclusive Interview
It’s a breezy afternoon, and one can’t miss the flurry of activities at actor Anil Kapoor’s suburban office. Amid stylists arranging outfits for the next event and her team working on weekly schedules, we spot actress Sonam Kapoor, calmly seated on a comfortable lounger, giving media bytes. Dressed in a gorgeous Dolly J maxi and a pair of Louboutins, Sonam looked her stylish best as always. “It’s been a long day full of questions and answers,” stated the actress. But she doesn’t rush through the process and settles down for a chat while saying, “Shoot your questions. I am all ears.”
Be it creating the Dubsmash rage on social media and inspiring others to do the ‘thumka’ like her on Prem Ratan Dhan Payo’s title track or portraying characters like the feisty Dolly (Dolly Ki Doli) and elegant Maithili (PRDP), Sonam has had a great 2015. The fact that she experiments with characters explains her fondness towards venturing into untested waters and accepting challenges as a way of learning new things. “I enjoy the process of doing something new with every film. If I don’t do that, I won’t be challenging myself. I can’t do the same kind of characters over and over again. That would just be plain boring, right? On the creative front, that would mean getting into a stagnant zone. I like reinventing myself with everything that I do.”
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| Image Credit: Sanskriti Media and Entertainment |
Sticking to the promise of reinventing herself with every film, Sonam’s next is the intense biopic, Neerja. She will be seen essaying the role of Late Neerja Bhanot - India’s youngest recipient of the Ashoka Chakra (highest peacetime military award for bravery). It was Neerja who sacrificed her life and saved more than 300 passengers on the ill fated Pan Am flight 73, that was hijacked on September 5, 1986. As part of her preparation and research for the character, Sonam trained to become an in-flight attendant and learned everything about the job. “That was the basic preparation required for this role. I also met Neerja’s friends, family members to understand more about her life. Since she was also a model, I saw all her advertisements. In fact, Neerja’s family had a beautiful audio recording of her in-flight announcement rehearsals, which also helped,” stated Sonam. But according to her, the biggest preparation was to become Neerja and understand her personality. Sonam adds, “It was important for me to know what she believed in and what she didn’t. So, I tried to imbibe her likes, dislikes, and morals. Because at the end of the day, she wasn’t in front of me. So, the process for me to know who she was happened through understanding her beliefs, values and principles.”
It was important for me to know what she believed in and what she didn’t. So, I tried to imbibe her likes, dislikes, and morals. Because at the end of the day, she wasn’t in front of me.
The actress believes that playing a courageous character like Neerja has made her stronger. “In fact, when we were shooting in the plane, at the end of every day, I would just go, ‘Thank god, I am out of the plane.’ By the end of the schedule, it was tough for me to believe that I get to leave this plane, but Neerja couldn’t,” said Sonam, adding that the journey has left a deep, positive impact on her mind. So much, that after working on Neerja, her perspective towards in-flight attendants has changed a lot. She adds, “I didn’t realise that 70 per cent of an in-flight attendant’s job is to ensure the safety of their passengers, while 30 per cent is service. People’s usual perception of them being glorified waiters / waitresses is just ridiculous and wrong. The kind of hard work that goes into this, and how duty bound they are, is just amazing. So now, when a flight attendant tells me to wear my seat belt, I do that immediately (smiles). Whether it is putting the window pane up or switching off my phone, I follow all the instructions politely. I have always been that way, because that’s how I have been brought up.”
But, she admits there were a few instances where she had forgotten to wear the seat belt or switch off her phone. “But now, there is no room for such things. I know that the flight attendants are responsible for my safety and I respect that! And, no matter how many pictures they want to take with me, I will never say no,” assures Sonam with a smile, as she gets ready to change into a gorgeous emerald green anarkali for her next meeting and signs off.
Love,
The Dancebee
This interview (a shorter version) was earlier published in the February issue of Air India's inflight magazine - Shubh Yatra.
The Must Try List | February 2016
On popular demand, we are back with the Must Try List. This time, we have got some interesting must haves, including make up and skincare favourites, much anticipated films and more. All set to make your February special? Then you must read on to know more!
Must Have - Fragrance: The Body Shop Black Musk range
While we be doing a detailed review of this range very soon, we must say that we can't stop loving the all new Black Musk range by The Body Shop. The newest addition to their musk range after White Musk and Red Musk, the black musk has a delightful fragrance and comes in both Eau de Toilette and Eau de Parfum. It contains community fair trade organic alcohol, which crafted from sugar cane. We love the packaging, which makes it a perfect V-day gifting option!
Must Buy - Foundation: Lakme 9 to 5 weightless mousse foundation
You saw all live updates from the launch event of this product on our Snapchat account, and well, this super light foundation mousse has made it to our list of favourites for this month. Since February is a pleasant mix of warm and cold weather in most states, we think the Lakme 9 to 5 weightless mousse foundation is perfect for this month! The light texture and packaging makes this product super travel friendly. That's all we can reveal for now, as we will be talking about the product in detail soon.
Must Check Out - Skincare: Clinique Dark Circle Recovery Kit
Dark circles are a major concern for almost everyone, and one of our favourite skincare brands - Clinique - has come up with a Dark Circle Recovery Kit, which aims at lightening the under eye area over time through a three step process. The kit includes - Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector (a gentle, tinted eye treatment formula to lighten the entire eye area and prime skin before makeup), All About Eyes Concealer (a multi-tasking, long-wearing, moisturising concealer that not only disguises dark under-eye circles but also reduces the look of puffiness) and finally, the Quickliner for Eyes Intense (distract attention from dark circles with our phenomenally versatile eye pencil for all day wear). Always wanted to surprise your loved ones with a caring gift? Don't think it can get better than this. Or perhaps, it can make for a good self help gift as well.
Must Watch - Film: Neerja and Fitoor
While one tells the tale of a brave heart, the other is a cinematic adaption of one of Charles Dickens' most popular novels. February looks like a good month for films as we have Fitoor and Neerja releasing one week after another. Abhishek Kapoor's Fitoor has been in the news since quite sometime, thanks to the multiple changes in cast and more recently, Katrina Kaif's hair makeover worth 55 lakh. But, the promos have caught our eye and we think this Aditya Roy Kapoor - Katrina - Tabu starrer is something to watch out for. Fitoor hits the screens on February 12.
On the other hand, we have Sonam Kapoor stepping into the shoes of PanAm braveheart Neerja Bhanot, in a biopic titled Neerja. We are loving Sonam's look in the film and the promos have already left us speechless. Some scenes are enough to give you goosebumps. The film shows an important journey of a girl, who single handedly changed the lives of several passengers, while sacrificing her own. We have got your eyes on ad-man Ram Madhvani's directorial debut. Neerja is all set to release on February 19.
Must Read - Book: Anything But Khamosh
We all know him as the industry's most loved 'Chainu' or 'Kalicharan'. But, for those who always wanted to know about the struggle that went behind the making of legendary actor Shatrughan Sinha, we suggest you pick up his biography. Anything But Khamosh: The Shatrughan Sinha Biography - by popular veteran journalist Bharti Pradhan, is a fascinating read that retraces journey of India’s most popular Bihari Babu. Let us know if you would like us to review this book!
Must Use: Lipstick - Maybelline Lip Gradation
Experimenting with your lip colours just got easier. Well, ladies, the Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Gradation is here and it promises to help you experiment with different looks everyday. The lip gradation is a buttery soft powder stick with a color stick at one end and a cushion blender on the other side and comes in eight powder shades. Maybelline claims that these are lipsticks have highly saturated pigments to give you a gorgeous pop of colour (well, we can figure that out once we try it, yes?) The Maybelline Lip gradation is priced at Rs 500.
Must Visit: Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (Mumbai)
February is not just about love. In Mumbai, it also marks the beginning of the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival. The week long festival includes art installations, workshops, performances, and specially curated exhibitions that will keep the art lover in you hooked on. Plus, shopaholics can head straight to the Rhythm House lane, where a wide variety of items from across the nation (Yes! You read that right), right from Rajasthan to Orissa and even Maharashtra, are available for sale at the stalls. Still need a reason to visit the KGAF? Click on the image to watch our exclusive video from KGAF 2014.
Got a favourite already? Tell us what you are excited to try from my 'Must Try' list for February.
Love,
The Dancebee
I don't wanna get bored of my job - Sonam Kapoor | Exclusive Interview
Bollywood's favourite fashionista, Sonam Kapoor, can't stop smiling! After all, she is the new Rajshri heroine on the block, and her film, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (which hit the screens today) is already on the path of creating new box office records. We meet her on a hot and humid day, filled with promotional activities, at a suburban film studio. She successfully juggles between solo interviews, channel interactions with Salman and posing with a Diwali lantern, diya and thali filled with sweets for the shutterbugs. The actress has a flight to catch within a few hours (a store opening scheduled in Delhi the next day is on her mind). After completing all the commitments (dressed in a pretty black and gold ethnic dress), Sonam changed into something more comfortable for her journey (and her last interview for the day - with us): a crisp white shirt and Nehru jacket. The minute she is told about Athiya Shetty's compliment (that when it comes to personal style, nobody can be compared to Sonam Kapoor), she quickly stated, "Very kind of her to stay this, but I don't think that's true. There are several young girls and other people who are more talented, prettier and fashionable than me. I just think I am very lucky girl and a lot of things have happened because I am very fortunate."
Well, that speaks volumes about Sonam's approach towards life and work. She is a no-nonsense person, who loves working hard on getting her character right, as much as she loves dressing her best at every event. With a bowl of salad on one side and a cuppa from Starbucks next to it, she quickly settled down for a short and sweet conversation, talking about Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, working with Salman, Feminism and more.
On being a Rajshri heroine
Rajshri heroines have always been iconic. What was your experience of being Princess Maithili, and acting in a Rajshri film like?
It was amazing! Honestly, I love the fact that my character knew what she wanted. In fact, I was just discussing this with Sooraj ji (Barjatya) right now. It's like, during the process of giving these interviews and talking about my character, I realised the importance of a character like Maithili. Her first talkie scene in the film is where she tells her fiancé, listen to me and tell me what is wrong. If you don't communicate, then forget this relationship. I'd rather be alone and be very happy on my own, than be in this relationship and stay unhappy. A lot of girls these days are so afraid to be alone, that they just carry on with their relationship, whether it is with a husband, boyfriend or anyone. And, they just don't say anything. They don't realise that they are strong, capable women and it's okay to be alone. But instead, they prefer being afraid. You know, there is a line in Jerry Maguire that goes, "You complete me." But I believe that you cannot be with someone until you are complete. So, that's one thing that I really like about Maithili. She is not dependent and can take decisions on her own.
On Rajshri Films
Which is your all time favourite Rajshri film and why?
Hum Aapke Hain Kaun (smiles). The reason is quite simple, as it was the first film that I fell in love with.
On Working with Salman Khan
Fan Question
During a recent event, you mentioned that the only two mega stars that you have worked with so far are Hrithik and Salman. Tell us about your experience of working with the two of them.
Well, with Hrithik, it was just three days of work, while with Salman, it was 220 days (laughs). Also, I was fortunate to share the screen space with Salman in my debut film, Saawariya. So, it's obvious that I know Salman way better than Hrithik, despite the fact that I have grown up with Hrithik. There's a huge different between their style and approach towards work. But, both of them are great human beings and very professional. No two actors share the same kind of working style.
Is it the same with all the other actors that you have worked with?
Yes! Because after all, not all the people are same. But, they might have a few similarities here and there. Like, both Fawad (Khan) and Ranbir (Kapoor) have a similar approach towards their work. Shahid and Hrithik work very similarly, because they believe in putting a lot of efforts while rehearsing and are very methodical. As far as Salman is concerned, people have certain assumptions about him, but honestly, he is one of the most hard working human beings I have ever met in my life. He wouldn't have been 'The' Salman Khan, if it wasn't for the way he is. He would work out three - four hours before the shots, knew all his lines and scenes by heart. His rehearsals were bang on. Even after the shoot, he used to work out again and eat right. He is very disciplined. For outdoor shoots, he used to be up by 5 am. There are certain things that you may not expect from such a huge star, but he is a complete workaholic.
On her biggest Takeaway
Is there a takeaway from any film or character that has stayed with you for long and changed your perception towards a particular thing?
You know, before every film, I realise that the character I am supposed to play is nowhere close to me and the biggest challenge for me is - How am I gonna do this? That's when you try to build and create your character and once we finish the film, I realise that somewhere, there is a little bit of me in that part that I just finished playing. So, I do take back something from each character that I have played. Like in Saawariya, I learned patience, while in Delhi 6, I learned to live for my dreams, no matter what. Then, Aisha taught me that friends are an extremely important part of your life, while I Hate Luv Storys made me realise that what you think is right for you, may not actually be good for you. Raanjhanaa taught me that you can't judge a person for the choices that they make. A lot of people didn't like Zoya (Sonam's character in the film), but she was a Muslim girl from Benaras who fell in love with a Hindu boy, and she tried her best to sort things out in the right way. Zoya taught me to be less judgemental. Khoobsurat taught me that no matter how amazing your prince charming is, don't change for anyone, because the boy should change for you (laughs).
On her characters
Your on screen avatar in films is often in complete contrast to the way you are in real life - a fashionista. Do you think that is where the real challenge of getting into the skin of a character crops up?
What to do? My directors like me like that only (laughs). In fact, I have been trying to figure that out myself. Like for Prem Ratan... Anamika (Khanna) worked on my outfits and we had earlier worked together on Delhi 6, Mausam and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag among others. When PRDP came up, she was like, "I can't make another sad set of outfits." I was like, "Don't say that. In Raanjhanaa, I was almost wearing the same Kurta in the whole film." But fortunately, PRDP gave me the chance to wear heavily embellished, princess inspired outfits. I have never worn such outfits on screen. In fact, I haven't worn make up in so many films. But, after three days of running around in those heavy lehengas, I was dead! (laughs) It's a good thing that I don't have a set image when it comes to the way my characters look on screen. Each one of them have looked quite different.
Is that also why you prefer choosing scripts that give you a chance to get into a different space with each character?
Absolutely! I don't think I have ever done a role which has been similar to something that I have done in the past. Maybe that's why, people have a tough time remembering my roles. But, they remember it when I remind them (smiles). Like a Khoobsurat that I did straight after Raanjhanaa was completely different, and so was Dolly Ki Doli. Even now, after Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, I am doing a film like Neerja, which is more on the serious side and has me playing the main protagonist. I don't wanna get bored of my job. Also, it's important to reinvent yourself, because every time you come on screen, you need to look fresh. You must give people a chance to look forward to what you are doing next.
On Television
Many actors are taking to the small screen today. If given a chance, what kind of show would you like to be a part of?
I would love to do television. But, not reality shows for sure. I get stressed out even during promotions. I would like to do something like 24, which was started by AKFC. The whole idea was to bring cinematic content on the small screen, which is great. So, I would love to do something like that.
Ranbir (Kapoor) said that he would love to see you host a chat show.
Oh! Ranbir said that? Well, that's because I can make anybody say anything (laughs).
On Feminism
You have always been quite vocal about your stand on feminism. So, what's your personal definition of it?
My definition matches the one that is written in the dictionary (smiles). It is important for us to stand up for what we think is right. It is necessary to promote female empowerment and make sure that everybody gets equal opportunities. Also, promoting tolerance is absolutely necessary. Feminism is not just applied to women, but also to men, transexuals, homosexuals; anyone can be a feminist. Its's just that, people have this preconceived notion of what Feminism means. Feminism is for anyone and everyone for stands up for female rights.
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Love,
The Dancebee
