Sonam Kapoor wants to play Meena Kumari

Bollywood actor says she wants to play anyone who is a real person.

MUMBAI: Actor Sonam Kapoor is touted as the most stylish Bollywood celebrity — be it pulling off a desi look at Cannes, where she sported a big, chunky nose ring, or in sizzling Western ensembles at various events — she is always bang on trend! And with the accolades she’s receiving for her performance in Anand L Rai’s Raanjhanaa, she’s all set to fill bigger shoes.

In an interview, Sonam expressed her wish to play yesteryear’s legendary actor Meena Kumari in case her biopic is made. “I would like to play Meena Kumari ... she had such a tragic life,” said Sonam, who has played varying roles in films like Delhi 6, Mausam, Aisha and I Hate Luv Storys, among others.

Kumari, one of the most talented and successful actors of her time, was tagged the “Tragedy Queen” for playing such roles in films such as Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam. Her personal life was also a reflection of her on-screen roles — she had to deal with a troubled marriage and alcohol addiction and died because of liver failure at the age of 39.



“I want to play anyone who has a nice character arch and is flawed; I would love to play such roles. It is because they are human. I am very flawed myself ... I want to play a real person,” said Sonam.

In the last six years, Sonam has worked in about a dozen films, but it is her recent release Raanjhanaa, in which she plays a simple girl from Banaras, that helped her get her due at the box office. She is enjoying the unexpected positive response. “The response [from Raanjhanaa] has been good. I am very happy. When I was working, I didn’t think I will get as much appreciation. I was working hard and was putting in a lot of effort. I really enjoyed working with [director] Anand L Rai. He is my favourite director,” said the 28-year-old.

The audience enjoyed her chemistry with southern actor Dhanush of Kolaveri Di fame in the film. “He is a good actor and a good person as well. When that combination comes, it suits people a lot. A nice performer is liked by people,” she said.

Meanwhile, the actor is excited about her role in Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, where she plays a small part opposite actor-turned-film-maker Farhan Akhtar.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 5^th, 2013.

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