Abhay and I are similar: Sonam

Actress Sonam Kapoor, who is playing the female lead in dad Anil Kapoor's home production "Aisha", says she and co-star Abhay Deol have similar acting styles, making it easier for her to give her best.

"It was great working with Abhay. I feel we have very similar acting styles that made working with him so easy. It's always nice to work with someone who has done the kind of work you would want to do," Sonam told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

Based on Jane Austen's novel "Emma", "Aisha" is being directed by Rajshree Ojha and produced by Anil Kapoor and his younger daughter Rhea Kapoor. It is expected to release in April next year.

Asked if she too would like to don the producer's hat like her father and sister, Sonam said: "I don't want to get into production or anything. I have left that for my sister and my father. I am a more creative person and thus acting is what is more suitable for me rather than the production side of a film."

Before embarking on an acting career, Sonam worked as an assistant with Sanjay Leela Bhansali during the making of "Black". Later she made her big screen debut in Bhansali's "Saawariya". Based on Fyodor Dostoevsky's "White Nights", the film also introduced Ranbir Kapoor.

Her second film was Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's "Delhi-6" with Abhishek Bachchan. The film received mixed reviews, but her performance was highly praised.

The 24-year-old is also working on "I Hate Luv Stories". Produced under Karan Johar's Dharma Productions and directed by debutant Punit Malhotra, the film also stars Imraan Khan.

Asked how she felt when people referred to her as the thinking actress , she said: "It's nice that people think this way. Every woman and artist would be happy if people think like that about her. So am I. I think it's because of the kind of work that I have done that this image has been created. It makes me happy."

Apart from acting, Sonam endorses brands like Mont Blanc pens and L'Oreal and said that endorsement increases the visibility of an artist.

"Brands give you visibility. They not only give you monetary benefits but helps audience connect to you in a better way because you are not your character while endorsing the brands. You are yourself," said the actress, who loves diamonds.

"I love jewellery like most girls. Diamonds are my favourites. Solitaires and even unconventional large pieces are what I usually like and wear," said the actress, who is also the brand ambassador of Anant diamond jewellery.

Ranbir is special: Sonam

Despite her two films, Saawariya and Delhi 6, not making way for her at the box office, Sonam Kapoor is still counted among Bollywood’s more sensational leading ladies.

She did manage to pick up accolades for her two performances and is being closely watched by the big daddies of cinema because she has talent in abundance... not to mention that ‘it’ quality to make her soar. In one of those off-the-cuff interviews, Sonam talks to BT about her leading men, and her varying chemistry with each of them...

Ranbir Kapoor

My chemistry with Ranbir is special. Ranbir will also always be the most special co-star in my life because he is my first hero. After Saawariya I was offered a couple of films with him but if we haven’t worked together, it is because I’ve decided that when we do team up it must be for something sensational. I don’t want to do a multiple heroine project with him. Both of us must have equal parts.

Imran Khan

Shooting for I Hate Luv Stories is a riot. Imran and I are like two puppies always getting at each other. Our pairing is similar to the Dimple Kapadia-Rishi Kapoor one in Bobby. We’re both young, we’re constantly pulling each others’ legs on the set. It’s a young, fun pairing that is vibrant.

Abhay Deol

He’s a fabulous performer. Aisha wouldn’t be the same without Abhay in it. He keeps feeding me humus with carrots/cucumber. And I find our chemistry similar to the Julia Roberts-Richard Gere one in Pretty Woman. Abhay is more mature and grounded than I am. Also he is very intelligent. I love spending time with him on sets.

Abhishek Bachchan

Well, what can I say? I think I played the perfect Bittu to him in Delhi 6. We haven’t been offered any other film together as yet. Those reports that I was offered Ashutosh Gowarikar’s Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Se before Deepika Padukone signed it, are untrue. Of course, I’d love to work with Abhishek again.