Birthday Girl Sonam Kapoor Talks About Her Special Plans For The Day, Love Life, Rheson And Veere Di Wedding!

She has had a great year with a critically acclaimed performance in Neerja (2016), her first National Award (Special Mention) for the same film, launch of a clothing brand, and an impressive line-up of new films. As Sonam Kapoor, who is “busy shooting” for Rajkumar Hirani’s Sanjay Dutt biopic, celebrates her birthday on June 9, she chats with HT about her career, life and love.

Are you a birthday person?

Yes, to an extent but at the end of the day, I feel, ‘now, I am a year older and a year wiser’. So, it’s just another day but I like birthdays and celebrations in general, and like to take some time off on birthdays.

Any special plans for the day…

Nothing special but I’m going to be chilling with my friends and maybe do something vis-à-vis my clothing brand. After all, we have received such an amazing response.

So, nothing extraordinary in the offing?

No, and why should I plan my own birthday [party]? My friends and family should do that (laughs). But I’m not doing anything major at all, maybe I’ll just go for dinner with friends and family.

Ever since Neerja, you seem to be in a good space…

I have always been like this. But now it has become very obvious for the world. Since Raanjhanaa (2013), I decided that all I want is to be myself as that’s the only thing that is ever going to make me happy. Whether people accept me or not, this is who I am going to be. Everyone feels that I’m such an honest person but I think the most important thing is to be honest with yourself and appreciate what you have around you. Then things will automatically fall into place.

You have always been comfortable in your own skin and have come across as a strong woman. But isn’t it easier said than done?

I can tell any young girl or boy that the world will accept and love you when you decide and have the courage to be yourself because people value honesty and truth. I am an example of that. I was scared in the beginning because I thought, ‘all my choices — be it the way I dress, the way I speak or the way I lead my life — aren’t conventional at all. I used to wonder, if I don’t follow the norms, will people reject me?’ But I have realised, ‘I’d rather people reject me than me being unhappy’. Neerja (2016) was like the final cherry on top, so I’m just being myself.

You recently shared a photo (of rumoured boyfriend Anand Ahuja) on Instagram with an emoji that has set tongues wagging…

I am never going to hide my personal life but I will never speak about it. And I don’t think I need to, so I’m just going to leave it at that. You have to respect [a relationship], and I strongly believe that you disrespect it when you hide it or speak about it. So, you have to find a healthy balance. My personal life is my private space, and I want to give it a certain kind of sanctity. It can’t be a topic of discussion.

Do you remember any birthday celebration from the past that has remained extremely special?

I guess every birthday has been special. I’ve never had a bad birthday. I am very blessed, when it comes to my friends and family. They show a lot of affection and appreciation towards me. It makes me feel loved. And that’s the most important thing. If you have right friends and family around you, you feel secure and confident. That fulfils you and your life; and makes you happy as everything else becomes secondary. So if anyone is not feeling fulfilled and happy, they need to bring in right people into their lives (smiles).

It seems like you are at peace vis-à-vis your life especially the professional sphere since the last couple of years…

I hope I don’t sound like I am showing off but my life has been good and it’s getting better as far as work is concerned. I am working with some amazing film-makers such as R Balki and Raju sir (Rajkumar Hirani), and I also have amazing people around me. If you have a nice atmosphere at work, where you spend the most of your time, everything else just falls into place. Also, my family is very kind and my friends are amazing.

I feel I need to have an attitude of gratitude. Also, my clothing brand is doing so well, which I didn’t expect. I knew people would like it, but I didn’t expect this kind of appreciation. I am grateful for everything. I know I keep saying that because I don’t want to take things for granted, and I hope that my feet are always on the ground.

What’s happening to your next film, Veere Di Wedding with Kareena Kapoor Khan?

We are starting to shoot around August end and it’s 100% confirmed.