Check out a Q&A of Sonam Kapoor about Khoobsurat, which releases in UK cinemas on 19th September 2014 through Walt Disney Pictures in association with Anil Kapoor Film Company.

Rekha played your role in the original Khoobsurat, did you find any inspiration from her?
People are drawing comparisons, obviously, but I can never be as good as her, and this is not just about Rekhaji. Meena Kumari, Katherine Hepburn, Audrey Hepburn … they were all icons and I am inspired by all of them. I am also inspired by other women who are artists. I am inspired by clothes that I find beautiful, or by art. I am not trying to imitate or ape someone and there is more to me than just the clothes. My paintings, for instance. I love art. I collect books. I do so many things and there are so many other facets to my personality as well. But I guess I can’t really carry my paintings or my books around with me, so it’s my clothes that become the talking point.”

Will Rekha watch the film?
Rekha is close to our family. She has seen Aisha. So we will be showing Rekha this film. In fact, she will be one of the first people to see it. She has given me her blessing.

Do you think you will be as good as Rekha?
I don’t think I can do justice to what Rekha has done. This film is an ode to Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s filmmaking. There are very few films that have been wholesome entertainers and have great value. Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s films appealed to all, as they were fun films with a message. Today, such films are made by Raju Hirani. It is a huge responsibility but it was exciting to work on this film.

How did you manage to sign Fawad Khan as your prince?
We auditioned a lot of actors for the film and thought he would be right for the role. He’s big in India as well. I don’t know anyone who watches TV and doesn’t know Fawad. In fact, he has a bigger fan following than me. We were shooting for a TV show recently, and there were girls taking pictures of his van even when he hadn’t stepped out. And it [the decision to cast him] has got nothing to do with being an Indian or a Pakistani; an artiste is an artiste. He is the perfect hero. In our industry, we have so many boys, but what we don’t have is men. When you meet Fawad, you realise he is a man.

Did you feel like you had other responsibilities, other than acting, as this is your home production?
When I take on a job as an actor, I only concentrate on doing that, otherwise there is a conflict. You have to just do your best with what you have got. So, it’s just the matter of taking each day, enjoying my work, and saying that I will be a selfish actor who will do my best for the film.

For you, what do you want the audience to take away from this film?
In line with the idea of the film, which is to be happy and positive. This movie shows that life, and movies by extension, don’t have to be dreary and dark. They can be colourful and cheerful.