Anil Kapoor: 'Sonam Is The Main Reason Why I Did Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga'

As actress Sonam Kapoor is being lauded for promoting the LGBTQ community in her latest release Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga, her father and actor Anil Kapoor, who has shared screen space with her for the first time in the film, says she is making brave choices in her film career. "She is making such brave choices. Neerja was a film that broke many myths. It gave Sonam a chance to prove herself as an actor. I am thankful to (director) Ram Madhvani for believing in Sonam," said Anil Kapoor.

"Now I feel Ek Ladki... gives Sonam another opportunity to prove what she's worth. Her performance is not over pitched. She is never over dramatic because she relates with real people and situations through her first hand experiences. She's widely read and travelled. She connects to her character in Ek Ladki...and expresses the character's emotions with such natural grace," Anil Kapoor said with pride in his voice.

According to Anil Kapoor, it is necessary for an "actor to make risky choices in life" and he is "glad" that Sonam has played the role of a lesbian in the film.

"Whether it is mainstream actors or filmmakers, they've always done the unexpected. Raj Kapoor saab's Mera Naam Joker and Guru Dutt's Kagaz Ke Phool didn't work at the box office on release. In retrospect they are regarded as master works. One has to make risky choices in life. I am so glad Sonam is doing it so early in her career," he added.

How's your experience working with Sonam on screen?

He said: "Apart from the beautiful script, she is the main reason why I did Ek Ladki..., we waited to do the right film together and not just share screen space as a gimmick. And I am very impressed by her dedication."

Anil Kapoor also shared that he wishes to direct Sonam in the future.

"If I ever direct a film it will only be so that I get to direct my daughter. Yes, my film as a director would have Sonam and no other actor, as the protagonist," he added.

The title track of Ek Ladki... is taken from Vidhu Vinod Chopra's 1942: A Love Story, in which Anil was the lead actor.

Reminiscing 1942..., Anil said: "Vinod and I go back a long way. The title of Ek Ladki... comes from Vinod's 1942: A Love Story. That's the last time we worked together. And now we've collaborated again 25 years later, can you believe it!"

He said that while filming Ek Ladki..., he used to become nostalgic on the sets.

"That song is iconic. I remember when we shot it, every detail comes flooding back. Now, that same song plays an important part in my new film. I also had Juhi Chawla as my co-star after so long. We did some fun films in the past. This one was fun too. And yes, I am very happy just to be part of a film where I share screen space with my daughter," Anil Kapoor said.