After a long dry spell, it’s raining hits for Sonam Kapoor. Here’s chatting up the actress who has been part of recent box-office grossers Raanjhanaa and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag

What motivated you to sign Bhaag Milkha Singh?

It’s a small role but a crucial one. Milkha gets inspired to be ‘Milkha’ because of the character I play. I interpreted her character as a dream that echoes through the film. I always wanted to be a part of a cult film. I’d rather do a small role in an iconic film than a big role in a mediocre film.

Besides having a wonderful script, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag had people whom I respect a lot and whom I really wanted to work with. My role gave me an opportunity to work with director Rakeysh Om Prakash Mehra once again after Dilli 6 and a chance to act with Farhan Akhtar. I also did the film because Prasoon Joshi has written one of the most incredible scripts. I cried when I read it.

You have acquired the image of an actress who wants to do different roles.

I want to explore different roles. It is good that I am not being typecast. Directors see me in different characters and roles. Aanand L Rai sir couldn’t see anyone else playing Zoya in Raanjhanaa.

Honestly, I choose movies depending on the story, the subject and what it has to say. For Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, I liked what I understood to be the film’s motto: “With hard work, everything and anything is possible.”

Do you also believe in the ‘hard work…’ motto in real life as well?

Hard work is about preparations. Life is uncertain, you never know where your actions are going to lead you. But if you are dedicated, sincere, honest, and willing to work hard, your life most certainly will not seem so uncertain.

Farhan and you must have known each other since childhood as your dads were friends. So was it easy working with him in Bhaag Milkha?

I have only met Farhan socially; I didn’t know him well. But I have been a huge fan of his and I like his work a lot. While working with him in this film, I didn’t meet Farhan, I only met Milkha Singh.

Are you looking at signing a spate of films after the success of Raanjhanaa and Bhaag Milkha?

I am working on two right now — Yash Raj Film’s untitled next (with Ayushmann Khurrana) and Khoobsurat. I haven’t signed any other films till now.

I am going to take my time and choose the right projects. The character and the script have to appeal to me. I won’t do anything offensive.

What do you like about your character in Khoobsurat?

I like the spirit of the girl in the film. My sister is producing it. It’s too early to talk about it since I have not yet started filming.

Are you a romantic at heart?

I am very romantic at heart and I want to live my life vicariously through my characters.