Anil says no to starring with daughter Sonam

MUMBAI: Actor Anil Kapoor is the latest to join the list of Bollywood parents who are wary of being seen with their star children when the children make their screen debut. 

Anil has turned down a chance to co-star with his daughter Sonam in her second film -Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's much talked-about 'Dilli 6'.

"It's true Rakeysh Mehra offered me a role in 'Dilli 6', but I declined it," Anil said.

"Who wouldn't want to work with Rakeysh after 'Rang De Basanti'? Sonam is lucky to be working with him in her second film after (working with) Sanjay Leela Bhansali."

For now, Anil has decided to stay away from offers to share screen space with his daughter. "In fact, there have been 8-10 offers, but nothing that would tempt me into sharing space with her right away. Unless something really exceptional comes up, I wouldn't like to work with my daughter at the moment. In fact, she is opposed to it much more than I am. She feels even more strongly about it. So I'd rather wait."

He lights up at the mention of "Saawariya". "The figures have come in straight from Sony Pictures in the US. And they're very heartening. I'd have been happier if the film had done better in India. But it has done well enough.

"Sonam has been appreciated unanimously. People like Amitabh Bachchan and Dilip Kumar have praised her. Sonam couldn't have hoped for a better debut. I'm very proud of my daughter. She has a long way to go. I think her second film is as exciting, if not more."

Added Sonam: "I've shot twice with my father and have done an AIDS feature. He was more worried about me than himself throughout the shoot. So, I don't think it's fair to him to have me as a co-star. Right now, I am too raw to remove my father from the character he'd play with me.

"Besides, I wouldn't want to play all and sundry characters with him. It has to be something special for both of us. But if he produces a film that has a role for both of us, I'd definitely want to do it because he produces only quality-conscious products."

In the past, Dimple Kapadia had said no to Bhansali's 'Khamoshi - The Musical' with daughter Twinkle. Dharmendra agreed to play Sunny and Bobby Deol's father in 'Apne' after so many decades in the industry. Dharmendra played Sunny's dad in his second film 'Sunny', but they didn't have any scenes together.