"Radio is for class audience" - Sonal Sehgal

Radio arrives in a couple of days from now and along with Shenaz Treasuryvala, Sonal Sehgal is one of the two leading ladies opposite Himesh Reshammiya. In a conversation with us, Sonal is happy to declare that Radio is a film made mainly for class audience, how she can very much relate to the subject of the film and whether the film actually goes on to narrate ground reality.

Looking at the storyline of Radio, it seems to be pretty much exploring the complexities in today's relationships. Is that true?
Absolutely. In fact I see something like this happening all around with me with my friends. When the film's script came to me, I was like 'wow, finally there is somebody who is making a film like this'. The film makes a statement that 'Wake up guys, smell the coffee'. Radio comes with the kind of subject that everybody is waiting for. Something like this has never happened in Bollywood. It tells people to take a real look into relationships.

How much do you actually relate to the film's subject?
Very much. In the film, my character Pooja gets divorced with Vivaan (Himesh Reshammiya). But still, there is no love lost. They are still friends. In today's relationships, there isn't anything black and white, well, unless you have been a part of some really dirty break up. Nobody centres his/her life around love any more. Relationships have become like a habit. It's not like after a break up, you never see that person's face again. It's not that hardcore. It happens that two months after a break up, you feel a little low and instinctively call up your ex-girlfriend or boyfriend because that's a person you have actually shared quite some time with. The intention is not to get back to that person. It's just that this person has also been a friend for such a long time and it takes time for a relationship to fade away.

Himesh says that unlike his previous two films that were targeted at masses, this one is a complete class affair. Do you agree?
Of course Radio is a classy affair. See, Radio is a contemporary enough subject and the luxury of such a relationship, as evident in the film, is for classes. Look at masses; for them it's primarily about meeting ends. On the other hand, Radio is about complications, social networking sites etc. In fact, masses may not really understand what we are discussing here. This is something that we have been very clear about even during our entire promotion because we didn't want to give a wrong impression to people. Perhaps my cook may come to me tomorrow and say that 'Ma'm, hamein to samajh hi nahi aaya ki picture kya thi'. I am prepared for that because the movie is mainly for classes.

Radio is a two heroine setup with Shenaz as well. Like any other leading lady, even you would have wanted to ensure that you both get even footage, right?
See, both of us have really well etched out characters due to which none of us are counting our minutes on screen. One has to be mainly worried about whether your character is sound enough or not. Since it is, I didn't feel insecure at all. This is why there was no competition. If anyone of us had to think so, then first and foremost we should have worried about Himesh as a competition. Everybody has his own place and each one works because of other.

But when two good looking women come together, there is bound to be some competition?
Aah, you are hell bent on creating a war here (laughs). When I say there was nothing wrong between Shenaz and me, it's a fact. You may question on our dressing style and all. Perhaps one can even sit and fight that why are my clothes different from hers. But then look at it this way, my character is mostly seen in the house while Shenaz is in a radio station. So obviously I would be in my tank tops and shorts while she would be more dressed up. (Smiles) I can't fight with the director that why have you given her a pretty dress. One has to think logically.

Talking about dressing up, the current crop of females is quite uninhibited when it comes to skin show. In fact it has almost become a part of an actress profile. Any boundaries that you have set for yourself?
For me, it is not about skin show but wearing something in which I am comfortable enough. Take for example Katrina Kaif, she has not worn a bikini till date but she does wear shorts. Look at the kind of impression that she has managed to make over last few years. The ground reality is that people in big cities do wear tank tops and shorts so it's not a big deal at all.

Other than Radio, you also play the main lead in Nagesh Kukunoor's Aashayein (with John Abraham). Didn't you ever feel like beginning with a conventional love story?
When you are not a star child and don't come from a filmy family, you don't really sit down and decide on what you pick and choose from. Having said that, I have been a huge fan of Nagesh Kukunoor right from his first film so Aashayein was indeed a good beginning. Of course, God always has a better plan and after Radio, I am sure there would be many more positive outings.

One can't deny the fact though that Radio has too much of competition around. The film follows De Dana Dan, comes along with Paa and is followed by Rocket Singh - Salesman Of The Year.
Well, in that case, all the best to all of us (laughs). I am sure there are enough people out there who want to catch different kind of cinema. Other than that, 'kismat' is something that no one can fight and compete with, so why worry? Let's wait, watch and hope for the best!