Sonam Kapoor says she was inspired by one of Bollywood’s greatest female stars in her latest movie Khoobsurat.

Sonam stars in a remake of the 1980 film which starred one of her idols ‘Rekha’.

“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.

“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.”

The film released under the Walt Disney Pictures and Anil Kapoor Film Company banners is directed by Shashanka Ghosh.

She said the film was more of an ‘an ode to Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s filmmaking’ who directed the original more than 30 years ago.

“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.”

Her co-star Fawad Khan features in his first Bollywood film.

“This is certainly not the first Bollywood project that was offered to me.

“Way back in 2008, I was supposed to fly down to Mumbai to meet several producers and directors, but I wasn’t able to make it.”