It’s been quite some time since Sonam A Kapoor appeared on the big screen. Now a hands-on mother to Vayu, the actress has consciously taken a step back from her acting career. Her last major theatrical release was The Zoya Factor in 2019, followed by Blind in 2023, which premiered on OTT. However, the fashionista has made appearances at quite a few high-profile fashion events in recent times.

During a conversation with us, when asked about her comeback plans, Sonam said, “I became a mother and wanted to give it as much time as possible – so that I could witness the process of seeing my son grow up. I wanted to enjoy the feeling of being a mother and it has been the most rewarding experience of my life. Now, I will be back to doing what I love doing – acting. I’m being drawn to disruptive subjects that allow me to shine. I have always tried to pick projects with the girl at the heart of the story and that vision hasn’t changed. I want to do projects where the role of the woman is layered and not unidimensional. I’m excited to come back in front of the camera and my first project post-pregnancy will roll out in the last quarter of 2025.”

As Vayu turns three, Sonam reflects on how motherhood has changed her over the years. She shared, “I think being a mom has made me much softer, but at the same time it has made me more resilient and stronger. I have always been intuitive, but now I have become even more intuitive and in touch with myself. I am more patient. I want to tell all the mothers that you are doing okay, just take your time, enjoy each moment and don’t rush. Everyone makes mistakes and not everybody is brilliant at everything. You just have to be present.”

Sonam also opened up about the special bond Anil Kapoor shares with Vayu. “My father is obsessed with Vayu because all he is interested in seeing on the family group chat is Vayu’s videos and pictures. All grandparents think their grandchild is most special. It is so amazing watching my dad react this way because he definitely did not have this reaction when my sister Rhea, brother Harsh and me were toddlers,” she said.

Eight years since hormonal imbalances and injuries landed her at her trainer's door, Sonam Ahuja on going from strength to strength
Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; May 13, 2020)

They may have struck a chord with only a defined group of cinephiles, but offerings like Aisha and Veere Di Wedding serve as food for thought as to why Sonam K Ahuja shone in films that bank heavily on meaningful friendships. Our guess is, as is with several aptly cast movies, it drew from her off-screen persona. Past interviews are testimony of the earnestness with which she pursues relations with the women in her life — be it with sister Rhea, friend Masaba Gupta, or mother Sunita. But why are we discussing Ahuja's relationships in an interview directed to break down her fitness regimen, you ask? Because fitness is no longer (never was) about the physique alone. Ahuja was quick to learn how every aspect of her life defined her emotional and mental state. "You'll know what to do if you love yourself," she says at one point, making a case for her vegan lifestyle when citing studies that indicate dairy (sugar too) can cause cancer.

A string of "crazy stupid things", involving hours of gym training and unsuitable diets, enabled her to shake off the 35 kilos she had gained in her teens due to hormonal imbalances, before she made her industry debut. But, even five years later, in 2012, when she first met her current trainer Radhika Karle, the actor was fragile, with an immunity that was severely hit following a relapse of typhoid. "[In addition], I had bursitis in my knees since I had been dancing. Even though I've not done films that needed me to dance, I am trained in classical dance and [practised it] since the age of three. Also, I am double-jointed and hyper-mobile, and had damaged my feet and knees."

She landed at Karle's doorstep in pursuit of a trainer who promoted a holistic approach to fitness. "She didn't enjoy it at all," says Karle, of Ahuja's introductory sessions. "She wanted to do weights, and high-intensity work. But I had to keep assuring her that she needed [pilates]. Gaining muscle-mass keeps the body's fat per cent in check. She had achieved weight-loss but hadn't gained strength."

Every 'Body' Is Different
If you haven't had a first-hand account of tackling obesity, it's tough to comprehend why Ahuja — with a seemingly idyllic figure that has lent life to creations of the world's top brass of fashion designers — harbours body-related insecurities. It is her unwavering sense of self that kept her in good stead. "Everyone has a different body, and all one can do is be the best version of that body-type. My friend Masaba [Gupta, designer], doesn't have what one would consider a 'model's body'. But she runs for an hour each day, practices yoga, eats healthy, and is extremely strong. Having a low fat-percentage doesn't mean you must starve. I eat everything; all that I do is monitor how and when I eat it. I had hormone issues, a lot of which were solved through Radhika's nutrition plans."

Being vegan in India, which doesn't spoil you with choice, demands ace negotiation. With plant-based proteins camouflaged within fatty high-carbohydrate foods, it is a fight between upping muscle mass and retaining a healthy waistline. "I constantly tweak her nutrition plan, which varies for each film. We went on a high-protein diet for Khoobsurat because she had to be lean. Now that she isn't shooting, she's off grains," Karle informs.

When travelling with Ahuja on outdoor shoots, Karle, owner of Radhika's Balanced Body, has to be particularly mindful of the food being offered to her. "If we are [shooting] close to home, we will have a team member deliver the meals. Else, I will take something whipped up in my kitchen. If we are in a hotel, I will speak to the chef to create meals according to her plan."

Like the one she is currently on, a regimen involving a mix of pilates and cardiovascular work has usually worked well for Ahuja. The duo kicks off the day with a cardio session in the morning. At her home-gym in Delhi, the actor usually spends evenings tweaking the resistance of her reformer and following the cues belted out by Karle over a video call. "She has been [diligent] with her routine. We've been loading the [reformer's] springs heavy so that the resistance training [component is met with]."

Battle Won, And Done
"Being slim is the by-product of pursuing a healthy lifestyle," Ahuja tells us when we ask her how she managed to break free from the clutches of obesity, which continues to haunt several B-Town actors. She's quick to express gratitude for her good genes. "For the most part [of my childhood], I was skinny. Also, although I love [junk food], I won't start eating and drinking, just because I've lost weight. You cant suddenly let go of the lifestyle you follow."

Sonam on taking small steps for big results
- My biggest lesson has been to not eat at night, and keep a few hours between the last meal and bedtime. I suffered from acidity. This tip cured me.
- Hydration is important. I still struggle with it but have a minimum of three litres of water, daily.
- Anything in a package must be avoided, as must refined foods like flour and sugar. It's like putting poison in the body. I love packaged food, but find substitutes, or make my own version of it. If I crave for something sweet, I have jaggery or peanuts.
- You don't need to have more than two fruits a day. It's eventually sugar.
- Salads must be consumed at lunch, not in the evening. Also, half of your food plate must comprise greens.

Karle On Sonam's Diet
- Before breakfast, she has lemon water. Then, jeera water.
- For lunch, it's sabzi and dal. We may give her curd to soothe her stomach in the Delhi heat.
- Before the evening workout, she has a coffee concoction, fruits, peanut or almond butter.
- Dinner, comprising cooked vegetables and dal, is consumed by 7 pm.

Sonam Kapoor-Ahuja on life after marriage, juggling life in 3 cities, and her intimate home that makes her happy
Sangeeta Wadhwani (TIMES LIFE; November 3, 2019)

Today, 11 years on and with noteworthy films, a home production, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja has the confidence to decide everything – from hair to make-up to camera angles, lights, footwear, body language for all her shoots.

The actor’s wedding last May led to a host of dreamlike bridal images being unleashed on her fans and friends. “So I’m basically living between London, Delhi and Dubai, but I guess that’s because the world has become so much smaller, travel has become so convenient. My life hasn’t changed that much post marriage as I was always travelling. I have mostly been living out of hotels since I was 17, but having a base in a city is more stabilising. Having a home in each of these cities has helped me feel more grounded,” she says.

Setting up a home, running it, being mistress of her own manor, was a change from simply moving cities. Says Sonam, “Setting up a home was interesting. But let me tell you it’s a small home. It’s just for my husband and I. I think it’s romantic, it’s intimate, and it feels great.”

Both Sonam’s mom, Sunita Kapoor, and her maternal aunt, Kavita Singh, are legendary homemakers, painstaking hostesses, with a highly-refined sense of aesthetics. As of now, she insists, “I think marriage is just a formality in our time – of course, it is a commitment. But I feel we were already committed to each other before we were married. Marriage was something that we did for our friends and family. So I don’t think our relationship has changed so much since the time we were dating. He (Anand Ahuja) was travelling to Mumbai a lot, and I was travelling to London and Delhi. So things were pretty much the same before marriage as well. And even now, he travels a lot, I travel a lot. But for the world, we are married and I notice that changes the way people see me. Like, I am getting asked these questions!” she laughs, heartily.

On that note, we travel away from all things personal, to Sonam’s TOP FIVES across a host of things stylish and lifestylish...

Courtesy: Hello!
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THE HIGH FIVES OF SONAM KAPOOR AHUJA…

FASHION MUST-HAVES
- High-waisted black trousers
- Saree
- Shawl – a nice pashmina or a nice Hermes scarf. I like accessories like that
- White shirt
- And a nice pair of ballerina flats or pointed toe flats and cool sneakers

OFFBEAT PLACES TO VISIT
- Kyoto, Japan Marrakech
- Leh, Ladakh
- Vietnam
- Wine country in California

FASHION FAUX PAS
- When your slip shows under your saree
- The wrong innerwear
- Wearing sandals without a pedicure
- Wearing clothes that don’t go with the weather, or the occasion
- I generally appreciate people who take care of themselves, in terms of how they look; it says a lot about how they see themselves in a social context

TRENDING SONGS ON YOUR PLAYLIST
- Senorita
- Taylor Swift’s Lover
- Songs by AR Rahman
- Songs by RD Burman

THINGS ON YOUR WISH-LIST THIS YEAR
- Since I feel I already have what I want, and am so grateful, I will make wishes for my loved ones! So first, for Rhea my sis, I hope her movie goes on the floor soon
- Second I hope she gets married soon, she’s been dating the same guy for many years, I hope they get married this year
- For dad (Anil Kapoor), he is going to be 62 this year, so I wish for him to have the same energy and exuberance that he has always had
- For my mom, I hope she is more relaxed about us. I wish her greater peace of mind, I wish to spoil both my parents
- For my brother, I hope he achieves whatever he sets out to achieve, and for my husband, the same

THINGS TO MASTER
- My temper – though I don’t have much of a temper, I’d like to master it
- I believe one should master what one already uses – so I would like to further my mastery of Hindi as well as English
- My craft of acting
- Master how to be the best version of myself; self mastery is a lifelong journey, a critical one
- Gain some mastery over relating, improve on that aspect of life as well

ICONS
- Sarojini Naidu
- Meryl Streep
- My father, Anil Kapoor
- Toni Morrison
- Oprah Winfrey

FAVOURITE BOOKS
- An Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera
- The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand, though I don’t agree with it anymore
- Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
- A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry
- Sea of Poppies by Amitav Ghosh

INDIAN STYLE ICONS
- Maharani of Cooch Behar
- Waheeda Rahman
- Meena Kumari in Pakeezah
- Nutan
- Madhubala for her unforgettable screen presence

ON YOUR BUCKET-LIST
A sustainable career – not just when I am in India or London or Delhi, but a career that ‘travels’, feels vibrant. Maybe even acting in a foreign production

Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; September 17, 2019)

After the socially-relevant movie, Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga, in which she became the first mainstream actress to play a lesbian, Sonam Kapoor aka Sonam K Ahuja is ready to charm the audiences with her next, The Zoya Factor. Based on Anuja Chauhan’s book by the same name, it’s about a girl who is considered lucky for the Indian cricket team. The captain, however, rubbishes the theory. Sparks fly between the two, ending in a romance. “It’s a lighthearted film. There’s no special message and it’s not trying to say anything. After an intense film like Ek Ladki... I wanted to do a fun film,” Sonam smiles. While she reveals that she’s been lucky for her father Anil Kapoor, as after her birth, he got a spate of hits, she feels that hard-work goes hand-in-hand with luck and destiny. Excerpts from a freewheeling chat...

Had you read the book before doing the film? Whose idea was it to adapt it for screen?
I’ve read a lot of Anuja’s books. I already own the rights to her Battle For Bittora, and we’re trying to produce it. The script is ready and we may make it next year. I had read The Zoya Factor, which is a great book. I was offered the film when it was with other production houses like Saregama and Red Chillies. There was always talk about me doing the film, but it was never made. Then, Aarrti Shetty and Pooja Shetty acquired the book’s rights, and called me up. They felt only I, and nobody else, could play the role. I thought the same, and was glad they offered it to me. Also, after doing an intense film like Ek Ladki Ko, I thought in this day and age, especially because of all the horrible stuff that’s going on in the world, when you go to the theatre, you want to see a fun film and The Zoya Factor is that.

Was it fun shooting for the film, too?
Yes. The weird thing was this film is all about luck, but everything just kept going wrong every day. For example, I had to put on weight and perm my hair. In the book, the character is a little plump and has frizzy hair. Since I’m not chubby and have poker-straight hair, I decided to perm them because it would have been difficult to curl them to that extent every day. So, I went to one of the best salons in the city. They forgot to put a protector on my head so that my hair is not damaged by the perming product, and my hair got burnt. Nobody knows about this, but that’s what happened. I also gained 10 kilos for the role, and it was hard to lose the weight. I’ve had mean things said to me, like ‘you’re looking so fat’. Some people asked if I was pregnant! Thankfully, I’ve lost that weight. I love doing comedy and I was working with my chacha (Sanjay Kapoor) and Dulquer Salmaan for the first time. It was a lot of fun.

Your uncle Sanjay Kapoor plays your father in the film. How was it working with him?
I worked with my dad in Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga and now my chacha plays my father in The Zoya Factor. Our family is entrenched in films. We eat, breathe and live movies. It was great to work with my uncle because I realised he has absolutely no ego. You’re working with your niece, who’s the lead of the film, but you have no qualms about it, and you’re happy to be a part of it. I’ve always been respectful of my chacha. Actually, I don’t even think of him as my uncle, he’s like a friend since he’s the youngest (brother) in the family and I’m close to Maheep (Sanjay’s wife).

How much do you believe in luck and destiny?
I believe a lot in destiny and that luck has to be on your side. But I also believe it has to be a combination with hard work. Just because everything is written, you can’t just sit on your bum and expect it to happen. Whatever I’ve learnt about work is from my dad and I haven’t seen a more hard-working man than him. He’s extremely talented and possibly the best actor in India; at the same time, he’s been in the right place at the right time.

To what extent has your career been about luck and how much has destiny played a part in it?
I’m born into a certain family, right? That’s destiny. I come from a film family and I decided to assist Sanjay Leela Bhansali on a movie. Ranbir (Kapoor) was already on it and I knew him since I was a child. When I applied for the job, SLB didn’t know I was Anil Kapoor’s daughter because nobody had ever seen me at events, as I hadn’t been photographed before. Ranbir told him, ‘My friend is coming for the job of an intern’. He was making Bajirao Mastani with Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan then, not Black. When I met SLB, he said, ‘I want to cast you in my film’. That, I guess, is destiny because without even knowing I’m Anil Kapoor’s daughter, he told me that. Of course, I had to audition after that.

Please continue...
At that time, Shraddha (Kapoor), Katrina (Kaif), Deepika (Padukone) — we were all auditioning together. Even for Delhi-6, I had to audition first. So, I think it was a combination of luck, destiny and hard work. Because I’m sure there are lots of girls who are prettier, more talented or more hardworking than me but it’s always about being in the right place at the right time. At the same time, if you don’t work hard, and if you don’t have talent, you cannot survive.

Was it Neerja that changed your career’s trajectory and the kind of roles you wanted to do?
I would say that it was after Raanjhanaa. Out of the 18 films that I have done, three have been unsuccessful. If I had to look back at my career, I would say Delhi-6 and Saawariya were great for me. Aisha was also amazing and so was I Hate Luv Stories. Then I did three films — Mausam, Thank You and Players — which didn’t work. Straight after that, I did Raanjahnaa, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Khoobsurat and Neerja. There was a period of two years when my films didn’t work. After that, I haven’t had films that did not work. When I did Raanjhanaa, I was 26, now I am 34 — so in eight years, I have done pretty much okay.  I don’t think I’m doing that badly.

Do you choose your scripts by gut feeling?
I don’t believe in gut feeling. I believe in doing stories that I feel attached to. Also, I like to work with good people. It has to be a combination of the two. I’ve been offered big films by some directors with whom I didn’t want to work either because I didn’t like them as people, the way they spoke to me or how they portrayed women. But I’ve worked with filmmakers like Ram Madhvani (Neerja director) who had helmed only one film Let’s Talk, 10 years before that. I have worked with a Shelly Chopra Dhar in Ek Ladki, Shashanka Ghosh in Khoobsurat — he had done just one film Quick Gun Murugun. I’ve worked with filmmakers like Rajkumar Hirani, R Balki,  Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra. I believe in collaborating with people who are like-minded, progressive, and who want to make good cinema. It doesn’t matter what the length of the role is, as long as my character is of importance.

From doing a cameo to being a part of an ensemble cast and playing lead roles, you have done everything in your recent releases...
Yes, even Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (BMB), I did because I was working with Rakeysh and his team after Delhi-6. Also, I thought if I have to do two songs and four scenes, I would rather do that in a film like BMB than any other typical commercial film. In a movie like Pad Man, I am there throughout the second half and it’s a film that says something amazing. In Neerja and Khoobsurat, I am there from the beginning till the end. I know that I have to be a part of scripts that mean something, that challenge me; stories that are entertaining, or have a message.

Deepali Singh (DNA; June 9, 2019)

Just two days short of her birthday, Sonam Kapoor aka Sonam K Ahuja found herself being trolled for her comment on the recent Aligarh murder case. But the fiesty actress, who’s known to speak her mind, believes trolls don’t deserve her attention or time. “Do they change what I believe in? No. Then why should I waste my energy dealing with them? Trolls are pests. If they were offering constructive criticism, I would take it up and educate myself. I will speak my mind no matter what and no one should tell me to shut up. They can have their opinion, I can have mine,” the Veere Di Wedding actress states defiantly.

In control of her life
Moving on to happier things, Sonam, who turns 34 today, informs that birthdays at her house have always been a family affair. “It would start with mom and dad pampering us with our favourite treats, followed by a truckload of gifts and friends coming over to wish me. I am so thankful to the universe that there’s nothing much that’s changed for me. There is abundance of love coming my way, more each day, and I am just lapping it up,” she says. This year, her husband Anand and sister Rhea have planned something, so it will be another intimate family do.

Ask her how different is the 34-year-old from say, the 28-year-old Sonam and she says, “Principally, not much but then we all grow up to be in better control of who we are. The 34-year-old me is more self-assured. She holds on to what she believes in and doesn’t take criticism to heart. She is headstrong, fierce, will debate with knowledge and cares a damn about anyone who doesn’t matter. At 28, I was far more vulnerable and wary of the world,” she replies.

The multi-tasker
On the work front, Sonam had Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga in the beginning of the year, which was appreciated for being the first mainstream movie to showcase a lesbian relationship. Even though it was not a box-office success, the actress states that it is the most special movie she has ever been offered. “We live in a society that has negated the LGBTQ community from the mainstream narrative for so long. That film was made to establish that these voices are out in the open, the laws against the community have been banished and actors will do films about them. Till date, I don’t see Ek Ladki... as an off-beat venture. It was a sweet, emotional love story. Those who watched it had only one thing to say — the film is all heart. We won at that,” she adds.

Not content doing just one thing — she is an actor, producer, invests in art and jewellery and owns a clothing line — Sonam believes that multitasking is necessary for an artiste. “I want to use my voice for more things that I take keen interest in. Rhea and I are discussing to start something new. I will also be producing a documentary this year about global warming and I am looking to back more environmental issues that are being sidelined,” she signs off.

As Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga is celebrated and critiqued in equal measure, Sonam Kapoor on why the movie didn't devote enough screen time to same-sex love track
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; February 4, 2019)

Sonam K Ahuja has made a brave choice in headlining a film that shines a spotlight on same-sex love — a subject that has unfortunately remained untapped in an industry that ironically thrives on romance dramas. But as is the norm with brave choices, they don't come without their share of hiccups.

While Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga may have struck a chord unanimously, critics and viewers have debated how the script didn't devote enough time to Kapoor's love track with Kuhu, portrayed by South actor Regina Cassandra, thus playing it safe.

"But the film was categorically about the girl and her family," reasons Kapoor, who plays Sweety, a closeted homosexual trying to come out to her family about her truth. "It was important to show her as simple and ordinary because a gay girl is still a regular girl. We didn't want to stereotype her. As far as Kuhu goes, by design, if the story was bent towards developing their relationship, it would have taken away from showing what the girl's father [Anil Kapoor] or her grandmother goes through, or how her brother treats it as a sickness."

As much as writer Gazal Dhaliwal and writer-director Shelly Chopra Dhar are being celebrated for creating their characters with empathy, a line in the film's climax has raised eyebrows. Kapoor is seen telling Rajkummar Rao that he needs to rescue other Sweetys in the world, thus presumably indicating that homosexuals are victims who need help.

Point this out to the actor, and she argues, "People debating that line completely missed the point. She was talking about the power of art and its impact. In a movie-obsessed country like ours, we can't deny the dialogue a film can start. Since Saahil is a playwright, she feels that as a storyteller, he can bring about a change."

Despite a limited release of about 1,000 screens, the film is going from strength to strength. "We didn't make this film for money. Dad told me that a decade ago, this film would have opened to Rs 10 lakh. Today, we could rope in eight commercial actors and get a big studio to present it. The numbers will come as the days go by. I can't tell you the number of people telling me their stories. Even if one person musters the courage to come out with their truth, we have done a worthy job."

As father-daughter duo brings to the screen Bollywood's first mainstream lesbian love story, Sonam and Anil Kapoor talk about what love and acceptance means and what change they hope the film brings
Aastha Atray Banan (MID-DAY; February 3, 2019)

When we first meet Anil and Sonam Kapoor last Sunday at Mehboob Studios, and asked them pointed, direct questions about their coming-out-of-the-closet movie, Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga, they suggest we watch the movie first. "We want the audience to go through their own journey as they see it, and not talk too much about the premise beforehand," Sonam tells us, while apologising, sending us back without an interview. In retrospect, watching the film proves to be a good idea.

Sonam plays Sweety, a girl from Moga, a small town in Punjab. Dad Anil Kapoor plays a garment manufacturer. Other members of the house include a conservative grandmother, hot-headed brother, a friendly cook and a man Friday. But Sweety has a secret: she is lesbian, and has fallen in love with a woman she meets at a wedding. What we liked most about the movie was that along with Sweety's track, which is about being accepted as an openly gay girl in a small town, where the LGBTQi concept is still alien, it has parallel stories that are about the same issue: being accepted for who you are.

Anil's character has an age-old desire to be a chef, and Rajkumar Rao plays an out-of-luck writer, who wants to step out of the shadow of his famous Bollywood producer father. "At the core of it, it's [the film] about acceptance, and love. But it's also about different manifestations of love - father and daughter, and friendship. It's about how love and acceptance have to go hand in hand. You can't love someone for what you want them to be, you have to love someone for who they are," says Sonam, as we sit with her and Anil on the afternoon of the Friday release. Kapoor Sr says, "It's about not stereotyping, or judging someone. Bachha toh mera bachha hi hai na. As a parent, don't think what people will say - at the end of it, if she is happy, I am happy. Most parents just need a nudge." At this point Sonam adds, "This movie is a nudge for all those parents."

We tell her it could be the best movie she has done till date, and ask if she ever thought she was brave as a mainstream actor for deciding to play a homosexual lead? "But if an actor like me, who you say has some kind of influence, doesn't do it, how will we ever make this issue mainstream? I don't consider it brave. For me, it was about thinking like this. Art - be it a painting or book or a movie - always reflects society, but sometimes, a piece of art comes along that could change the way people think. Even if it makes a difference to one life - if one child finds acceptance, what an impact that would be!"

The movie, devoid of any sermons or explicit scenes, does what very few LGBTQi movies may manage - it makes the issue at hand, the only thing you focus on. "Indians are not culturally okay with physicality, so we wanted to make this love story palatable. If it was a love story between a boy and girl, we wouldn't ask why there was no overt PDA. It's easy to sensationalize a film like this. But this issue at hand is so important that anything else would have taken away from it. We had to make queer love, which is an unfamiliar one for smaller towns, familiar, by setting it with characters and settings you recognise," says Sonam.

How did Sonam work on her chemistry with actor Regina Cassandra, who plays her love interest in the movie? Anil asks, "This, even I want to know!" Sonam smiles wryly. "To be honest, it was like working with a male actor. It was where the 'acting' came in. I am definitely not in love with any male actor I have worked with. At times, you have to work with people you can't connect with, and romance them. But I could relate and connect with Regina, who is a really cool chick."

We end by asking them what they hope the LGBTQi community can take away from this movie, and Sonam says, "I think they will see this movie and know that there is a mainstream character that is not a caricature of them."

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; September 19, 2018)

Sonam Kapoor aka Sonam K Ahuja is a voracious reader. While working, she finishes ‘one book a week’ and when on a holiday, she doubles up her speed, the actress laughingly tells us as when we meet her for a chat during the Jio MAMI Word to Screen Initiative this year. The effervescent stylista says, “It was a conscious call to join this event because I wanted to be part of a movement that promotes reading and authors, in association with films. After all, these are the two things that I love the most — books and movies.” In a brief chat, she talks about her favourite paperbacks and discusses why she encourages the idea of novels being adapted for the big screen...

‘NOBODY READS MUCH TODAY’
Sonam rues, “Today’s generation doesn’t read much. It’s important to enjoy a book every week as it improves one’s vocabulary and writing skills.”

‘STORIES NEED TO REACH PEOPLE WHO DON’T READ BOOKS’
Calling writers the ‘backbone of every film’, the Neerja actress adds, “I love books because I have an overactive imagination and I like to be in another world. I do feel people today don’t have too much of an imagination, so the stories need to reach out to audiences who aren’t avid readers. I read The Handmaid’s Tale many years ago in high school and today, it’s a successful TV show.”

BOOKS TO FILMS
The style maven recently asked her industry friends to name the tomes that they feel deserved a screen adaptation. But there’s an ongoing debate about how films adapted from books, don’t retain the same values. Sonam tells us, “The reason you decide to adapt a novel onto screen is because you want the story’s basic essence to be translated on celluloid. So, it shouldn’t be much different, but carry its soul and spirit forward in an authentic way.”

Ask her which are her favourite adaptations and she smiles, “I like Sense And Sensibility and The Help. Among Indian works, I love Saraswatichandra and Devdas. Recently, I watched Sacred Games, which was terrific. Aisha was our film and I liked the way it was made. Even Lootera was beautiful and based on a short story. Sometimes, the movies are better than the books.”

CREATIVE INVOLVEMENT?
Apart from Aisha that was based on Jane Austen’s Emma, the Veere Di Wedding actress is currently working on two movies, which have been adapted from two bestsellers. She’s already kick-started shooting for The Zoya Factor while Battle For Bittora is in the pipeline. Is she creatively involved with the scripting of these films? Sonam avers, “It’s just been a few days since we started shooting for The Zoya Factor. The film was in planning for two years. As for Battle For Bittora, it’s happening next year.”

WEB SERIES OR A MOVIE?
Last year, the leggy actress had told us that she’s acquired the rights to Krishna Udayasankar’s Govinda. On prodding her about the status of that, she reveals, “We are definitely making Govinda. But currently, I’m trying to figure out whether it’s suitable for TV, the digital platform or cinema. Today, Baahubali and Padmaavat are doing well, so I’m hoping people will enjoy this one, too. However, it will take at least one or two years.”

Recently-married actor Sonam Kapoor on her charmed life and glamour-shy hubby, Anand Ahuja
Suman Sharma (BOMBAY TIMES; July 15, 2018)

Yours seems to be a fairytale life...
It’s not been easy. But I don’t put out negativity in the world and discuss my difficulties. I take everything with a pinch of salt, whether it’s facing comparisons with my family members or people being harder on me than they should because they believe I’ve got it easy....

Really?
Ya, but it’s okay. It comes with the territory because of my parents, because of my family. But I’ve nothing to complain about because I am who I am because of my parents. The media has been kind to me. My family has been with me. I kept a positive frame of mind.

Tell us something about your husband Anand Ahuja...
(Smiles) I don’t want to discuss anything. He’s fun-loving, open and a kind person. And that’s the most important thing. My husband is not a public personality. He doesn’t like to be discussed.

Has the definition of love changed for you?
Love keeps growing and keeps evolving. I’ve always been a romantic and an idealist. What’s amazing is that it’s all come through beautifully. I’ve always strongly believed there is one person for you. So when it happened, I knew.

What have you imbibed from your parents’ (Anil and Sunita Kapoor) rock-solid marriage?
That friendship is the crux of everything. Being best friends with the person you’re married to is the only way a relationship can last.

Coming to the sad demise of Sridevi, the tragedy has brought the family closer...
I don’t want to talk about this because it’s an extremely sensitive subject. But as a family we have always been close. Janhvi and Khushi are my sisters and I love them to death.

What has been the influence of your parents on you as a person?
My dad’s progressive. There’s never been any differentiation between a son and a daughter. A lot of freedom was granted to us to be what we wanted to be. I missed my Nani (maternal grandmother) a lot during my wedding. Be it my knowledge of the Ramayana or Mahabharata, Indian classical music, culture... all the Indian-ness in me is because of my grandmother. The way she wore her sarees, the way she was with her husband, the way she was with us, her leaning towards art... a lot of who I am is because of my Nani.

One advice your father has given you?
Just be happy and think young. He doesn’t absorb any negativity. He’s a positive person. He believes in being in a good state of mind always. That has helped him so much. If something is bothering him, he’ll just go for a run or he will talk positive. Stress is something that ages you.

Actors are said to be self-obsessed. Is it true in your case?
I don’t believe actors are self-obsessed. Rather they are self-observant. When you observe yourself a lot, you become critical. So, you want to perfect yourself over and over again. Your body and emotions are your tools. But weirdly, I’m the opposite. I am self-observant and self-critical but at the same time, I’m extremely emotional. So I try not to think about myself too much. I don’t like to look into the mirror.

The perception is that an actor’s life is luxurious and fun...
There is a reason why we enjoy so many benefits as an actor. We work hard for it. Acting includes physical, mental and emotional labour. And yet everything is transitory. Whatever goes up, has to come down. Your life is dependent on what other people think of you. You need your audience. Whether you’re a director, an actor, a musician or a painter… your life, your livelihood, your art is dependent on the audience. And the audience can be fickle. They like you one day, they may not like you on another day. That’s a difficult space to be in. So it’s a hard life.

Twenty years from now, how do you see yourself?
Hopefully, as a good wife, a successful entrepreneur, a good mother... 360 degrees successful in all I do.

SHORT TAKES

The hardest thing to give up...
Besides chocolate, nothing is hard to give up.

Your idea of romance...
Knowing the kind of coffee the person enjoys.

One mistake you’d never make in a relationship...
Dishonesty.

The secret of a good relationship...
Faithfulness, honesty, love and friendship.

A quality that makes a woman truly sexy...
Happiness.

Your biggest dream...
I have achieved it.

Apart from movies you’d want to dabble with...
Garments.

Your biggest fear...
I don’t believe in being fearful. There are a few insecurities here and there. But they’re transitory.

Luck or talent...
Hard work.

Three things you desire...
I have everything. I’m happy and satisfied. I just want better work.

One thing that keeps you grounded...
My husband Anand Ahuja.

Your biggest critic...
My sister Rhea.

Describe yourself in three words...
Sensitive, happy and crazy.

Peers you admire...
I love Alia Bhatt. She’s brilliant. I like Kangana Ranaut, Deepika Padukone, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma.

A love story that began on Snapchat and a wedding that broke Instagram—Sonam K Ahuja and Anand S Ahuja have perfected intimacy in a very public age. But what’s the real story behind the It couple?
Shalini Shah (VOGUE; June 30, 2018)

Two years ago, after two months of conversations that began on Facebook and Snapchat, and progressed to late-night phone calls, Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja decided it was time they met. The sole agenda was to see if the camaraderie and niggling romance developed over two continents could survive the daylight glare of an actual meeting. Sonam chose London, since Anand lived there and she had a fitting with designers Tamara Ralph and Michael Russo in the city prior to her Cannes appearance. The two were to meet in the afternoon, but excitement and apprehension meant patience was in short supply. So, they met immediately—he in his gym clothes, she in “gross” trackpants and tee. They spent the entire day walking around London, talking. And exactly two years from that day, they wed in Mumbai.

I meet her shortly after the wedding, and Sonam, her hands still bearing traces of the henna, is dressed in a yellow tee printed with the ideals of the French Revolution. She recalls her first date, “I was apparently wearing the worst sneakers he had ever seen. I keep telling him that he fell in love with me despite my bad sneaker game… That day, walking and talking in London, I knew he was the love of my life. He apparently knew the first time we spoke on the phone… It was just so easy.”

TWO WORLDS
She’s the National Award-winning actor known for her roles in films like Neerja (2016) and Aisha (2010), and the country’s best-known style ambassador. He is the founder of clothing label Bhane and sneaker store Veg Non Veg (and had no idea Sonam and Anil Kapoor were related). She likes fiction, film and dancing. He likes basketball, sneakers and philosophy. They’re both vegetarians, die-hard homebodies, outdoor-lovers and morning people. She’s now Sonam K Ahuja, he’s now Anand S Ahuja. “He makes clothes—and I wear them!“ she laughs with a rainbow-arch hand flourish of a magician doing a reveal. “He comes from a business background, so that’s alien to me. I’m the third generation in a film family. So there’s a lot to talk about, a lot to discover about each other, but we have a lot of similarities.”

When I speak to him later, Anand recaps the early days of their friendship: “The first time we met, we talked about our respective work. I was just struck by the fact that I could speak to her so openly about everything. We were chatting on Snapchat one night and she said, ‘Stop texting, just call me.’ And we spoke for two hours that night… Our friendship started over superficial things like vegan chocolates and sneakers but soon we were having deeper conversations.”

Theirs was a wedding that broke Instagram, a multi-event affair that both surprised and satisfied the curiosities of those witnessing it, on-ground and virtually. There were the guests, the flash mobs and dance-offs (all recorded by enthusiastic wedding-goers), and, since it’s Sonam, the trousseau.


In their wedding finery

RUNWAY BRIDE
After all, she’s India’s fashionista—her work wardrobe on any given day oscillates from Maticevski and Ashi Studio to Anamika Khanna and Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, often combining avant-garde and high drama with classic. For her wedding lehenga, though, tradition trumped all; the red-gold creation in Maheshwari silk designed by Ahmedabad-based Anuradha Vakil was the stuff heirlooms are made of. “I’ve known Anuradha for many years. She’s a good friend of my mom. I fell in love with her clothes, so I’d asked her to design for Saawariya—probably the only film she’s ever done or will do. I don’t know anyone who understands Indian garments, textiles and embroidery as she does. I’d always tell her, ‘You are going to make my wedding lehenga. When—and if—I get married, you will.’ And I didn’t forget that,” adds Sonam.

Sonam told Vakil she loved lotuses, so the designer translated them into motifs embroidered in gold and silver thread. Since Anand, who plays basketball, can’t wear rings, New York-based tattoo artist Keith ‘Bang Bang’ McCurdy got him a version of the wedding ring—a tattoo on his ring finger.


Anand’s ring finger sports a lotus tattoo by Bang Bang

While sisters Rhea and Sonam have always collaborated in creating her statement-making looks, Sonam styled herself for the wedding. Anamika Khanna, Shehla Khan, Masaba, Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla… her style followers on Instagram weren’t surprised by the choice of labels she picked for all the functions. “While they’re all extremely talented people, I chose them because there was an emotional connection with each of them,” she adds.

Every detail of the wedding, she points out, was planned together by the couple. The Jo Malone-scented spaces, the jewellery (collected over the years, inherited, or designed by childhood friend Tarang Arora of Amrapali), the couple’s initials on her Jimmy Choo accessories, their sun signs on the mangalsutra, the foliage-print wallpaper that matched the wedding invite, her Gaia Repossi promise ring where no diamond resembles the other… She shows me up close her engagement ring that Tarang Arora designed—a mellow Golconda diamond in a gold setting, more liquid and citrine-esque than blinding. “I didn’t want a big fancy diamond. I wanted something that I wouldn’t feel embarrassed to wear all the time, I didn’t want something loud or showy. Anand sourced the stone—he loves saying it. He says it’s a meetha colour. It’s a little yellow, so it looks old and pretty.”

LOVE, ACTUALLY
It’s all quietened now, but there’s been no time to sit still and savour. Two days after the wedding, Sonam flew to Cannes, wowing us in voluminous Vera Wang and Ralph & Russo, while upon her return she’s been touring to promote Veere Di Wedding with her co-stars. Amidst this is a new pad in London’s Notting Hill that the couple is furnishing with Mumbai architect-designer Rooshad Shroff. “It’s nice making a home together. Anand is so encouraging when it comes to my work that he didn’t blink when I told him I was flying to Cannes two days after the wedding or that I was getting into promotions straightaway. There was no argument, just acceptance—you gotta do what you gotta do. But he posed one question to me: ‘If it was me who had to go to a work meeting right after the wedding, what would you do?’ I said I’ll kill you. So he’s like, ‘I think it’s double standards!’” she laughs.


At the bidaai

BETTER TOGETHER

As two people who spend a lot of time together, have they rubbed off on each other in a way that couples do, widening the common ground in both interests and personalities? “He’s non-judgemental—with everybody. Very open-minded and progressive. I’m a little conservative and close-minded about a few things, and he’s taught me to see the other side, to look at things with a lot more compassion and care, to be a little more pragmatic and practical, as I can be very emotional and quick to judge sometimes, which is not nice,” Sonam ponders.

Anand, true to form, sees the other side in this, too. “She gives me a lot of confidence. Sonam’s very black and white. She knows what’s wrong and what’s right, and is not afraid to say it. I can see both sides of a story, but I often get stuck in the grey zone. I sometimes need to be able to say no, and Sonam gives me the confidence to do that, she supports me. She’s intuitive and patient, I second-guess.”

Once vaguely acquainted with Bollywood, he’s now seen all her films. And, while he acknowledges the brilliance of her performance in Neerja, he’s a little partial to Aisha and Khoobsurat. “Aisha, because that’s what people know her, as this amazing fashionista, and Khoobsurat because that’s her personality—that’s the Sonam I know.”

Read the complete interview in Vogue India’s June 2018 issue that hits stands on Julu 1, 2018

COVER LOOK 1
On Anand: Sherwani, jacket; both Raghavendra Rathore
Buttons, necklaces; all Sunita Kapoor
On Sonam: Blouse, dupatta, lehenga; all Anuradha Vakil
Jewellery: Sunita Kapoor and Amrapali
Shoes: Jimmy Choo. Kaliras, Mrinalini Chandra

COVER LOOK 2
On Sonam: Blouse, dupatta, lehenga; all Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla.
Maang tikka, earrings, necklace; all Sunita Kapoor

Photographed by Signe Vilstrup
Creative direction by Anaita Shroff Adajania
Additional photographs by Taras Taraporvala and Anand Rathi

Photographer’s agency: Tomorrow Management.
Anand Rathi’s agency: Reels & Frames.
Anand Ahuja’s stylist: Abhilasha Devnani.
Photographer’s assistant: Nitiraj Singh.
Fashion assistant: Priyanka Kapadia.
Wedding decor: Rani Pink.
Wedding event planner: Wednishka.
Photoshoot production: Divya Jagwani.
Backdrop and props: Bindiya Chhabria.
Special thanks: Neha G

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; June 23, 2018)

On November 9, 2007, three newcomers were introduced in the industry — Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor aka Sonam K Ahuja. While Ranbir and Sonam debuted together in Saawariya, they haven’t shared screen space since then. Now, they are teaming up for the second time, in Sanju, Rajkumar Hirani’s biopic on Sanjay Dutt.

While Sonam maintains that it was a ‘happy reunion of sorts’, she also tells us that contrary to speculations about them having a fall out, they always shared a good bond. She explains, “We were always in touch. We are friends. It’s just that we just didn’t get a film to do in between.” Ask her about that and she reasons, “He always does lead roles, I also want to do only leading parts. So, it never worked out.”

In the last few years, Ranbir has seen a lot of ups and downs. Did they discuss any of it while filming? Sonam denies, saying, “Ranbir doesn’t need anyone’s advice. He is very smart. He is also one of the finest actors we have in the industry today. Why does anyone need to tell him what he should do? He has also never really given me any advice.”

Sonam’s role in Sanju has been kept under wraps. She is playing a character which is a mix of several girlfriends that Dutt had in his younger days. She tells us, “I did Sanju because of two major reasons. I always want to work with great directors, who don’t reduce women to mere caricatures. Raju sir is someone I have always admired and I’m happy I got to do a small role in this biopic. Also, Sanjay sir and my dad have been friends; so I have known him since I was a kid.”

Since it’s a cameo, she is a part of the huge ensemble that Sanju boasts of, albeit with limited screen time. Sonam avers, “I don’t mind doing smaller roles as long as I have something to do in that screen time. Look at Bhaag Milkha Bhaag; where I played Biro who makes a difference to the leading man’s life. I can’t tell you what I play in Sanju, but it is definitely an important chapter of his life.”

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; June 9, 2018)

The last one month has been quite momentous for Sonam Kapoor aka Sonam K Ahuja. She tied the knot with boyfriend Anand Ahuja on May 8 and her latest release Veere Di Wedding (VDW) has set the cash registers ringing. As the actress celebrates her birthday today, we catch up with her about the new phase in her life and more. Excerpts…

You are turning 33 this year...
(Cuts in) Ya, it’s good na? Honestly, age is just a number. I don’t believe in shaming someone for their age because it is ridiculous and it only means you are smarter, wiser and have actually lived your life, which is anyway a tough thing (smiles). I’m happy that I’m surviving and thriving.

How have you changed as a person over the years?
I don’t think I have changed, but I have evolved. Salman (Khan), however, keeps calling me a child (smiles).

With VDW doing well at the box office, you must be quite happy?
The best thing is that it has got a repeat audience. Not only young girls, but women in their 30s, 40s and 50s are also liking it. Even men are saying good things about VDW. It was meant to be a film for everyone.

Do you feel vindicated?
India is ready for such films now. There was so much hatred online after we released the trailer. But it was a small part of the population, so it didn’t matter. People thought it won’t do well, but it has had a good opening, so there’s a change for sure. I hope this alters the way the industry perceives women and we can have commercial films featuring only actresses, like Hollywood does. I wish more money is invested into these kind of films and actresses are given more respect. So many women from the industry congratulated me.

At one point, everyone said Sonam should do better movies than just being a cover girl…
But everyone wants to be a cover girl! I love being one. After a certain point, your choices are a reflection of what your beliefs are. When I came into this industry, I was really naive and young. I was completely protected by my parents and given a lot of love. I was never pushed to be chalu. When you are naive, people see that because there’s so much competition here. I’ve done enough silly things when I was younger. I went through a lot of insecurities in the first five years. I was a soft target and didn’t have that persecution complex. But I thought there was genuinely something wrong with me and I needed to change myself. I still think I’m not good at anything. This feeling might never change, but I guess that also makes you a better actor.

So, you’ve never been affected by your stardom?
No. I feel it’s quite stupid when you do that. Because you never know what will happen next. Your life keeps changing every Friday. You can’t take it so seriously.

What has been your fondest birthday memory?
I value birthdays a lot and I expect my friends to be there with lots of gifts (laughs)! I have had amazing memories. When I had started dating Anand — I had met him for just two months, he had planned a surprise for me. He had flown down to Mumbai and booked a restaurant. Nobody knew we were dating that time, so I didn’t know how he pulled off everything. I had never met somebody in my life who would do this for me. It was really sweet and special. I’m a vegetarian, so he planned the whole menu accordingly, played some of the songs that I love and gave me a handwritten card as well as some flowers. I don’t know many boys who write cards. Anand is one of them (smiles).

Did that seal the deal for you with him?
Actually, it was sealed the first day I met him. It was three years ago when I was doing Prem Ratan Dhan Payo.

What have been your fondest birthday gifts?
Swara (Bhasker) had given me a children’s razai which had posters of all the books that I loved as a kid. Khalid (Mohamed) uncle knows I love art, so he keeps giving me little things. He cares about me and I love him to death. It comes from a place of so much love.

What’s that one thing you didn’t know last year and you know now?
That it’s very easy to work with girls. VDW has been my most fun film till date. Kareena (Kapoor Khan), Swara and Shikha (Talsania) are not complicated at all.

One thing you wish to know before you turn 34...
How married life will be, because it’s just been a month since I tied the knot and people are already asking me too many questions about it.

But what would you still say about life post marriage?
There’s a sense of support because you know there’s someone who loves you unconditionally. And you have to settle down with your best friend.

How difficult is it today for men and women to believe in the institution of marriage?
It depends upon each person, whether you want to get married or not or be in a live-in relationship; whether you like boys, girls or both, it’s a personal choice. Nobody should exert pressure on you to do anything according to their wishes. I wanted to get married only after I met Anand. Before that, I didn’t believe in the institution of marriage.

Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; June 9, 2018)

Sonam Kapoor is an out-and-out Mumbai girl. She believes that the city is one of the safest in India and it’s her absolute favourite, too. “Mumbai is my home and it always gives me reasons to feel proud of it,” says the actress, who is born and brought up in Maximum City.

She adds, “For me, flirting with Mumbai is hanging out at Juhu Beach. I’m a complete Juhu girl; I was born and brought up here. I enjoy walking on the beach early in the morning or in the evening and eating bhutta. Also, drives are the best in Mumbai. You can take your car to any ice cream parlour or Amar Juice Centre, where you can gorge on lip-smacking ice creams and pav bhaji, served right inside your car. There are many street food joints outside Mithibai College as well. The bhurji pav there is amazing. I also love Chowpatty in South Mumbai. You can see the Queen’s Necklace from there.”

When asked what she truly misses doing in Mumbai after becoming a celebrity, Sonam says, “I miss a lot of things — enjoying street food, walking on the streets and going to the beach… I used to love visiting Haji Ali. I feel bad that I don’t get to hang out much in my city. I miss going to Bandstand. There was a time when I used to meet my friends there every day. We’d walk around the promenade and also go to Jogger’s Park. I miss all of that.”

Sonam Kapoor on why her co-star couldn’t shoot during her pregnancy, kicking off work on her next with Dulquer Salmaan, and scouting for someplace warm for her honeymoon
Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 30, 2018)

While almost everyone who has been at the centre of a big fat Indian wedding will rate it as one of the most overwhelming and physically draining experiences of all time, Sonam Kapoor, who wed businessman-beau Anand Ahuja in a three-day celebration earlier this month, has already moved on to regular programming.

While she has a new film — Veere Di Wedding — coming up, all everyone wants to know is where she is going for her honeymoon. “I don’t blame anybody and try to keep it as classy as possible. During film promotions, it’s just a lot to take in. It’s stressful to face all the media at once. Otherwise, I am oblivious to everything,” the 32-year-old actress says, dismissing rumours that she and Anand are headed to Greece. “We will go on our honeymoon by October-end or November. We want to go someplace warm, but haven’t finalised the destination yet.”

After Veere Di Wedding hits screens on June 1, she has 15 days of work pending on Shelly Chopra Dhar’s Ek Ladki Ko Dekha To Aisa Laga, in which she shares screen space with father Anil Kapoor for the first time. Then, she kicks off Abhishek Sharma’s The Zoya Factor, which is based on Anuja Chauhan’s eponymous bestseller. “I really have a lot of work coming up. The Zoya Factor will be filmed for three months straight, from August to October,” she informs.

Chauhan’s 2008 novel follows a Rajput girl named Zoya Singh Solanki who meets the Indian cricket team through her job as an executive in an advertising agency and ends up becoming a lucky charm for them for the 2011 World Cup. “I love the sport, but now, there is too much to follow with the Premier League and I’ve lost touch over the years,” she says. When she wondered if she should brush up her knowledge for the film, she was asked not to. “Zoya doesn’t like cricket. She has a different perspective on it and sage advice to give to the team,” the actress notes, adding that she will focus on learning more about being an “addy” (slang for an advertising executive) instead.

Sonam goes on to reveal that she was offered the Hindi remake of Mani Ratnam’s Tamil romance, OK Kanmani, which was directed by his protégé Shaad Ali. Coincidentally, the original had featured Dulquer Salmaan, who is now paired opposite Zoya as Nikhil Khoda, captain of the cricket team and her biggest detractor.

In Veere Di Wedding, Sonam takes centrestage alongside Swara Bhaskar, Shikha Talsania and Kareena Kapoor. The film notably sees its female protagonists drinking, smoking, cussing and asking each another if they “want some boom boom”. Sonam is not surprised that women of all age groups have loved the teasers and says that her 61-year-old father is the biggest cheerleader of the film. “And mind you, he didn’t have as many nice things to say about Khoobsurat (her last home production),” Sonam chuckles, adding, “Most women will enjoy the film because it depicts most women or what they want to be. Most of them want to see themselves having fun.” The Shashanka Ghosh directorial is also different in that it is the first film to feature two A-list, married actresses. Sonam recalls that her younger sister Rhea Kapoor, who has produced the film alongside Ekta Kapoor, was willing to shoot right through Kareena’s pregnancy as well. “There was never a question about doing the film with any other actress,” Sonam asserts.

The film was expected to go on the floors in early 2016, when Kareena announced that she was expecting. After welcoming Taimur Ali Khan in December, she began prepping for the part, which involved a four-month-long weight loss regime. Shooting commenced nearly 18 months later than originally planned. “We were very open to shooting with Kareena even when she was pregnant. Unfortunately, you cannot get insurance if you’re pregnant and making a film without insurance is impossible. We did not know about this before,” Sonam reveals. “As women, we need to stand by each other in every way possible. After Kareena said ‘yes’ to Veere Di Wedding, there were other actresses who wanted to do the role and we could have gone ahead with anybody else. But she was the best fit for the role, the first choice, and an irreplaceable part of the film. Someone as committed and talented as she is, deserves a team that waits for her,” Sonam says.

What was it like being directed by a man on a film that is about women and produced by women? “It was Shashanka who came up with the idea with Rhea and they conceptualised it together. He has directed me in Khoobsurat, but first and foremost, he’s the creator of one of my all-time favourite films, Quick Gun Murugan. He’s a master of dramedies. You’ll know when you see our new film,” Sonam says.

Hiren Kotwani (BOMBAY TIMES; May 24, 2018)

Sonam Kapoor aka Sonam K Ahuja wears many hats with aplomb. She is not only a popular actor but also has a successful clothing label with her sister Rhea Kapoor. On the career front, she seems to have struck a perfect balance between the characters she essays and her movies that become memorable. Like her last release Pad Man that was the first mainstream Bollywood film to talk about menstrual hygiene, in which she played an important role. This came after Neerja (2016), which earned her the National Award Special Mention for her inspiring performance.

She is also a suave fashionista whose every public appearance is looked forward to. As an industry person says, “Sonam has such an amazing sartorial sense that you can be sure she will be talked about more than other actresses at the same event.”

For the last few weeks, she has been more in the news for tying the knot to businessman Anand Ahuja. When we meet her at a suburban five-star hotel, she’s there to promote Veere Di Wedding (VDW), her first release as Sonam K Ahuja. A quick Q&A with the actress...

Considering that VDW is your home production, didn’t you ever want to play Veere?
No, I don’t think so. How boring would that be! I think Kareena (Kapoor Khan) suits the role best.

But why Kareena?
That you need to ask the producer and the director because it’s their choice. However, after seeing the film, you will understand why Kareena is the best choice for Veere Di Wedding.

Isn’t it odd that in all these years, no one thought of casting you and Kareena together?
Did it ever occur to anyone in the industry to cast two A-list female actresses together without A-list men? This is the first time that has happened. I think that itself is cool.

The film’s promos show that it must have been a fun shoot. Which was the last film you had so much fun working?
Raanjhanaa. We had a blast during VDW, even behind the scenes. I think that should remain behind the scenes only. I don’t think we should discuss that in print, at all (laughs).

The dialogues have got extreme reactions. While filming, did you anticipate any censor issues?
No, I don’t think we did. This is how women talk to each other. We didn’t think, ‘My God! People are going to say something about this.’

Why the tag line ‘It’s Not a Chick Flick’?
That’s a derogatory way of looking at a film. It’s not a chick flick. Firstly, we should not be called chicks. And secondly, it’s a movie about four people, which caters to both men and women.

Looking at the trailer of VDW, some feel that it’s a reversal of the Pyaar Ka Punchnama series.
The Pyaar Ka Punchnama series is great but it’s very sexist. VDW is not about women discussing men and putting them down or discussing what they are going through. It’s quite different.

Your sister Rhea is the producer but what role do you play in the production house?
I’m my sister’s partner in everything; whether it’s Rheson, her styling me or producing films. I think we work well together. But I only have creative involvement; whether as an actor or discussing scripts to put projects together. My sister is the producer. She and I work well as partners.

Your brother Harshvardhan’s film Bhavesh Joshi Superhero is finally releasing on the same day as your VDW, after mulling over avoiding a clash.
I think there is space for everyone. I’d rather have my brother’s film releasing on the same day than anyone else’s.

The last time you worked with your dad Anil Kapoor was for his first commercial for a luxury brand pen. How is it working with him in the film Ek Ladki Ko Dekha To Aisa Laga?
Working with dad has been an amazing experience. It took me a while to accept working with him as it’s hard to shoot with him (smiles).

While your production house has announced the screen adaptation of The Zoya Factor, there’s no news of the film on Battle Of Bittora, the rights of which you had acquired.
We have the rights of Battle For Bittora and the film is is very much on. That will be made after The Zoya Factor.

Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; May 24, 2018)

Four vivacious, bold, strong and fashionably correct women speak their mind unabashedly in Veere Di Wedding. With this film, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja set off on a journey with her sister Rhea Kapoor, and friends Kareena Kapoor Khan, Swara Bhasker and Shikha Talsania, with able support from producer Ekta Kapoor, to narrate a comingof-age story about women in different stages of their lives. In a conversation with BT, the newly-wed leading lady talks about how a film like this is a step towards changing mindsets, the misconstrued ideas of feminism and how she has made her stand on marriage and work fairly clear.

It’s just been two weeks since your wedding. Now that all the celebrations and ceremonies are done, is the feeling finally sinking in?
Yes, it’s been two weeks aur itne mein toh kuch pata nahi chalta. Meri toh mehendi bhi nahi utri hai abhi tak. Right after my wedding, I also went to Cannes and that was a lot of fun.

After a hectic wedding schedule, you went back to work right away and it seems that you will get a break only after the release of Veere…
Tell me about it; I am fatigued. Imagine my poor sister (Rhea). She was planning my wedding and the release of this film. It’s really exhausting. I have also made my stand on marriage and work pretty clear. Cannes is a lot of work, but it was going back to a familiar territory, which sort of calms you after something distinct has happened in your life. The lehenga that I wore over there was designed for my wedding reception that we didn’t end up having here. It looked good with my mehendi.

The Veere Di Wedding journey has had many ups and downs. How did you manage the production for so long? It must have been exhausting…
My sister had this idea of doing a coming-of-age film with four women, who are friends, across age groups where one of them is getting married and others are at different stages of their lives. About four years ago, after Khoobsurat (2014), Rhea roped in a writer duo to put the script together. Director Shashanka Ghosh was on board too. The film was written with Kareena, Swara, Shikha and me in mind. So, when Bebo got pregnant, Rhea was like ‘now what?’ Bebo said, ‘Take someone else’ which was not possible. We even tried incorporating her pregnancy into the script, but it didn’t work. The film has been through several things simultaneously, but as they say, all’s well that ends well. Look, we set out to make a film about friends and we couldn’t have worked with someone who wasn’t a friend. Since I know the girls so well, we didn’t have to work too hard on the camaraderie. Through this film, we have touched upon a lot of topics, but in an entertaining manner. Firstly, this is about four women who are not chasing the same man. Like men, even women get divorced; have to deal with sexism and commitment-phobia among other things. People should watch the film for entertainment, but also understand what is being said.

It’s not common to see four women leading the charge in a Bollywood movie. There’s no A-list male hero either. In that sense, your film is breaking many moulds…
Like Neerja (2016) and more recently Raazi (coproduction between Junglee Pictures and Dharma Productions), hopefully Veere… too will do well and we won’t have to talk about this anymore. We won’t have to discuss the sex of the lead cast. Unfortunately, it is a point of discussion today because of the way things have been. I mean A-list actresses like Katrina Kaif and Kalki Koechlin were a part of a boys’ film, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011). Preity Zinta was on top of her game when she agreed to a Dil Chahta Hai (2001), but we don’t have A-list heroes in our industry who agree to do good films like Raazi, Neerja, Raanjhanaa (2013), Khoobsurat or even a Veere Di Wedding. No one said yes. I don’t think they have the confidence to do that. My father (Anil Kapoor) did films like Beta (1992) with Madhuri Dixit and Laadla (1994) with Sridevi, but I haven’t seen anyone do that. He’s a different kind of person. He raised me to be a feminist. When I came into the industry, I was shocked with the way things were. I was raised very differently. My parents never made me believe that I was any different from my brother. When I came here, I saw we were not paid the same amount as the hero, and not given the same kind of rooms as the leading man. People had that ‘Woh hero hai’ mentality. In the 11 years that I have been around, things have changed, yet there is a lot of change that needs to happen.

Owing to your upbringing, are actresses like you becoming the game changers in the industry?
You know what? When my sister and I made Aisha (2010), we didn’t even realise that a film like that had never been attempted. If it had crossed our minds, we would have been really scared. Rhea was 21 then and I was 23. No one took us seriously, because they thought we were making a stylish film about three women and no one was even dying in it. To this day, people walk up to me and tell me that they liked Aisha, but at that time, only women gave it good reviews. After Aisha, I saw people react to Khoobsurat with a changed mind set. Today, even men are excited to watch a film like Veere Di Wedding. I know for a fact that even back then, men, however discreetly or in a closeted manner, enjoyed Aisha.

They were just ashamed to say it. Ditto with the intellectual women. It’s like heroines who were scared to admit that they are feminists because they probably think they need to grow a moustache and burn their bra. Some women think being a feminist will make them undesirable. Some people think that a welldressed and glamorous woman can’t be smart. Why is there a difference between being smart and dressing up? There are so many fashionable, beautiful and intelligent women around the world — from Frida Kahlo to Audrey Hepburn to Cate Blanchett. Beauty can be and should be celebrated. Don’t be ashamed of your womanhood because a man has put some ideas into your head.

In today’s time, feminism seems to be a misconstrued concept. For instance, just recently you were trolled on social media for adding Anand’s last name to your name. This is no indication that you are not a feminist; it is just a matter of choice.
Exactly! Having your father’s last name is patriarchal in itself. Anand decided to add my name in the middle of his and I decided to add his last name. I’ve chosen to keep both the family names instead of choosing one over the other. And trust me; this was not an impromptu thought. People didn’t know, but I was engaged for a year and we have thought this through. Why should I explain my choices? Feminism strictly means equal opportunity and the right to make a choice. I understand there are barriers to be broken. The day you stop taking your father’s name is when things will begin to change. But that’s a long way to go.

Do you think films like these will open conversations for men and women on these subjects?
It’s important for women to own up to what they like and don’t like without the fear of being judged. Look, a lot happens around us because of our general conditioning. We ask a woman if she’s slowing down after marriage or having babies. Do we ask a man that? Look at Kareena! We come from different schools of filmmaking, but I respect the fact that she started out in the early 2000s and has done an array of work, including films like Chameli (2003) and Ki & Ka (2016). She’s worked like crazy even after marriage and having a baby. We didn’t ask Shahid Kapoor if his life slowed down because of marriage or babies. I went to Cannes immediately after my wedding, which was just an extension of my state of mind.

Sonam Kapoor Ahuja trashes fallout rumours with "great friend" Kareena Kapoor Khan
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; May 21, 2018)

In October last year, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja tweeted a post to ridicule news reports suggesting a catfight between her and Kareena Kapoor Khan on the set of Veere Di Wedding. As the film nears release, reports about an alleged fallout between them have resurfaced. Sonam says she finds the rumours of a rift between her and Kareena Kapoor Khan hilarious.

"There's no rivalry between us. In fact, Bebo [Kareena], me, Rhea [Kapoor] and Lolo [Karisma Kapoor] have a WhatsApp group, called The Kapoor Girls. We post each other's yesteryear pictures on it. Bebo and I have been friends for 15 years," says Sonam. The actors are confident about their upcoming film and don't want rumours about the fallout to bog down their spirits.

"Such gossip doesn't bother us because we are in a secure space. Bebo and I are the third generation of actors [in our families] and we know how the media functions. We are great friends. We have made a kick-ass movie and proved that women can work with each other and get along. We had a blast [while shooting Veere]," says the 32-year-old, who tied the knot with long-time beau, Anand Ahuja, earlier this month. Meanwhile, on the work front, Sonam is content with the films she has in her kitty.

"The year started well with the success of Pad Man. After Veere, there's Sanju, in which I have a cameo. I am also shooting for Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga with dad [Anil Kapoor]. I have a couple of interesting projects post that, so I am having a great time," she says.

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; May 17, 2018)

Around 10 days ago, Sonam Kapoor tied the knot with Anand Ahuja in a grand wedding. But unlike most couples, she didn’t take a break. The actress decided to jump straight into work and sashayed down the Cannes red carpet as the face of a beauty brand that she endorses.

In a tête-à-tête with After Hrs, the fashionista shares her views about the pay disparity issue, being comfortable in her skin and why changing her name post marriage is a personal choice. Excerpts...

You dived into work post your wedding...
Yes. There has been a whole revolution with the #MeToo campaign where women are standing up for what they think is right and are asking for the respect they deserve. The team of L’Oréal Paris resonates the same thought I have and they made sure that I was there, representing the brand, and women of worth on the red carpet. I’m also representing Indian women who know that they should work, regardless of anything.

You’ve been vocal about the issue of pay disparity here. What was the discussion at Cannes like?
It’s quite sad that women have to go through this. The world over, there’s a certain misogynistic and patriarchial mindset that needs to change. When a woman is in a position of power, she’s expected to be aggressive, or masculine. But the moment she says she deserves a certain kind of money and treatment at work, she suddenly becomes undesirable. We need to fight that mindset. If a man says that this is what he deserves, he will never be questioned. Women should collectively fight for this issue. I have been trying to do it since the beginning of my career.

This time, you were at Cannes as Sonam K Ahuja. How did your hubby, Anand, find your outfits?
He liked them a lot (smiles).

Was there pressure because people were looking forward to your wedding outfits and now your Cannes appearances too...
Women need to stop exerting that pressure on themselves. I’m enjoying myself and wearing things that I like to wear. I don’t think about what other people think of my dresses which is why I have a good time on the red carpet. I just want to be myself and that’s what young girls identify with. It’s not about my clothes, but the attitude that I carry myself with.

How special is the red carpet post marriage?
It’s the same thing. Life doesn’t change much after marriage. It doesn’t change for a man. So, why should it be different for a woman where work is concerned?

There were reports of you moving to London...
Nobody noticed, but I’m always in London (laughs). I am there for four-five months and then, in Mumbai. So, it’s going to be the same.

You must be excited about your home production Veere Di Wedding?
It’s a commercial film, so it should do well. It’s a fun film and I hope people are looking forward to watching it.

Actresses like you and Anushka (Sharma) got married when you are at the top of your game. Do you think times are changing for actresses in that respect?
People are still asking me these questions, which is sad. I don’t know if it’s changed that much. I know that Kajol, Dimple Kapadia, Nargis, Nutan and Waheeda Rehman have continued with their career post marriage. In fact, Madhuri (Dixit-Nene) did Devdas after tying the knot. But it’s still a long way to go. And we, as women, need to come together and be stronger. The choice shouldn’t be taken away. I hope to set an example by coming straight out of my wedding and doing what I do best.

You changed your name after the wedding and received a lot of flak for it...
I’ve always maintained that I’m a feminist. I have a choice to change my name when I want to do it. The fact is that Kapoor is also my father’s surname. So, I chose to keep both. And just to be a part of our family, Anand has also changed his name. But nobody wrote about that! My husband or his family has not asked me to do anything. Likewise, he did it on his own. We anyway take our father’s names, so if we can give that respect to them, we can give the same respect to our husbands, too. It’s my personal choice and somebody judging me for it is ridiculous.

Back at the Cannes red carpet within a week of her shaadi, Sonam speaks about it all - work, wedding, women power and of course, husband Anand Ahuja
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; May 17, 2018)

After her elaborate wedding functions last week, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja flew down to Cannes to honour her professional commitments. In her first interview post marriage to Anand Ahuja, the actor told mid-day that she hopes to set an example with this move. "Kajol and Dimple Kapadia worked post marriage. Madhuri [Dixit Nene] did Devdas (2002). Many actresses worked post marriage, but I am not sure that change is as evident yet. I hope to have set an example by coming straight out of my wedding to work. Women should always have the choice to work or not. I am so happy to be here, with L'Oreal, representing what Indian women stand for — we work and we stand up for what we believe in," said Kapoor.

Though a firm believer in the institution of marriage, the feisty actor said she doesn't understand why one's professional life should take a backseat for it. "Life remains the same after tying the knot. Women need to stop thinking that marriage is life-altering. If it doesn't change a man's life, why should it change anything for a woman?"

Her decision to change her name on social media to Sonam Kapoor Ahuja had her fans divided. "Just changing my name doesn't make me any less of a feminist. Kapoor is also my father's name, a man's name. I wanted to keep both my identities. It was my personal choice. Somebody judging me for my choice is like challenging what feminism stands for," laughed Kapoor, amused at the various interpretations that the term has acquired.

A regular at the Cannes red carpet over the past few years, Kapoor wowed fashion critics when she stepped out in a Ralph & Russo ensemble, complete with the hennaed hands of a new bride. When asked what her husband had to say, she gushed, "Anand loved what I wore. I have always worn things that I want to wear. I never spare a thought about what others think of it. It's the attitude you carry it with that matters."

There have been rumours of her shifting base to London. "I have been shuttling between Mumbai and London for the past two years. It seems no one noticed this so far. My life isn't going to change much; what has been happening for the past two years will continue."