Careful Whispers

Style is, surprisingly, not about what’s trending, Sonam Kapoor tells Dessidre Fleming. Rather, it is about navigating through the wild and finding your unfettered identity. Known for her unconventional choices, she upholds a nuanced approach towards life and what it entails, which makes her a trendsetter in a sea of pretty faces. Power, for her, is the ability to exercise control over oneself, a triumph of will and if need be, swim against the tide. Meet Sonam, as she exudes timeless charm, sprinkled with subtle hints of unmitigated glamour.

Photographs by Farrokh Chothia

Styled by Aakanksha Jain

Make-up and hair Namrata Soni

The 29-year-old sparkler has just returned from the Cannes Film Festival 2015, where she created a flutter with her sartorial choices, which won noteworthy international applause in what was her fifth year at the extravaganza. “I was shooting 20 hours a day with an average of three hours of sleep, and then landed on the Cannes 2015 red carpet,” she smiles. Standing out among a bevy of beauties isn’t easy too, as she confirms, sipping on her third espresso. “I was exhausted and fell sick,” she says. Having met both Karl Lagerfeld and Giorgio Armani, Sonam elucidates what sets them apart in the fleeting world of fashion. “They’re very distinctive,” she says. “Each has his own style and is different in his interpretation. I’ve met Elie Saab, Jean Paul Gaultier—I’ve been to several shows of D&G. That’s why they are icons in their fields. I am purely an actor, so for me, I like different styles because I feel like I am a new person every time I walk the red carpet,” she explains. In the spotlight where one’s popularity is determined by how well one works a gown, Sonam believes that as an actor, “it’s important to be fashionable because style is an innovative way of expressing yourself as an artist”.

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I sit across one of the country’s most sought-after Bollywood A-lister, as she readies herself for the first shot of the day. Sonam Kapoor is like poetry in motion—Unpretentious, knowledgeable and unapologetic—like every modern, Indian woman should be, a heady combo of intellect and looks. “It’s not about being anything, or anyone,” the actress says. “It’s about having fun with what you have.” No, she is not out to prove a point, or impress anyone. She doesn’t need to. The thing about Sonam is, you can love her, or hate her; but you can’t ignore her. That’s what sets her apart. “I don’t take myself too seriously,” she says, poker-faced.

Cerebral Connection

She has a mind of her own, she does, and she is not afraid to speak it. That’s Sonam Kapoor for you—more than just a pretty face. She talks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s agenda and the government’s foreign policy with gusto. “He has done more for international relations in the past one year than the Congress did in the past 10 years,” she quips, “but, as far as what is happening in our country is concerned, I don’t know how much work he has really done.” She loved his fierce choice of a hologram suit on Republic Day and that he is one of India’s first Prime Ministers’ to embrace social media. “I feel he is moving with the times, which is great,” she says candidly.

Sonam doesn’t candy-coat her words. Being the daughter of Anil Kapoor, one of India’s most celebrated actors, and India’s premier fashion icons are two things that come naturally to her. While her films may not have always won her glowing praise, she considers herself lucky that critics didn’t dismiss her. “I’m okay with criticism,” she grins. “I’m opinionated, so I shouldn’t be judgemental about those who have something to say about me.”

Currently, the actress is working on her upcoming movie, a biopic on Indian air hostess Neerja Bhanot, a film that is bound to tug at your heartstrings. “Two years ago, my agent discussed the idea of a movie on an air hostess. It was a 10-minute long conversation we had at Olive, and I said yes.” Speaking about her choice of films, Sonam says, “I get bored rather easily, so, the script has to be challenging.” After a pause, she adds, “I won’t do another film like this.”

Sister Love

Sonam, the actress, is one to take risks. But, Sonam, the person, is loyal and family-oriented, and has nurtured the same circle of friends for the longest time! Books come a close second in the list of priorities. “I love reading,” she says. “I have bad eyesight because of reading constantly!” She likes spending time with her family and her dogs. She is very close to her grandparents who she mentions are unwell, and her ideal day would be one spent with loved ones, or travelling. “I don’t like being in Mumbai, so I travel whenever I get an opportunity to,” she says. “I’m not very social too.”

I am blindsided! Is this the same girl who posts generously on social media about everyday happenings and small joys which make a big difference? Isn’t she the same star who makes robust public appearances and almost owns the spotlight? But that’s just part of her job. If you scratch the surface, Sonam is more likely to be glued to a good book and her iPad. “My sister Rhea is the extrovert, while I am the shy one,” she chortles. Her sister is also her business partner and best friend. “Things can get complicated sometimes, but because we love each other so much and spend so much time together, problems get sorted with alacrity.”

Style Aficionado

Sonam’s travels have taken her on a fashion tryst with revered names in the industry. She has rubbed shoulders with the who’s who of the style landscape. That is also something that sets her apart from the rest in tinsel town. But does she equate style with power? Au contraire, her sense of power is derived from having the ability to be straight-forward. For her, power is having control over oneself. “I have complete control over all my faculties,” she declares. “I say and do what I feel.”

Discretion is the better part of valour. “I think when you’re famous, you can be held accountable as people look up to you and anything that you do sets an example,” she explains. The actress sticks to doing what is right. “It is something I have learned from my mother,” she says. “I often use this platform to be a do-gooder; and don’t indulge in smoking, drinking, doing drugs or having multiple relationships,” she affirms. That might also be the reason why the actress is never fodder for gossipy tabloids. “It’s empowering to be famous and you should be popular for the correct reasons,” she says.

Soul Warrior

“Illiteracy,” she says, is the biggest hurdle India is facing. “We can create as much awareness as we want about cancer and AIDS, but it may not work,” she says. “However, as soon as people are literate, we are empowered,” she explains. And outward beauty is something that is not as imperative as the one that is tucked away in the recesses of your soul. “Everybody wants to look and be a certain way,” Sonam says. “People are opting for plastic surgery, fillers, botox, getting fake breasts, which is honestly, quite ridiculous,” she complains. “Lines are a definition of how expressive you are. If you’re smiling you have gorgeous laugh lines and you get wrinkles under your eyes—I think those are ethereal. It only enhances your appeal.”

Style Code

Sonam’s style is chameleon-like, it changes fervently. “I’m a different person every morning, so I dress according to the flavour of the day,” she reveals. “It depends on who I want to be on that particular day.” We sat down for a quick style tête-à-tête with the actress and here is what she shared with us.

Your favourite designers right now?

Anand Bhushan, Payal Pratap, Pero and Bodice.

The Spring-Summer 2015 trends you love?

Sheer, florals and mint colours.

What’s in your bag?

My wallet, shades, reading glasses, business cards and a pen.

Favourite pair of heels?

A strappy pair from Givenchy.

Favourite pair of sunglasses?

Giorgio Armani.

One thing you would break your bank for?

Diamonds.

Someone whose wardrobe you would love to steal?

Coco Chanel.

Luxury to you is…

Quality.

Vintage or androgynous—which would you choose right now?

Vintage.

What’s the one thing you wish you could go back in time and tell yourself?

Don’t eat junk food.

Anil Kapoor—the father, or Anil Kapoor—the actor?

I cannot differentiate between the father and the actor. That’s just who he is. It would be odd if I imagined him as someone else. It would be strange if he was an accountant, don’t you think?

One powerful silhouette that works for you?

A sari.

One powerful colour that works for you?

White.

What are you reading right now?

I recently read two biopics on Rajesh Khanna and Lataji, which was part of my homework for my film on Neerja Bhanot. I just read The Modi Effect by Lance Price, which has been written lyrically.

Any favourite roles you have played?

Bittoo in Delhi 6, Zoya in Raanjhanaa, Aisha in Aisha, Mili in Khoobsurat and now, I guess Neerja in Neerja Bhanot.