The Sonam Factor

One of the most distinctive actors of her time, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja is in her element more than ever. As she shuttles through the chaos of showbiz, she pauses to reflect on matters of beauty, fashion and identity

- Tanya Mehta

Sonam Kapoor Ahuja is somewhat of an enigma. While she can unarguably be regarded as one of the most visible celebrities in Bollywood today, known for her garrulous effervescence, unflinching poise, and girlish charm, you can’t help but wonder what she’s like IRL. Kapoor Ahuja has been a wonderful oddity in her own right – from sporting a book as an accessory, closing an haute couture show for Ralph & Russo in Paris to sauntering through the airport in a sari (with the ease of sweatpants), she’s proven time and again, that she isn't one to play by conventions. At the movies, the actor’s atypical choices have ushered in multi-faceted conversations – her performances in breakthrough films like Neerja and Padman garnered her immense adoration from audiences as did her recent outing as a queer woman in Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga. But even though Kapoor Ahuja has toiled in the industry for over a decade, she's been fastidious in her approach, immersing herself in projects that mirror her identity. Her latest offering is The Zoya Factor, a romantic drama based on Anuja Chauhan’s hit novel saw Kapoor Ahuja assume the role of a bubbly protagonist.

“The film is based on one of my favorite books, it’s sweet and easy-breezy. For the past couple of years, I’ve been doing heavy films, so this was a welcome change,” she says.

Onset, the actor lives up to her reputation as a fashionista. Accompanied by a teeming entourage, she troops in wearing an oversized white shirt, jeans and Jordan hightop sneakers. She’s had a late night but is quick to turn up the energy, ardently thumbing through racks of clothes, and isn't shy of sharing her opinion, true to her forthright personality. Later, she weighs in on her personal style evolution and the intricacies of the industry.