Of Home, And The World

What drives someone who is persistent on bringing social change, to keep pushing the envelope? We ask our anniversary issue’s cover star, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, as she rules over our world and yours.

- Nidhi Raj Singh & Mehul Reuben Das

Carrying the Kapoor surname has its boons. Or so it seems. It is also the source of immense pressure, and the constant need to prove one’s worth, capability and tenacity. Under such daunting pressure, things often fall apart. It takes great resolve and self awareness to stand tall amidst all kinds of baseless provocations and to give a cent per cent to what one loves. And to do it with grace, time and again is something that only a few can think of, and even fewer actually achieve.

But then Sonam Kapoor Ahuja is not just anybody. As someone who is constantly breaking the moulds that people try to ascribe to her, Sonam has made a name for herself not just as one of the most complete actors of this generation, but also as one of the best style icons India has produced in decades. Her secret? “Be confident in what you do! It’s actually that simple,” she chimes, when we ask her. A true blooded Gemini, who is as comfortable with reading and discussing stalwarts like Harari and Keller, as she is with acing airport looks, Sonam wears a number of masks. We try to get her to take them off in this riveting interview, where she bares her mind and soul. Edited Excerpts:

Now that you have worked with Anil Kapoor in a co-actor’s capacity, what did you learn? How was your experience?

It was an amazing experience. Initially, I was nervous and a little scared, but he helped me open up. I got to see how he actually is on a film set. He has amazing work ethics and has an unquenchable thirst to learn and to perfect his craft. He is still very eager to learn new things, just like a child. From him, I’ve learnt that we are all students in some way or the other and that learning about your craft is a process that never really ends.