Sonam K Ahuja Braiding Her Immense Star Power With Her Deep Love Of Books
Elle India|March 2019

Braiding her immense star power with her deep love of books, Sonam K Ahuja is committed to bringing to the big screen tales that speak to her and to the times we live in, finds author Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni 
Sonam K Ahuja Braiding Her Immense Star Power With Her Deep Love Of Books

It was my first time talking with a famous Bollywood actor, and I hadn’t been sure what to expect.

Someone encased in glittery make-up and a cloud of perfume, perhaps, wearing expensive designer clothes and toting a branded purse, shielded behind enigmatic dark glasses? To my delight, Sonam K Ahuja exploded all these stereotypes. Dressed casually in a blue top and comfortable pants, her eyes shining behind elegant but functional glasses, she exuded inner and outer beauty as she greeted me enthusiastically. Maybe I was biased because she was waving a copy of my newest book, The Forest Of Enchantments (HarperCollins), saying she was excited to start reading it. We bonded further over the fact that we follow each other on Twitter. Intelligent, thoughtful, down to earth, and always ready for a laugh, Sonam was a delight to converse with as we talked about everything from her memories of falling in love with reading as a child, the next book heroine she’s bringing to life, and why she’s finished with labels of every kind.

Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni: Sonam, I’m delighted to know that you’re a big reader. How did you develop this habit? Sonam K Ahuja: My mum is a reader. You always want to be like your mum. My mother is beautiful. She used to model. I was like, “Oh my God, this beautiful woman with big glasses is reading all the time. Maybe I should read, too.” That’s how I started. Also, she used to read to us when we were younger. And she wouldn’t finish the story so we’d always want to know the end. And that was very smart.

CBD: I used to do exactly the same thing with my boys! I would read them half the story and then leave the book out there. And then they were forced to read the rest.

SKA: Yes, because they wanted to know what would happen!

Denne historien er fra March 2019-utgaven av Elle India.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra March 2019-utgaven av Elle India.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA ELLE INDIASe alt
THE MANE ATTRACTION
Elle India

THE MANE ATTRACTION

When it comes to hair care, compromise simply isn't an option. With iluvia's expertly curated systems, you can cleanse, revive, and protect your hair without missing a beat. Let your locks thrive, from root to tip, with science-backed, innovative haircare ranges crafted for lasting shine, strength, and elegance.

time-read
1 min  |
October 2024
ELLE Beauty Hall of Fame
Elle India

ELLE Beauty Hall of Fame

Celebrating standout beauty products in every category, all earning ELLE's seal of approval through expert, editorial and public votes

time-read
1 min  |
October 2024
FULL THROTTLE
Elle India

FULL THROTTLE

F2 rising star Kush Maini on his racing journey & challenges in motorsport. Ekta Sinha hitches a ride

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
VIJAY VARMA MAN OF THE MOMENT
Elle India

VIJAY VARMA MAN OF THE MOMENT

Amidst the barrage of releases, Vijay Varma's dignified reticence is enveloped in thoughtful consideration, reports Ipsita Kaul

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024
ROHIT SARAF THE GEN Z STAR
Elle India

ROHIT SARAF THE GEN Z STAR

The new generation heartthrob talks about his love for romcoms, music, and future endeavours with Ekta Sinha

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024
Roaring RAJASTHAN
Elle India

Roaring RAJASTHAN

From Jawai's dramatic landscape and Jaisalmer's rich heritage to Ranthambore's enthralling wilderness-Isha Mayer explores SUJÁN's luxurious, eco-conscious hospitality offerings in the beautiful state

time-read
6 mins  |
October 2024
Ectoin: The Skin's New Defence
Elle India

Ectoin: The Skin's New Defence

Krishika Bhatia explores a revolutionary skincare breakthrough that merges nature and science, featuring insights from industry experts

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
Nigella's WORLD
Elle India

Nigella's WORLD

The British celebrity chef shares the secret recipe to her effortless charm in the kitchen with Isha Mayer

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024
ADRIATIC DRIFT
Elle India

ADRIATIC DRIFT

Stari Grad is Croatia's hidden gem waiting to be explored, finds Isha Mayer

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024
Unapologetically MOSTLY SANE
Elle India

Unapologetically MOSTLY SANE

The multi-hyphenate artist fills Maahi Shah in on the fun things she's working on, what meeting Michelle Obama was like, & how she stays grounded

time-read
4 mins  |
October 2024