Sonam Kapoor Turns 40: How Bollywood's Style Star Ruled Global Fashion
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Sonam Kapoor Ahuja is one of the fashion divas of Bollywood and a globally celebrated fashion icon. As she turns 40, we look back at her journey.
Happy Birthday Sonam Kapoor: Sonam Kapoor Ahuja is undoubtedly the fashion trendsetter of Bollywood. Born to parents Sunita and Anil Kapoor, Sonam has left an impressionable mark with her distinctive style. Sonam, who debuted with a Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial in 2007, is also known to speak her mind and has often had to face trolling because of it.
Her evolution from a Bollywood actor to an international fashion icon was the result of her passion for style and cultural representation. Sonam, who was Bhansali's assistant director on Black, made sartorial choices that often blend traditional Indian attire with contemporary fashion.
Ahead of the actor's 40th birthday on June 9, here's a look back on her journey from an actor to a global fashion icon.
Sonam Kapoor's Journey
Sonam Kapoor, who began her career with Saawariya, got her first commercial success in 2010 with I Hate Luv Stories. However, she played repetitive characters after starring in the rom-com opposite Imran Khan. However, Anand L Rai's Raanjhanaa gave her a fresh start.
Balancing her Bollywood career, the actor was crafting a unique fashion narrative on the side. In collaboration with her sister Rhea Kapoor, the Bhaag Milkha Bhaag actor launched a high-street fashion label RHESON to make high fashion accessible to the youth.
Kapoor Ahuja turned heads at international events like the Cannes Film Festival; in 2011, she debuted on the French Riviera in a vintage Jean Paul Gaultier gown. Her bold fashion choices resonated with the audience across the world.
The Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga actor, in 2024, was named as Dior's first South Asian global ambassador. Interestingly, her connection with the brand goes back to her 2010 film Aisha, which was loosely based on Jane Austen's Emma. In that film, Kapoor Ahuja seamlessly wove luxury fashion into Bollywood's costume design.
Sonam Kapoor Ahuja actively supports home-grown labels which focus on organic and upcycled materials, setting new standards for eco-friendly glamour in the industry.
Sonam Kapoor Ahuja on her style
Kapoor Ahuja's journey is not just about her wardrobe; it is about sharing her story and expressing her identity. In a conversation with the Times of India, she expressed that fashion is a powerful means of self-expression, allowing her to connect with her roots while embracing modernity.
Her style often pays homage to Indian culture while incorporating contemporary designs, creating a beautiful blend that bridges Eastern traditions with Western fashion trends.
As she continues to grace global platforms, Kapoor emerges as a beacon of cultural pride and innovative ideas in fashion.
First Published:
June 09, 2025, 07:15 IST
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