‘When I began, union rules prohibited women from officially working as makeup artists on film sets': Namrata Soni shares her journey, says was expected to ‘hide in vanity vans to avoid being seen'

Indian Express

21-05-2025

From Sonam Kapoor to Anushka Sharma and Dimple Kapadia to Rani Mukherji, these celeb faces have served as blank canvases for Namrata Soni, who has created many unforgettable looks on them. The celeb makeup artist, who got her first big break in Bollywood with Main Hoon Na, is one of the most sought-after makeup and hair artists in the industry today.
In a candid interview with indianexpress.com, she said her journey has been 'nothing short of transformative,' and is blessed to have the support of many. Soni also opened up about her long-standing collaboration with Sonam Kapoor, Anushka Sharma's flawless skin, her most challenging project, her makeup brand, skincare myths, and much more. Read the edited excerpts below:
Namrata Soni: My journey has been nothing short of transformative. When I began, union rules prohibited women from officially working as makeup artists on film sets. We were expected to assist quietly or even hide in vanity vans to avoid being seen. I was physically removed from sets and humiliated in front of peers. It was disheartening then, but it steeled my resolve.
I was lucky to have support from visionary directors, producers, and actors who believed in equality. Thanks to their encouragement and the collective fight of many women, the Supreme Court of India eventually struck down the discriminatory law. It was a landmark victory, not just for me, but for every woman who dreamed of working as a makeup artist in Indian cinema.
Despite the hurdles, milestones kept me going. Winning the IIFA Award was unforgettable, especially with my parents and sister by my side. Receiving the Legendary and Dadasaheb Phalke Awards was humbling. Each award serves as a reminder of how far we've come and how much further we can go when we continue to break barriers.
My passion for makeup was deeply rooted in my childhood. I grew up admiring the grace and beauty rituals of the women in my family, especially my mother. This drove me to get formal training at the Delamar Academy in London, where I studied everything from prosthetics to bridal makeup. That foundation was invaluable. After returning to India, I started from scratch, assisting senior artists, taking every opportunity with gratitude. Main Hoon Na was my first big break, and from there, my journey slowly gathered momentum.
Namrata Soni: I've always chosen to walk my path. For me, it's never been about titles or affiliations but about the clients, the creative process, and the people I work with. I've been fortunate enough to have had a successful career, working with some of the most respected names in the industry, and my focus has always been on delivering the best results, whether it's for a red carpet, editorial shoot, or bridal look.
That said, I respect what unions stand for. Many colleagues have found value in being members. But I've never felt my choice held me back. My work and the recognition I've received—from clients, peers, and awards—speak for themselves. The quality of my work and the relationships I've built have truly shaped my career, and I believe that's what continues to define how my work is perceived in the industry.
In the end, what matters most to me is ensuring that every look I create reflects my passion and dedication to the craft.
A post shared by Sonam A Kapoor (@sonamkapoor)
Namrata Soni: Being on a film set for the first time gave me clarity. That experience led me to assist Dilshad Pastakia, and then I landed the opportunity to work on Farah Khan's Main Hoon Na. I handled hairstyling for Shah Rukh Khan, Zayed Khan, and Amrita Rao. That project helped me get noticed, and I knew then that this was my calling.
As for cheerleaders—my family. My parents and sister have been my pillars of strength, supporting me through every high and low.
Namrata Soni: My association with Sonam Kapoor is truly special, and it goes beyond just professional collaboration – it's a deep, trusting partnership that has evolved over the years. We've worked together on countless projects, from red carpets to editorial shoots, and each time, there's this incredible synergy between us. Sonam has a unique sense of style and a clear vision, making my job as her makeup artist exciting and fulfilling. Some of our most iconic moments include her appearances at the Cannes Film Festival, especially the 2014 soft smoky eye look that became a talking point globally.
Namrata Soni: Every look I've created is special in its own way. They all represent the person and the moment, and hence, It's difficult for me to choose. Some may feel less polished in hindsight, but they've taught me something valuable. So no, I wouldn't want to redo anything—they're all part of my evolution as an artist.
A post shared by namratasoni (@namratasoni)
Namrata Soni: Without a doubt, Om Shanti Om. It was my first time working with prosthetics, and the scale of the project was unprecedented in India. I had to learn on the job — understanding textures, formulations, and how they perform in our climate. It was an intense learning curve, but it helped me grow technically. I was proud to receive the IIFA Award for that work.
Namrata Soni: I've been lucky to work with some of the industry's most wonderful and inspiring personalities. Many of them have become like family over the years. Honestly, I don't find anyone difficult—each individual comes with their rhythm and preferences, and part of being a good makeup artist is understanding that and adapting accordingly. It's never about challenges, but about collaborating to create something beautiful that reflects their personality and the moment. That's what makes every experience unique and fulfilling.
Namrata Soni: Anushka Sharma has beautiful skin.
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Namrata Soni: It's been quite a journey. I first dreamed of starting my beauty brand in 2015, but it wasn't until 2020 that I finally took the leap. For me, this wasn't just about launching a makeup line, it was about addressing the real needs of women across India.
After spending over twenty years in the industry, I understood what Indian women truly needed—high-quality products tailored to their skin tones, climate, and lifestyle. That's how Simply Nam was born. Every product is thoughtfully formulated to be inclusive, versatile, and easy to use. It's my mission to help people feel seen, celebrated, and confident in their skin.
Namrata Soni: That more products equal better skin. With the rise of skincare trends and 10-step routines, people often feel pressured to layer products constantly, but less is usually more. Your skin needs consistency, not complexity. Focus on the right ingredients and a simple routine—it's far more effective. Trust the basics, and your skin will thank you.
Namrata Soni: In 2025, makeup will continue evolving with innovative textures and finishes that enhance creativity and wearability. We'll see a rise in velvety satin finishes that deliver a soft, radiant glow, bridging the gap between matte and dewy. Hybrid textures will also dominate; think shimmer-infused mattes, semi-glosses with subtle holographic accents, and gel-powder formulations that offer a fresh, modern approach to application and finish.
The earthy tones that gained popularity in 2024 – browns, bronzes, and beiges – will remain in focus, but with a refined edge. Mocha Mousse will emerge as the standout shade of the year, appearing across a wide range of products, from blushers and bronzers to eyeshadows and lip care. These tones are versatile, perfect for everyday wear yet luxurious enough to create bold, statement looks.
We'll also see an elevated appreciation for complexion products with the rise of the dewy 'second skin' makeup look. This trend celebrates the skin's natural texture, using hydrating skin tints, glossy highlighters, and creamy, dewy blushes layered over skincare to create a luminous, lit-from-within effect. It's less about masking and more about enhancing what's already beautiful.
Lastly, I anticipate bold, expressive color moments to make a return. Blue Wave, a deep blue-violet hue with a surreal, cosmic edge, will be at the forefront. Expect to see it across eyes, lips, nails, and even hair, as people look to make more adventurous and artistic beauty statements.
Shweta Sharma leads the lifestyle section at IndianExpress.com. Over the years, she has written about culture, music, art, books, health, fashion, and food. She can be reached at [e-mail]. ... Read More