Sonam Kapoor has her plate full as an actor and as a fashionista. June will see the release of her film Raanjhnaa , also in the buzz for being actor Dhanush’s debut in Bollywood. And staying true to her style diva image and a representative of the new generation in Bollywood, Sonam will walk the red carpet at the 66th Festival de Cannes.
As one of the three Indian brand ambassadors of L’Oreal, besides Aishwarya Rai and Freida Pinto, Sonam will take to the red carpet on the opening day (May 15). She will be sporting one of the six Bollywood-inspired looks created by celebrity make-up artist Namrata Soni for L’Oréal Paris, titled L’Or Sunset Collection at Cannes, which is celebrating 100 years of Indian Cinema this year. And the actor remains tight-lipped about the designer she’s chosen — “I want the dress to be a surprise, for myself too,” says Sonam.
Taking some time off after the press conference, Sonam Kapoor talks to The Hindu about the two things she knows and loves best — fashion and Bollywood.
How do you expect the Cannes experience to be this year?
This year’s going to be a great platform for actors like me and Indian cinema because they are going to be celebrating 100 years of Indian cinema. Cannes in general is about celebrating movies, and here we are celebrating actresses and women of worth. It’s great to be able to celebrate all that on an international platform. And the last two years has been incredible fun too.
How much hard work goes into looking fashionable?
Personally, I don’t work very hard. There are make-up artists, costume designers and L’Oreal who are taking care of me all the time. I just sit there. But I do choose what I want to wear, what kind of make-up I want… that is a bit of work but I enjoy it so it’s good.
What is the one style myth that people have about you?
That I plan what I wear. I don’t. I am just a very spontaneous person.
What is your favourite red carpet moment?
My first red carpet for Cannes in 2011, where I wore a white Jean Paul Gaultier couture gown.
Your favourite style moments from Bollywood over the years that were trendsetters…
Nutan in her trousers, Waheeda Rahman in Pyaasa with her batua, Sharmila Tagore in her swim suit, the ‘Sadhana’ haircut, Meena Kumari in Pakeezah , Rekha in Umrao Jaan , Rekha in Silsila , Jaya Bhaduri in Guddi with her two plaits, which I have copied in Raanjhnaa , Sridevi in Chaalbaaz wearing the transparent raincoat and hat, Urmila in Rangeela, Karishma Kapoor in Raja Hindustani and my movie Ayesha changed quite a few trends too.
Moving on to your movie, how was the experience of working with Dhanush?
It was great working with him. He’s an incredible actor and I’ve learnt quite a bit from him. We attended a lot of workshops because there was a language barrier but it was amazing working with him because he is such a good, spontaneous and innocent actor.
Have you been getting any offers from the South?
Quite a few offers actually, but I haven’t taken anything seriously until now. Only if something incredible comes up, will I take it up.
