Sonam Kapoor (born 9 June 1985)[1][2] is an Indian actress and model, who appears in Bollywood films. Born to Indian film actor Anil Kapoor, she has established a career in Hindi language (Bollywood) films, and is cited in the media as one of the most popular and fashionable Indian celebrities.
Kapoor began a career in film by assisting director Sanjay Leela Bhansali on his 2005 drama film Black. She made her acting debut in 2007 with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's romance film Saawariya opposite Ranbir Kapoor, which was unsuccessful at the box office. She subsequently featured in the offbeat drama Delhi-6 (2009) and earned her first commercial success with the romantic comedyI Hate Luv Storys (2010). Kapoor then appeared in two well received films in 2013—the romantic dramaRaanjhanaa and the critically acclaimed biographicalsports film Bhaag Milkha Bhaag.[3][4][5] While she was praised for her performance in the former and earned Best Actress nominations at several award ceremonies,[6][7][8] the latter emerged as her biggest commercial success to date.
Alongside her acting career, Kapoor supports numerous charities and causes and is a prominent celebrity endorser for brands and products. Kapoor has also garnered international recognition as a spokesperson for the French beauty brand L'Oréal.[9][10]
She has received acknowledgment as a "fashionista" and praise for her unique sense of style, which has resulted in attention from international designers.[11][12][13][14]
Early life
Kapoor was born in the suburb of Chembur, Mumbai on 9 June 1985.[1][2] She is the daughter of actor Anil Kapoor and ex-model Sunita Kapoor[15] and the granddaughter of filmmaker Surinder Kapoor.[16] The family moved to a house in the suburb of Juhu, where her parents still reside, when she was one month old.[17] Kapoor is the eldest of three children; the others are sister Rhea Kapoor and brother Harshvardhan.[18] She is the niece of producer Boney Kapoor, actor Sanjay Kapoor and producer Sandeep Marwah. Producer Mona Shourie Kapoor and actress Sridevi are her aunts.[19] She is also the first cousin of actor, Arjun Kapoor, Anushala Kapoor and cousin of actor Ranveer Singh on her mother's side.
She attended the Arya Vidya Mandir school in Juhu and then enrolled in the United World College of South East Asia, a boarding school in Singapore, to do her International Baccalaureate.[15] She studied theatre and arts in Singapore for 2 years.[17] She also studied Political Science and Economics from University of East London. She speaks English, Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi and Marathi and is a well trained classical dancer.[18]
Career
2004–08: Early work and film debut
Before starting her career off as an actress, Sonam and Ranbir Kapoor worked as assistant directors under Sanjay Leela Bhansali in 2004, and assisted him during the making of his film, Black which was released in early 2005.[20]
She made her acting debut alongside newcomer, Ranbir Kapoor in Bhansali's Saawariya (2007), which failed to do well at the box office,[21] but her performance opened to mixed to good reviews by critics.[22] Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama commented saying, "Sonam Kapoor is an average actor. However, her role doesn't give her the opportunity to display histrionics. She looks gorgeous at places, but plain ordinary at times."[23] GlamSham.com wrote, "As for Sonam, she matches Ranbir, step for step. A gorgeous looker, she carries off her role with aplomb as the one who is looking for her love to return. Her huge eyes portray her emotions and her confidence is personified in every frame; whether she is playfully fooling around with Ranbir or anxiously looking out for her Imaan (Salman Khan) to return. It looks like these two were born to act. The chemistry between the two is awesome."[24] Naresh K. D. of apunkachoice.com said, "Sonam, though undoubtedly gorgeous, seems ill at ease with her part. In one close-up shot just after her introduction, her face – supposed to express sadness – is completely bereft of emotion. In the second half, however, she manages to sink her teeth better into her character."[25]
In 2009, Kapoor appeared in Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's Delhi-6, opposite Abhishek Bachchan. The film flopped at the box office and received mixed critical reviews, but her performance was praised and she received recognition from within and outside the film industry. Critic Rajeev Masand commented, "Sonam Kapoor is the revelation in Delhi 6. She's a firecracker, instinctive and uninhibited in what isn't even a conventional female lead".[26] Sonia Chopra, film criric from Rediff commented, "Sonam Kapoor is an earnest and effortless performer so she does make you like the character somewhat, despite the typical Delhi-girl recipe".[27]
In 2010, she appeared in Punit Malhotra's I Hate Luv Storys opposite Imran Khan. The film went on to become her first box office success, collecting over ₹400 million (US$5.0 million) at the domestic box office.[28][29] Kapoor also garnered positive reviews for her performance as film critic Taran Adarsh from Bollywood Hungama commented saying, "Sonam is a revelation. From salwars [Saawariya, Delhi 6] to skirts in I Hate Luv Storys, Sonam finally gets a role that does justice to her as an actress. The ease and class with which she carries off the glam look is fantastic. She's like a whiff of fresh air and you actually wonder, is she the same girl from Saawariya and Delhi 6? In fact, I Hate Luv Storys will only multiply Imran and Sonam's fan base manifold."[30]
She next appeared in the romantic comedy, Aisha, opposite Abhay Deol, which was a decent success at the box office, as it was declared an "average" grosser.[31][32] Kapoor also received mainly positive to mixed reviews for her performance. Film critic Sonia Chopra of Sify.com gave a favourable review stating, "Sonam Kapoor gives an ace performance as the somewhat nasty-sometimes angelic Aisha. With this role rendered so perfectly, Sonam has proven herself to be an actor to watch out for, capable of belting out an entire range of emotions".[33] NDTV Movies also gave a positive review as they wrote, "But the film belongs to Sonam Kapoor, make no mistake of that. She makes the best of a rather rare opportunity for an Indian leading lady to be part of a Bollywood film that salutes Victorian mores and Delhi's elitist affectations in one clean cool sweep".[34] However, Rajeev Masand of IBN Live only gave a mixed review, as he said, "...doesn't help that Sonam Kapoor offers a cardboard cutout personality to the lead. She plays the airhead convincingly and pulls off the flighty princess part, but flounders when it comes to drumming up tears, anger or hurt", after criticising the writing of the character.[35]
Sonam's first release in 2011, Thank You was a critical failure, although the film was a moderate success at the box office, as its collections surpassed the ₹450 million (US$5.6 million) mark.[36]
Despite this, Kapoor's performance garnered mainly negative reviews from top critics, as entertainment site One India wrote, "Sonam Kapoor looks terribly out of sync in the film. Her make up in Thank You is just not right at all, she sometimes looks glamorous and sometime pale on-screen."[37] The same year, she made an appearance at the 64th Cannes Film Festival representing L'Oréal, the brand she endorses in India.
Her second film of the year was the romance film Mausam, in which she and co-star Shahid Kapoor had four different looks representing each of the four seasons. The film received mixed reviews and was a failure at the box office.[38] However, Kapoor's performance was appreciated by most prominent critics. Taran Adarsh commented, "For Sonam, Mausam will prove to be a turning point in her career. Astonishing – that would be the right word to describe her work this time around. The confidence with which she handles the distinct characterization speaks volumes".[39]
Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV commented, "Sonam Kapoor may still have some way to go as an actress, but she conveys the essential vulnerability of a girl forever under duress, bringing out just the right mix of feminine fragility and native resolve."[40]
Her first release of 2012 is Players, a remake of The Italian Job, alongside Abhishek Bachchan, Bipasha Basu and Neil Nitin Mukesh. The film received mixed to negative reviews and didn't do well at the box office. Her performance received mainly mixed reviews from top critics. Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama stated that, "It's an image transformation for Sonam in PLAYERS. She has never done a full-on glamorous role before and Players should change the perception. However, the rawness, as an actor, shows in a variety of scenes."[41] However, Martin D'Souza, of glamsham.com said, "But it is Sonam Kapoor who disappoints. I get the feeling that the poor girl is trying too hard to play this 'oomphy' character. She is either overawed by Bipasha or is rattled by the recent spate of her flops."[42]
Kapoor made her third appearance at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2013, representing not only L'Oréal, but also some Indian brands (dress by Huemn and jewellery by Suhani Pittie).[43][44] Her first release of 2013, Raanjhanaa, opened to a positive critical reception[45][46] and proved to be a commercial success, netting ₹340 million (US$4.3 million) nett approx domestically in the first week.[47]
Kapoor's portrayal of Zoya Haidar, a headstrong but emotional middle class girl, earned her a positive critical reception,[7] with Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama noting that "The actor in Sonam was waiting for a role that would make the spectator sit up and notice it and the one in Raanjhanaa gives her that opportunity. The headstrong and emotional persona comes across so well in this film. In addition, like Delhi 6, she's devoid of makeup and that makes the character so appealing. This film is a huge leap frontward for Sonam as an actor."[48] Komal Nahta agrees, saying that "Sonam Kapoor looks very pretty and plays Zoya beautifully. The character of Zoya has tremendous range and Sonam does full justice to it. Her transition is amazing."[49] Rajeev Masand adds that "[Kapoor] does some of her best work here, going smoothly from innocent to manipulative to cynical, without ever losing Zoya’s inherent vulnerability."[50] Joginder Tuteja also writes positively, saying that "Sonam is a revelation and though she has seen appreciation coming her way in earlier films, this one would stand out as a milestone and her career best till date. Playing well on the front foot in an author backed role, she delivers, and how. Moreover, her act in the last 15–20 minutes of the film go on to stun you".[51] For her performance in the film, Kapoor has been nominated for "Best Actress" at several award ceremonies, including the prestigious Filmfare Award for Best Actress.
Kapoor on the sets of India's Dancing Superstar to promote Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
Her next appearance was for the biographicalsports film Bhaag Milkha Bhaag opposite Farhan Akhtar and Meesha Shafi, where she played the small role of Akhtar's initial love interest. The film opened to tremendous critical acclaim and was termed as a major box office success.[52] Moreover, her performance also met with positive reviews. Mohar Basu of entertainment site Koi Moi wrote, "Sonam Kapoor has a lovely tinge in her little role in her limited screen time, she will flatter you enough that you actually feel bad that Milkha and Biro eventually part ways!".[53] Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama also mentioned, "Sonam puts her best foot forward as well. Although the character is brief, she shines in those pertinent moments nonetheless".[54] Gayatri Shankar of Zee News stated, "Sonam, though has very little screen time, does her bit quite well".[55] Joginder Tuteja of Movie Talkies also gave a positive review saying, "Sonam Kapoor has a very minor role and after Raanjhanaa, we wish we could have got to see more of her in this film".[56]Bhaag Milkha Bhaag is also Kapoor's biggest commercial success to date.
In 2012, Kapoor asked for fans to donate to the Ogaan Cancer Foundation for her birthday. They also collaborated to create an awareness for breast cancer.[68]
Kapoor walks the ramp for Manish Malhotra at the launch of Colgate visible white
Endorsements
Kapoor says she only endorses in the brands she believes in. Kapoor has endorsed brands such as Electrolux, Spice Mobile, Cera, Lux, Colgate Visible White, Signature and Mont Blanc.[69] She has also endorsed for an international skin care brand and a brand with her father, Anil Kapoor. Kapoor has also shot for a diamond jewellery print ad and commercial, which is a sub-brand of Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council.[70] Kapoor is also currently the face of an international cosmetic and beauty brand L'Oreal.[69][71] In early 2014, Kapoor appeared began endorsing Oppo Mobile, and soon after appeared in approx. a three minute commercial opposite Hrithik Roshan to promote the brand.[72] According to reports, Kapoor's fee for endorsements is ₹30 million (US$380,000), thus making her one of the highest paid celebrities for endorsements in India.[73]
In the media
Public image
Kapoor at Ave 29 Gallery Opening
Due to her being from a film background, Kapoor has always been in the media spotlight since a young age. Her debut alongside Ranbir Kapoor was also heavily hyped due to the stated reason.[73] Kapoor is known for having a "outspoken" and "bold" personality, as perceived from various media interactions, how she presents herself in public and her choice of films.[74][75] Since the release of Aisha (2010), Kapoor has been widely recognised as a "fashionista",[76][77] due to her unique sense of style. Therefore, she regularly features on fashion magazine covers based in India, such as Stardust[78] and Filmfare.[79] Kapoor was also widely appreciated by Simi Garewal for being a fashionista and for her performances in her films. Kapoor has also featured on the covers of many Indian editions to international magazines such as Vogue,[80]FHM,[81]Maxim,[82]GQ,[83]NOTCH,[84]Grazia,[85]Verve,[86]Elle[87] and Femina.[88] Kapoor also tops in best-dressed lists, and constantly attracts media attention for what she wears at events and film promotions.[73] Apart from being considered as a "fashionista", she has also been tagged as a "youth icon" by the Indian media.[89]
Personal life
Kapoor prefers to keep her personal life away from media attention.[90] There have been numerous reports regarding her dating life, however, she has never confirmed these.
During the filming of Kapoor's debut film, Saawariya it was widely speculated that she was in a romantic relationship with co-star, Ranbir Kapoor.[91] However, it was denied by both the actors. After the film's release, it was reported the couple had broken up. Later, it was reported that she is in a relationship with her I Hate Luv Storys director, Punit Malhotra, although, despite the fact that this was also denied by both, it was continued to be reported.[92] In January 2013, it was believed the couple had separated.[93][94]
.jpg)
