Sonam Kapoor (born 9 June 1985)[1][2] is an Indian actress and a former model. She is the daughter of Indian film actor Anil Kapoor. Kapoor garnered international recognition as a spokesperson for the French beauty brand L'Oréal.[3][4]
Kapoor made her acting debut in 2007 in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Saawariya opposite Ranbir Kapoor and subsequently featured in the offbeat drama Delhi-6 (2009). She earned her first commercial success with the romantic comedy I Hate Luv Storys (2010), and followed with films such as Aisha, and Mausam (2011). Whilst the former brought her acknowledgment as a fashionista and praise for her unique sense of style;[5][6] the latter earned her critical appreciation for her performance.
In 2013, Kapoor received immense recognition from critics for her role in the commercially successful romantic drama Raanjhanaa which is referred as her best performance to date.[7][8] She subsequently featured in the biographical sports film Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, her second consecutive success in 2013.
Early life
Kapoor was born in the suburb of Chembur, Mumbai on 9 June 1985.[1] She is the daughter of actor Anil Kapoor and ex-model Sunita Kapoor[9] and the granddaughter of filmmaker Surinder Kapoor.[10] The family moved to a house in the suburb of Juhu, where her parents still reside, when she was one month old.[11] Kapoor is the eldest of three children; the others are sister Rhea Kapoor and brother Harshvardhan.[12] She is the niece of producer Boney Kapoor, actor Sanjay Kapoor and producer Sandeep Marwah. Actress Mona Shourie Kapoor are Sridevi are her aunts.[13] She is also the first cousin of actor, Arjun Kapoor, Anushala Kapoor and second cousin of actor Ranveer Singh from her mothers side.
She attended the Arya Vidya Mandir school in Juhu and then enrolled in the United World College of South East Asia, boarding school in Singapore, to do her International Baccalaureate.[9] She studied theatre and arts in Singapore for 2 years.[11] 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.[12]
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.[14]
Sonam Kapoor (R) with Sanjay Leela Bhansali (L) and Ranbir Kapoor (C) on the sets of Saawariya.
She made her acting debut alongside newcomer, Ranbir Kapoor in Bhansali's Saawariya (2007), which failed to do well at the box office,[15] but her performance opened to mixed to good reviews by critics.[16] 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."[17]
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."[18]
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."[19] Sonam had no release in 2008, although, was nominated for the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut, though lost out to actress Deepika Padukone for Om Shanti Om, which, coincidentally was released alongside Saawariya.
2009-12: Initial success and professional setbacks
Kapoor promoting Thank You.
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".[20] 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".[21]
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 
40 crore (US$6.8 million) at the domestic box office.[22][23] 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."[24]
40 crore (US$6.8 million) at the domestic box office.[22][23] 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."[24]
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.[25][26]
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".[27]
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".[28]
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 criticizing the writing of the
character.[29]
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 45 crore (US$7.6 million) mark.[30]
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."[31] The same year, she made an appearance at the 64th Cannes Film Festival representing L'Oréal, the brand she endorses in India.
45 crore (US$7.6 million) mark.[30]
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."[31] The same year, she made an appearance at the 64th Cannes Film Festival representing L'Oréal, the brand she endorses in India.
Kapoor promoting 'Mausam' on the sets of Kaun Banega Crorepati.
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.[32] 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".[33]
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."[34]
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."[35]
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."[36]
Later that year, Kapoor made her second appearance at the Cannes Film Festival.
2013-present: Success and recent work
Kapoor at 2013 Cannes Film Festival.
Kapoor made her third appearance at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2013. Her first release of 2013, Raanjhanaa, opened to a positive critical reception[37][38] and proved to be a commercial success, netting 34 crore (US$5.7 million) nett approx domestically in the first week.[39]
34 crore (US$5.7 million) nett approx domestically in the first week.[39]
Kapoor's portrayal of Zoya Haidar, a headstrong but emotional middle
class girl, earned her positive reviews through out the globe, 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."[40]
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."[41]
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."[42]
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".[43]
She next appeared in the biographical sports film Bhaag Milkha Bhaag opposite Farhan Akhtar and Pakistani actress Meesha Shafi.
Her role Biro was of Akhtar's former love-interest. The film opened to
tremendous critical acclaim and was termed as a huge box office success
on the second day of release itself.[44]
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!".[45]
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".[46] Gayatri Shankar of Zee News stated, "Sonam, though has very little screen time, does her bit quite well".[47] 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".[48]
Kapoor began shooting for Yash Raj Film's next co-starring Ayushmann Khurrana on 5 February 2013. The film is directed by Nupur Asthana (of Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge fame) and is slated for a late 2013 release.[49][50][51] She has also been signed on for Rhea Kapoor's next, a remake of the 1980 film Khubsoorat starring Rekha.[52] Kapoor and director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra also confirmed her presence as the lead actress of his next film, a mythological adventure thriller[53] opposite her I Hate Luv Storys co-star Imran Khan.[54][55]
Other work
Philanthropy
Kapoor at Ave 29 Gallery Opening
In 2009, Kapoor participated in the International Indian Film Academy Awards, also known as "IIFA" charity fashion show.[56]
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.[57]
In the media
In November 2010, Kapoor appeared on Koffee With Karan, a popular chat show along with actress Deepika Padukone. Her comments on her rumoured ex-boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor led to a lot of controversy among Bollywood inner-circles.[58] During an interview in June 2012, Kapoor made seemingly negative remarks on fellow actress Katrina Kaif,
as she stated, "I don’t know how she does it. You need a certain kind
of commitment and a certain kind of shamelessness to do certain things
and you get that may be with stardom, with confidence in your talent,
with who you are as a person, and I need to develop that before I do
that kind of films — over the top films. I need to learn how to do it as
I was terrible in those movies."[59] Although, Kapoor later stated that the media misinterpreted her on these comments, as she was only trying to compliment Kaif.[60]
Personal life
Kapoor prefers to keep her personal life away from media attention.[61] 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.[62]
However, it was denied by both the actors. After the films 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.[63] In January 2013, it was believed the couple had separated.[64][65]
Kapoor has also stated that her closest friends in the industry are actors Kareena Kapoor, Asin, Jacqueline Fernandez, Imran Khan and Dhanush, and fashion designer Shehla Khan.[66]
Filmography
| Year | Film | Role | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Saawariya | Sakina | Hindi English |
Nominated–Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut |
| 2009 | Delhi-6 | Bittu Sharma | Hindi | |
| 2010 | I Hate Luv Storys | Simran Saxena | Hindi | |
| 2010 | Aisha | Aisha Kapoor | Hindi | |
| 2011 | Thank You | Sanjana | Hindi | |
| 2011 | Mausam | Aayat Rasool | Hindi | |
| 2012 | Players | Naina | Hindi English Russian |
|
| 2013 | Bombay Talkies | Herself | Hindi | Special appearance in song "Apna Bombay Talkies" |
| 2013 | Raanjhanaa | Zoya Haidar | Hindi Tamil |
Tamil dubbed as Ambikapathy |
| 2013 | Bhaag Milkha Bhaag | Biro | Hindi | |
| 2013 | Nupur Asthana's Untitled Next | Mayera Sehgal | Hindi | Filming |
Awards
| Year | Award | Category | Film | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Filmfare Awards | Best Female Debut | Saawariya | Nominated |
| 2008 | Screen Awards | Most Promising Newcomer | Saawariya | Nominated |
| 2008 | Screen Awards | Jodi No. 1 With Ranbir Kapoor | Saawariya | Nominated |
| 2008 | Zee Cine Awards | Best Female Debut | Saawariya | Nominated |
| 2008 | Stardust Awards | Superstar of Tomorrow – Female | Saawariya | Won |
| 2008 | IIFA Awards | Star Debut of the Year – Female | Saawariya | Nominated |
| 2010 | Asian Film Awards | Best Debutante - Female | Delhi-6 | Nominated |
| 2012 | Stardust Awards | Best Comedy/Romance Actress | Thank You | Nominated |
| 2012 | Zee Cine Awards | International Icon - Female | Won |
Honors & Achievements
| Year | Awards Event | Award | Film | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Head & Shoulders | Sony Fresh Face Of The Year | Saawariya | Won |
| 2011 | NDTV | Brand Ambassador Of The Year | ||
| 2011 | Hello! Hall Of Fame Awards | Face Of The Year - Female | ||
| 2012 | Cosmopolitan Awards | Fun Fearless Female Best Dressed | ||
| 2013 | Hindustan Times | Timeless Style Icon Awarda |
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