Being in the limelight, celebrities often become the target of trolls on social media platforms. How do you veer away from the negativity?

I take it with a pinch of salt. Everyone’s entitled to an opinion; so am I. It’s only fair to allow people to voice that opinion. Yes, it can get really nasty sometimes, but I try to focus on the positives. 

Apart from working with Bollywood megastars, you have performed with some fine actors, including Rajkummar Rao, Ayushmann Khurrana, and Fawad Khan. How has it shaped your acting skills? 

Honestly, the biggest draw for me has been the script and story. I want to try it all and I don’t base my judgments on the co-star. Of course, they are all very talented and it’s been a pleasure working with them. 

Veere di Wedding featured Kareena Kapoor Khan, Swara Bhaskar, and Shikha Talsania and was coproduced by your sister, Rhea Kapoor. How was it like to work with a powerhouse of talented women in the industry? 

Kareena, Swara, Shikha and I had such a great time working on this film, to add to that we had Rhea producing it. It was empowering to not just make the film, but witness the kind of love and acceptance the film received. It also broke a norm, becoming the first film to be headlined by female leads minus a big A-list male star. It was a game-changer of its time. 

Neerja, a thriller based on a real-life incident received the best film award. How hard was it to immerse in a role demanding a new reality altogether? 

The challenge here wasn’t just the role, but to do Neerja Bhanot’s memory and her family proud. I tried my best to portray her in the most sensitive manner and the fact that we revived the memory of this unsung hero was what made me happiest. 

Which are some style icons from classic cinema that inspire you?

There have been so many style icons who’ve inspired me…from Marlene Dietrich, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly to Madhubala. 

One element which has been constant in your career is your distinct and individualistic sense of style. How has the Kapoor entourage influenced your choices? 

I hail from a family with all strong, individualistic minds…there’s no formula here and we were always encouraged as children to pursue our passions and follow our dreams. That’s something that reflects in my sense of style. It’s very me and it’s what I’m thinking and feeling. 

Managing personal and professional life amidst the glitz and glamour of acting, attending film festivals, and making special appearances can be burdensome. What is your Zen formula? 

When you decide to be a movie star that’s what you sign up for. However, I’ve been very lucky to be surrounded by people who are constantly encouraging and supporting me. Whether it’s my family, my husband or my in-laws, I just feel very grateful.

You got married to Anand Ahuja last year, how do you incorporate each other’s advice in the workspace and work around hectic schedules involving different time zones? 

That’s the thing about love…you just make it work. We’ve managed to find a beautiful balance. He’s someone I look up to and is a sounding board so I do go to him for advice, or if I need to discuss something I’m unsure of. Despite the crazy schedule, every day has been phenomenal. 

Weddings can be stressful sometimes for the bride-to-be. What is your advice for them?

It’s supposed to be a happy occasion but ends up being stressful for many. My advice would be to enjoy every moment and take things as they come. 

Sending out digital invites for your wedding, gave out an important message of sustainability. How do you think the Indian fashion sphere is adapting to it?

I think the fashion segment is really evolving and embracing sustainability and social awareness like never before.

Indian brides are opting for contemporary silhouettes for occasions, in comparison to the rather ostentatious ensembles. What can they imbibe from the traditional ways to infuse into today’s zeitgeist, to stay in touch with their roots?

Everyone has the right to decide what kind of bride they want to be, and what they choose to wear for that special occasion. The easiest manner to infuse something traditional would be a fun henna design, Indian jewellery and accessories, traditional colours in a contemporary silhouette. 

What are some traits and advice you have acquired and follow ardently, from your mother, Sunita Kapoor?

My mother Sunita is the ideal I look up to. Our love for fashion (Rhea & I) stemmed from her. She’s always carried herself with grace and poise and is everyone’s go-to. I watched her handle the finances at home and that’s something I’ve learnt from her. 

What was your first encounter with movies and fashion that made you sure of this path?

I always wanted to do something creative but getting into films was not something I had planned. According to my father and people who knew me really well, there was always an actor in me. It does take a lot of effort, time and a football team size entourage, to make actors look the way we do. But I’ve made peace with it and embraced it. I’ve also learned to deal with the pressure and enjoy the ride.

You debuted with Saawariya, directed by the multi-hyphenate, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, in 2007. How was it starting out with the trailblazing director?

It was honestly a dream to make my debut in a Sanjay Leela Bhansali movie. I’ve also assisted him on the sets so that made me a little more comfortable while working on the film. It was a dream launch and will always be a special film to me. 

With digitalization, somewhere the art of reading is getting lost, you started a thread with the #WeekendReadingWithSonam on social media platforms. What made you initiate it?

I once wanted to be a librarian, just so that I could be around books. I do believe that the art of reading is getting lost in the world of digitalization and no one has the patience to open a book and read anymore. I read on aircrafts, before going to bed, in between takes. Instead of being on my phone, I read and the reason I initiated this on social media is to encourage the habit in others as well.

Being a trendsetter in every facet, from going ahead with progressive scripts to a cutting-edge template of style, if you could go back in time to set a trend for the future, what would it be?

Making education cool…making reading cool…making social awareness cool.

A poster for your next film, Zoya Factor, has been released starring Sanjay Kapoor, and Dulquer Salmaan, based on a novel by Anuja Chauhan. What are you looking forward to in the next release?

I think it’s important for me to play characters who are normal. That’s what I loved about Zoya—she is very normal and average. I am really looking forward to it.