Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor recently revisited her teenage years, candidly sharing how battling PCOS affected her self-esteem—and how actress Kajol unexpectedly became her source of inspiration.
In a revealing interview with Barkha Dutt on Mojo Story, Sonam spoke openly about growing up with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)—a hormonal disorder that led to significant weight gain, facial hair, and acne during her teen years.
“I was just 16 when I was diagnosed. That’s the age when you’re expected to look your best. But I struggled with breakouts, facial hair, and rapid weight gain,” she shared. “People would say, ‘She’s Anil Kapoor’s daughter?’ It was very traumatic.”
Finding Strength in Kajol’s Natural Confidence
While the negativity around her appearance was overwhelming, Sonam said a key moment of encouragement came from her mother. “She showed me a photo of Kajol,” Sonam recalled. “She said, ‘Look at her—she’s one of the biggest heroines, and she never plucked her unibrow.’ That image stayed with me.”
At the time, Kajol’s unapologetically natural look, especially her thick unibrow and hairline, challenged the beauty standards most actresses followed. That fearless authenticity helped Sonam build self-assurance and embrace her individuality.
From Struggle to Stardom
Sonam’s resilience paid off when she was spotted by director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who cast her in the 2007 film ‘Saawariya’ alongside Ranbir Kapoor. The film marked her Bollywood debut and was the start of a career that would include hits like Neerja, Khoobsurat, and Raanjhanaa.
Now a style icon and outspoken advocate for body positivity, Sonam is known for her bold fashion statements and candid takes on health, beauty, and self-love.
On the personal front, Sonam married entrepreneur Anand Ahuja in 2018. The couple now resides in London, and in 2022, they welcomed their first child, a baby boy.
Sonam’s story is a powerful reminder that self-confidence and individuality can grow even in the face of criticism—and sometimes, all it takes is one strong role model to change everything.https://www.instagram.com/bollywoodshaadis
