How Kajol's unibrow helped a young Sonam

Bollywood star Sonam Kapoor, known for her impeccable style, recently opened up about a time in her life when she was anything but confident. In a candid discussion at We The Women summit, Sonam shared how trolling and body-shaming during her teenage years left a lasting impact on her self-esteem.

At 16, the actor, who was still finding herself, faced significant physical changes due to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). The hormonal imbalance led to weight gain, acne, and facial hair—changes that many teenagers struggle with, but for Sonam, the public scrutiny was especially harsh. "I had facial hair. And you break out in acne. I had people tell me, 'Oh, she's Anil Kapoor's daughter,'" Sonam recalled. The constant comparison to her famous father, along with cruel trolling, took a toll on her at a time when society often expects perfection.

What was even more challenging, Sonam shared, was how society's beauty standards made these changes feel even more painful. "I was traumatised by it," she admitted. These remarks left her feeling isolated and insecure, but she found solace in the wisdom of her mother, Sunita Kapoor. Rather than focusing on the criticism, Sonam's mother pointed her towards the idea of embracing her natural beauty.

"I remember my mom showing me Kajol's picture and said, 'Look at her! She is the biggest heroine right now,'" Sonam said, reflecting on how her mother used the example of another Bollywood icon to inspire confidence. At the time, Kajol, known for her bold and unapologetic look, wore a unibrow, which became a symbol of embracing one's natural features. Seeing Kajol's confidence in her own skin helped Sonam understand that beauty isn't about meeting others' expectations, but about self-acceptance.

Last month, Sonam became the first-ever South Asian ambassador for Dior, showcasing the ties between India and the global luxury brand. As reported by WWD, the actor will represent collections created by Maria Grazia Chiuri, creative director of womenswear at Dior.

"A multitalented personality, the actor, producer and fashion icon henceforth embodies the audacity, grace and elegance of Dior style, a femininity constantly reinvented," read a statement released by Dior. "More than ever, this unique alliance celebrates the powerful cultural ties that have united Dior and India since the very beginning of the house."

Sonam made her screen debut in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Saawariya (2007). After garnering lead roles in romantic comedy I Hate Luv Stories (2010) and the romance film Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (2015), the actor won critical acclaim for her lead role in the biographical thriller Neerja (2016). As per the publication, Sonam is married to businessman Anand Ahuja and is preparing to return to the screen next year after taking a career break to welcome her first child.