Sonam Kapoor: The most precious gift I can offer my son is my undivided attention

In an interview with Cosmopolitan India, actor Sonam Kapoor Ahuja talks about taking on her big role—one of being a mother—the importance of living in the moment, and the kind of movies she’s loving currently. 

Cosmopolitan India: What were you doing right before this interview?

Sonam Kapoor Ahuja: “I just finished reading a bedtime story to Vayu.” 

CI: How did you strike a balance between work and personal life during your pregnancy?

SKA: “I had already begun working on a few projects before Anand and I discovered that we were pregnant. I ensured that I fulfilled all my commitments that were due since I knew that in my new phase of life, I would be just available to my son as a mother. And if that meant that acting would take a backseat for a bit, so be it...I will never stop acting completely, but I wanted to be present during my transition to motherhood.” 

CI: And were there any projects you couldn’t finish?

SKA: “I have two projects that are pending. I’ll begin working on them soon. After much contemplation, I took a six-month break post my pregnancy before resuming work. I have been working since I was 20 years old, and I believe it was a well-earned break. I also worked during the lockdown and shot a crime thriller film produced by Sujoy Ghosh, titled Blind. Its rights were picked up by a streaming platform.” 

CI: Tell us about how motherhood changed you...

SKA: “Motherhood has been an incredibly rewarding journey so far... but it comes with its own fair share 
of challenges. I am more conscious than ever and that’s why, I tend to monitor and inspect everything as it will directly affect my baby. During my pregnancy, I ensured that everything I used was natural, toxin-free, safe, and effective, and this has continued even post-pregnancy.” 

CI: Tell us more about your collaboration with The Moms Co.

SKA: “I am mindful of the brands I use and promote, especially when it comes to skincare and wellness. I have been using The Moms Co. products as part of my skincare routine for a while now, and they work well for me. I had known about the brand for a long time and the collaboration was a happy surprise to me. With the new campaign ‘For Every Mom, Through Every Change,’ The Moms Co. has taken care of the evolving needs of mothers and their babies through every phase. All their products are 100 per cent natural, dermatologically tested, and effective. It is refreshing to see a brand that not only understands but also addresses the dynamic needs of a mother.” 

CI: In a recent interview, you had said that “the industry doesn’t have enough acceptance for mothers”...

SKA: “I believe it’s not just limited to the film business, and, unfortunately, applies to every industry when it comes to new mothers. Women have always been proficient at multitasking and can handle various roles impeccably. We need people around us to be more empathetic and have more trust in how we can deliver while being mothers.” 

CI: How has your style evolved ever since you stepped into motherhood?

SKA: “I love fashion, and I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of it. Even though I have stepped into motherhood, my approach to how I style myself hasn’t changed. I have always worn outfits that make me feel more like myself, and that is something that will never change.” 

CI: Do you think society still considers ambition a dirty word for women?

SKA: “Women are constantly judged for being ambitious, and it is so regressive. We have every right to want to be successful and achieve our goals. It’s imperative women support and empower each other... We need to be each other’s cheerleaders.” 

CI: What kind of films do you wish Bollywood would make more of?

SKA: “I have always aimed at supporting stories with strong female representation, and I hope Bollywood continues to make such films. A couple of films I have enjoyed watching in the recent past include Gangubai Kathiawadi [2022], Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway [2023], and Raazi [2018]. 

CI: Lastly, what is one of the greatest life lessons you have learned?

SKA: “As an actor and a mother, I have learned that it is so important to be present in the moment. It’s so easy to get caught up in distractions and lose sight of what truly matters in the world. But being present in the moment is a gift we can give ourselves and those we love. When I am on set and fully present, it allows me to connect deeply with my character and thus bring them to life in the most authentic manner. I believe in immersing myself in the imaginary world of the character, feeling her emotions, and empathising with the character’s experiences. And this is the same principle I apply when it comes to being a mother, too. I have discovered that the most precious gift I can offer my son is my undivided attention. In a world filled with screens and constant stimulation from the Internet, simply being there for him and cherishing the moments we share helps me create an irreplaceable bond with Vayu.”