Sonam Kapoor on being true to her style during motherhood and what makes her happy

Motherhood might have changed a lot of things in Sonam Kapoor Ahuja's life, but if there's one thing it hasn't, it's been her style. She continues to wear outfits that make her feel more like herself and exude confidence that lights up a room within seconds. Being vocal about the needs of a mother and making herself heard, Kapoor-Ahuja recently collaborated with The Moms Co. for their new campaign ‘For Every Mom, Through Every Change’.

The actor, in an exclusive interview with Bazaar India, talks about motherhood, her personal style after becoming a mother, her greatest life lessons, and much more. 

Harper’s Bazaar: Tell us about how motherhood changed you...

Sonam Kapoor Ahuja: 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.

HB: How did you manage to strike a balance between work and personal life when you were expecting Vayu? 

SKA: I was already working on a few projects before Anand and I discovered that we were pregnant. I ensured that I fulfilled all my commitments before my due date because I was certain 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.

HB: How do you feel about yourself post becoming a mother?

SKA: When you are pregnant, you are of a certain size... And post-pregnancy too, our bodies remain the same for a bit. However, society has set unrealistic expectations on mothers, especially celebrity mothers, when it comes to their bodies. But I believe when you carry another life within you and take care of the same, it is imperative to have respect for your own body. Presently, my body is not back to what it used to be and I don’t push myself for that. I follow my routine of exercising and eating mindfully because I do not believe in any shortcuts or crash diets. I don’t think it’s sustainable. The reason we are all here is to change and become better versions of ourselves. However, it’s important to enjoy the process of getting back, not being too hard on ourselves, and loving ourselves unconditionally.

HB: You recently mentioned in an interview that “the industry doesn’t have enough acceptance for mothers”...

SKA: Unfortunately, this notion is not just limited to the film business, but 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 also being mothers.

HB: Growing up, what was your definition of beauty?

SKA: For me, beauty is not confined to physical appearance but also having a kind heart, a good personality, and believing in oneself. One should be happy and comfortable with themselves...And my advice to all the beautiful women out there is to just be themselves and not pay heed to what the society tells you otherwise. If you’re confident, you will always look beautiful.

HB: 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.

HB: Why did you collaborate with The Moms Co.?

SKA: I am mindful of the brands I use and promote, especially when it comes to skincare and wellness. And I had known about the brand and have been using their products for a long time...Thus, 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. It is refreshing to see a brand that not only understands but also addresses the dynamic needs of a mother.

HB: Sonam, what is one of the greatest life lessons you have learned?

SKA: Through my work and now that I am a mother, I have learned that it is imperative to be present in the moment. It’s so easy to get caught up in distractions and lose sight of what really matters in the world. But being truly 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 bring it to life in the most authentic manner. I believe in immersing myself in the imaginary world of the character, feel her emotions, and empathise with her 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.

HB: What brings you true happiness in life?

SKA: As cliché as it may sound, my son brings me immense happiness. Witnessing Vayu look at me and smile makes me the happiest person...

HB: Lastly, what are your hopes for Vayu?

SKA: Anand and I can only hope that our child grows up to be a kind, compassionate, and successful individual who is able to follow his passions and make a positive impact in the world. I hope for a happy, fulfilling life for Vayu, just like all other parents who want the best for their children.