Sonam Kapoor opens up about her struggle with PCOS and how she was bullied for having facial hair.
Sonam Kapoor Ahuja is best known for her Hindi cinema performances. However, she did not have the best start in the film industry, as her debut film, Saawariya, was a box-office flop. Despite the rocky start, Sonam moved on to deliver many phenomenal performances in biopics like Neerja, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, and Sanju.
Sonam Kapoor is often seen being open about her battle with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). The actress once revealed that she has been struggling with PCOS since she was a teen. At a recent event, Sonam revealed that she had gained weight due to this syndrome when she was 16 and also had prominent facial hair. Recalling an instance, Sonam revealed that people used to comment on her facial hair and mock her by sarcastically saying that she is Anil Kapoor's daughter. She elaborated on the topic and shared:
"I had something called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). And because of that, I had multiple hormonal issues. I put on weight when I turned 16 years old. Which is the time when you’re supposed to be at the prettiest- Sweet 16- that’s what all the books said. I had facial hair. And you break out in acne. I had people tell me, 'Oh, she’s Anil Kapoor’s daughter.' You know, weird trolling things. And it goes away with age. It doesn’t stay. It’s just a typical hormonal teenage thing. And it went away. But I was traumatized by it."
While in conversation with Barkha Dutt at We The Women, Sonam revealed how Kajol inspired her when she was being bullied. The actress shared that Kajol was one of the most popular actresses back in the day, and she would proudly rock her unibrow. She further added it was after seeing Kajol rocking her unibrow that she felt motivated.
"At that time I remember, Kajol had a unibrow. She never did her eyebrows. I remember my mom showing me Kajol’s picture, and said, 'Look at her! She is the biggest heroine right now.' I remember seeing that, feeling motivated."
In the same conversation, Sonam shared that the very next year, she was discovered by one of the best filmmakers in B-Town, Sanjay Leela Bhansali. She revealed that she was 17 when she worked as an assistant director on his 2005 film, Black. After that, she also made her acting debut with his 2007 film, Saawariya, which failed to garner audiences' love at the box office. She shared:
"The next year, when I was 17, I was discovered by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. So, I realized it’s very important to set an example and tell your truth. She (Kajol) inspired me. I don’t think consciously, but unconsciously, with her choices at that time."
What are your thoughts on Sonam Kapoor's revelation about being bullied for having facial hair?
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