Sonam Kapoor Talks About Male Gaze, Body Positivity, First Pregnancy

Actor Sonam Kapoor, who is expecting her first baby with partner Anand Ahuja, has always lent support to feminist ideals and causes. Sonam, who debuted with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Saawariya in 2007, in her latest interview with a magazine spoke about body positivity, the changes that society needs to work on and how the portrayal of women in Hindi cinema even today caters to the male gaze.

“We are always catering to the male gaze, which is disappointing.,” the Neerja actor was quoted saying. “If I put a sexy picture of myself on Instagram, it'll get way more likes than the one where I'm wearing a pretty dress,” she added.

The actor who is also known for her work in films like Ranjhanaa, Veerey Di Wedding acknowledged that even though the industry is changing, it has to eradicate the ‘patriarchal bent’ for progressing further and creating an equal space for women; it is a long way ahead, she concurred.

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While speaking about body positivity, the actor said that she was very self-conscious as a “big girl” but it was her mother and her exposure to people from different walks of life that helped her remain grounded.

Speaking about her first pregnancy, she said, “It's been tough—nobody tells you how hard it is. Everybody tells you how wonderful it is.” While elucidating further on maintaining her health during the pregnancy she mentioned that one has to respect their own life if one wants to carry another life within themselves.

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Sonam’s Pregnancy Announcement

Sonam and Anand, who tied the knot in 2018, announced her pregnancy on Instagram earlier this week. The couple shared three pictures, leading with a coloured frame which shows her head lying on the palm of Ahuja while her hands are wrapped around her baby bump followed by two black and white photos of the couple.

Kapoor captioned the pictures, “Four hands. To raise you the very best we can. Two hearts. That will beat in unison with yours, every step of the way. One family. We will shower you with love and support. We can’t wait to welcome you. (three red heart emojis) #everydayphenmenal #comingthisfall2022.”