Exclusive: Sonam Kapoor On Perfect Dates, Best Friends, And The Men In Her Life

Over 10 years since she started in the Hindi film industry, Sonam Kapoor reigns as the queen of experimental style and serendipitous red-carpet trends. She's been our cover girl several times now, and in all of our Q&A sessions, it's like we've really become friends. In our June-July 2016 issue, we sat down to talk to her about her idea of love and happy beginnings, and here's what she had to say.

What is your idea of a dream man?

I think anybody who is kind, who is a good person, and who is compassionate and idealistic. Someone who is loyal and really loves their partner. It’s not about being tall, dark, or handsome. It’s not about money. It’s not about all of those things. It’s the qualities that make a man a real man.

Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja at their wedding

Your idea of a perfect date?

Dinner and a movie. Or a really long walk together.

Who would you want that date to be with?

Honestly, I would love the date to be with my future husband. I want to meet the person I will spend the rest of my life with. Hopefully one day, I can. For now, I like spending a lot of time with myself and with my books. Thing is, when you read something really beautiful, you fall in love with the characters. And you fall in love with the qualities of that character—not the way they look but what they stand for, which I think is lovely.

Sonam Kapoor. Photograph by Sean McMenomy

Suppose, you found your man. in what manner would you like him to propose to you?

I don’t know... I haven’t really thought about it.

Maybe on his knees or as a big surprise?

Honestly, I don’t know. Maybe I’ll propose instead. Why should the man always be the one to propose? I mean it would be really romantic—no doubt about that—but I don’t know what will happen when I meet him. Depends on who I am with. It depends on your relationship as well.

Sonam Kapoor and Anil Kapoor

Who is that one man you have continually admired as a mentor in your life?

My father. In fact, I aspire to be like my father. He has been my inspiration always.

And your favourite male actor?

My dad again (laughs). If I had to pick someone internationally, I would go with the likes of Al Pacino. Dustin Hoffman. Marlon Brando. You pick the greats.

Who is your male best friend?

There are couple in fact. There is Kunal Rawal. Then there is Vir Raina. Also Karan Boolani, and Rishabh Lunawat.

When we look back at this interview, we're not surprised she found her soulmate in Anand Ahuja. Marriage, after all, isn't about who is more attractive, it's about two people who work well together, staying by each other through good and bad. As Sonam embarks on this new journey with Anand Ahuja, we wish her all our love and luck.