5 Times Sonam Kapoor Proved She's a Proud Feminist Bride

Even though it's been more than a week since Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja's wedding, we still can't get over the fever. #SorryNotSorry. The couple tied the knot in the usual 'Big Fat Punjabi Wedding' style, and our Insta feed was flooded with photos and videos with #SonamKiShaadi which helped calm our wedding #FOMO a bit. 

Besides noticing how indisputably gorgeous this happy bride looked on all her wedding functions, we realised how Sonam, in her own natural subtleties and statements, revealed her innate feminist. Umpteen times, she has openly talked about equality, and how women should not be denied opportunities just basis the fact that they are the fairer sex. Let's see how Sonam stood for women, through her actions and her views, even through her marriage. 

1. Let's start with the wedding shenanigans! Nobody has seen an Indian bride as happy, enthusiastic, and excited as Sonam was in all her wedding functions—which in itself was a refreshing change from the conventional, "shy" expression which Indian brides are unfairly expected to exhibit, even now in most cases. Your wedding is a life-changing, one-time experience that you should enjoy to your heart's content, and you're as equally entitled to that exuberance as your hubby is! Nobody said it better than Sonam. See these videos and check out for yourself!

2. Soon after her wedding functions, Sonam Kapoor left for the Festival de Cannes, much to the surprise of many people, especially those who think that one's work is affected by their marriage. In an interview with Mid-Day, the actor talked about why she keeps her work above anything, and how she aimed to set an example through her move. 

"Kajol and Dimple Kapadia worked post marriage. Madhuri [Dixit Nene] did Devdas. Many actresses worked post marriage, but I am not sure that change is as evident yet. I hope to have set an example by coming straight out of my wedding to work. Women should always have the choice to work or not. I am so happy to be here, with L'Oreal, representing what Indian women stand for—we work and we stand up for what we believe in," said she. In no way does she have a lower priority for her her personal life. In fact, she is a self-proclaimed firm believer in the institution of marriage, and believes that a woman's profession should never take a back-seat after marriage. "Life remains the same after tying the knot. Women need to stop thinking that marriage is life-altering. If it doesn't change a man's life, why should it change anything for a woman?"

3. Talking about Cannes, the Red Carpet regular was effortlessly a super-hit. But, she managed to turn heads not just for her outfit choices, but also for a very empowering and a brave move that was lauded on a global level. Sonam proudly sported her bridal henna etched across her arms and feet, in all her looks. Her intricately drawn on accessory, the traditional Indian form of body art made her stand out not just for her fashion sense, but for her cultural values, and the strong feminist inside her who is not afraid to live life on her own terms. Ten points to you for this, Sonam!

4. Soon after taking her nuptial vows, the happy bride Sonam took to her Instagram handle and added ‘Ahuja’ to her name, which was simply the cutest way to tell the world that she is married. However, her decision met with a mixed response. On that note, Sonam said, "Just changing my name doesn't make me any less of a feminist. Kapoor is also my father's name, a man's name. I wanted to keep both my identities. It was my personal choice. Somebody judging me for my choice is like challenging what feminism stands for," laughed Kapoor. She even pointed out that people were pointing fingers at her for succumbing to traditions without knowing that Anand Ahuja too, had changed his name on social media. But nobody was questioning him, or rather, they didn't even notice it! 

 

5. There was a lot of speculation about where Sonam would shift her base, post marriage. Since she is an actor based out of Mumbai, whereas her husband Anand is a Delhi boy, who has a business in London. However, Sonam made sure she conveyed that marriage had not changed anything in her life, and she would continue to work and live her life as she did before wedlock. 

"I have been shuttling between Mumbai and London for the past two years. It seems no one noticed this so far. My life isn't going to change much; what has been happening for the past two years will continue." Well there, the lady said it. 

A hardcore feminist, who's not afraid to show it to the world. More power to you Sonam Kapoor Ahuja.