Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, daughter of actor Anil Kapoor, assisted Sanjay Leela Bhansali on Black before he launched her in Saawariya (2007). She carved out a distinctive niche playing contemporary, often headstrong Indian women in films such as Delhi-6, Raanjhanaa and Khoobsurat, while simultaneously becoming Bollywood's most-watched fashion figure, a fixture on international red carpets from Cannes onward.

Her strongest hour came with Neerja (2016), the biopic of heroic flight attendant Neerja Bhanot, which brought her a National Film Award Special Mention and a Filmfare Critics prize. After hits like Veere Di Wedding and her marriage to businessman Anand Ahuja, she scaled back acting — the thriller Blind (2023) marked a rare recent appearance — focusing instead on family, fashion and brand ventures.

Filmography Highlights

• Saawariya (2007) — Bhansali-directed debut
• Delhi-6 (2009) — Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's Delhi-set drama
• Aisha (2010) — Jane Austen's Emma reimagined in Delhi high society
• Raanjhanaa (2013) — Hit romantic drama opposite Dhanush
• Khoobsurat (2014) — Charming rom-com she also seemed born to headline
• Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (2015) — Blockbuster family drama with Salman Khan
• Neerja (2016) — Career-defining biopic; National Award Special Mention
• Veere Di Wedding (2018) — Hit female-led ensemble comedy

Image: Wikimedia Commons. Part of the Top 50 Bollywood Celebrities series. Ranking inspired by popular industry listings; profiles are original editorial content.