Sonam Kapoor Opens Up About Being Trolled for Facial Hair Due to PCOS

Sonam Kapoor, celebrated for her impeccable style and status as a fashion icon, recently opened up about a challenging phase in her life. Speaking at Barkha Dutt’s We The Women summit, the actor revealed she faced harsh comments about her appearance during her teenage years due to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).

In a candid conversation, Sonam 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.”

Recalling her journey to self-acceptance, Sonam credited actor Kajol as a source of inspiration. “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," she said.

Sonam also reflected on how her life took a turn when filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali discovered her at 17. She worked as an assistant director on his 2005 film Black and later made her acting debut in his 2007 film Saawariya.