Sonam Kapoor Celebrates 15 Years of ‘Aisha’: Reflects on Fashion’s Lasting Influence

Fifteen years after its release, Sonam Kapoor’s Aisha continues to be celebrated as a game-changer in Bollywood’s approach to fashion and self-expression. Looking back on the 2010 film’s anniversary, Sonam Kapoor shared how Aisha was never intended as a cultural milestone—“We were two girls wanting to make a film that we wanted to see as an audience,” Sonam recalls, referencing herself and her sister, producer Rhea Kapoor. Yet, Aisha soon became a “generation-defining film” for young women, resonating with viewers who saw themselves in its vibrant characters and especially through their iconic wardrobes.

Sonam credits the film with making fashion central to a Bollywood story, rather than a mere backdrop. “For the first time, fashion was front and center and sparked mainstream conversations about style and self-expression through what we wear—something I have always stood for,” she explains. The movie’s protagonist, Aisha, embodied confident style as well as relatable vulnerability, allowing her to become a lasting emblem for self-discovery.

Even today, Aisha’s status as a cult-classic endures—its sartorial choices continue to inspire young Indians and fashion lovers worldwide, making Sonam’s portrayal a lasting icon. For Kapoor, “That’s the greatest gift for all of us today!”