WE’RE BEST FRIENDS, SAY SONAM AND BRO HARSH

On Raksha Bandhan, meet Sonam, Harsh and Rhea — siblings who are a ‘rager’ when together

She’s a diva, he’s a star, and together, they’re a house on fire. Sisters Sonam K Ahuja and Rhea Kapoor, and their brother Harshvardhan, don’t really have to worry about dealing with each other’s popularity — all three of them are stars in their own right. Excited to be celebrating their first Raksha Bandhan after Sonam’s marriage, the siblings talk to us about their bond.

This is Sonam’s first Raksha Bandhan after marriage. Is there more excitement this time?

Sonam: Distance makes the heart grow fonder. Our family is constantly travelling, but despite our schedules, we’re very close-knit and connected; more so on special occasions. Harsh: It’s a new experience for sure, [but] I’m sure she will make time this year, like she does every year.

What’s your best Raksha Bandhan memory or most cherished gift?

Sonam: I can’t zero in on one memory. Having the entire family over every Raksha Bandhan has always been special. However, during our school years, we often wouldn’t be in the same country. But Harsh, Rhea and I would connect over a video call. Harsh got our names (Rhea’s and mine) tattooed on his shoulder. That was pretty overwhelming.

Harsh: We keep it simple. It’s more about family bonding and everyone being able to see each other. Sonam and Rhea were my earliest friends and in a lot of ways, my guardian angels. It would be hard to pick just one gift. As the youngest sibling, I was always spoiled rotten.

Describe the bond and time when you three are together.

Sonam: Harsh is the youngest of the three and by default, the most pampered. Rhea and I dote on him. In fact, we’ve been brought up more like friends. We love holidaying, partying together. It’s always a lot of fun.

Harsh: When we’re together it’s always a rager! She gets me instinctively and we end up sharing our thoughts, ideas and dilemmas with each other. I’m really lucky to have such a beautiful, fun and smart sister.

One area where you’re poles apart and one thing that you bond over the most?

Sonam: Harsh is a lot more rational than I am. I’m a lot more emotional and sensitive. Food, fashion and films are what we bond over the most.

Harsh: We’re pretty similar in our likes and dislikes, our choices and viewpoints about everything, but we differ in our sartorial choices. She’s very edgy and avant-garde, while I’m more of a classics guy.

Do you confide in each other about friends, relationships, or whenever you need any advice?

Sonam: Rhea, Harsh and I are all fiercely independent. However, we do confide in each other, especially on important decisions, both personal and professional. We never impose our views on each other, but we’re definitely there for one another.

Harsh: Most of the times, I do. She’s an amazing listener. Her advice has even got me out of a lot of trouble on multiple occasions.

Left: Harshvardhan Kapoor and sister Sonam K Ahuja; Above: Harsh and Sonam with their sister Rhea Kapoor