BB Desk
Fifteen years have passed since Aisha walked into our lives and transformed the way we look at fashion on the big screen. The film starred Sonam Kapoor, Amrita Puri and Ira Dubey with Rajshree Ojha in the director’s seat and also marked the debut of Rhea Kapoor’s as a producer. Aisha made its way to the theatres on August 6, 2010, and slowly gained the status of a cult classic among fashionistas and movie lovers. On the occasion of the film’s 15th anniversary, Sonam revisits the film and talks candidly about its influence on Bollywood. The actress notes that Aisha not only became a gateway for self-expression with fashion in mainstream commercial Indian cinema but it also became a voice for young adults due to its relatability.
Talking about the making of Aisha, Sonam reflects, “While making Aisha, we never set out with the intent to make any cultural impact. We were two girls wanting to make a film that we wanted to see as an audience and something that Bollywood wasn’t making for us to enjoy. People felt that and made us recognise this when they saw the film as they found it was a generation defining film for youngsters then.”
She further added, “During the making of the film, we always knew that we wanted it to play with fashion and make it cool yet accessible to people. We both loved it and we knew everyone was into it but there was never a film that was so front-footed about making a chick flick that focussed on fashion. We were unaware what Aisha would do in cinema and how it would impact pop culture and the psyche of the youth of the country and also South Asians worldwide.”
Referring to how Aisha initiated conversations about fashion, Sonam said, “For the first time in Bollywood, fashion wasn’t just a background element but it was in front and centre and sparked mainstream conversations about style and self-expression through what we wear – something I have always stood for.”
Sonam concludes by explaining why Aisha is particularly dear to her, “That’s why I think till date, Aisha holds a very special place in my heart and in the hearts of every girl from my generation because her character is so relatable and stands for every young woman discovering who she is, unapologetically. She’s definitely stylish and smart but also vulnerable and imperfect and craving for love, just like all of us at some point. And that’s what perhaps made her timeless and live on in pop culture, wardrobes and hearts even fifteen years later and that is the greatest gift for all of us today.”
Aisha was co-produced by Rhea Kapoor, Anil Kapoor and Sunil Manchanda.
