Republic Day special: Sonam Kapoor: It’s important to be a humanist!

Sonam Kapoor has always been known for speaking her mind. On the occasion of Republic Day, After Hrs caught up with the actress who gave her views on the country’s changing facets. Sonam, who wears her patriotism on her sleeve, says, “I’m a very proud Indian because I know what India stands for. We still have it in us to be one rather than be segregated into groups.”

She also feels that the meaning of patriotism has various aspects. Sonam explains, “The whole point of loving your country is to understand what your Constitution is about. What made India amazing and great when we got our Independence was the inclusiveness.” She further adds, “It’s after all the 

Republic of India and it’s about every sort of religion, language, or person. If you understand the history and culture of our country, you would also know that this is exactly what India should always be about.”

Sonam is attached to her roots, but is also vocal about the different ills that plague the society at large. She has always championed the cause of the LGBTQ community and when asked about it, she hopes there’s a change in people’s mindset. “I want to do something for the LGBTQ community and their rights. You need to include them everywhere,” she affirms. “The way the whole community is treated today is disappointing. We need to be open-minded. It’s important to be a humanist and a feminist. Standing up for what is right should be our call for action,” Sonam adds.

She feels it’s significant to create more awareness in order to throw such ‘moth-eaten moralities’ out of the window. “It’s important to make young boys and girls and even older men and women understand that being gay, lesbian, queer, or transsexual is nothing wrong. Parents need to realise that it’s normal if your child is gay or lesbian. There’s nothing wrong or weird about it. That awareness is really important,” she retorts.

But that’s not the only cause she’s attached to. She is the Goodwill Ambassador for Mumbai-based NGO, Fight Hunger Foundation, that aims to eradicate malnutrition in the nation. “Working towards feeding India is also important because hunger and malnutrition are two major issues in the country today. So yes, I’m trying to do my bit for the same,” she explains. Looks like Sonam’s got her heart in the right place.