Stylish 'Saawariya' Belle Sonam Kapoor Turns 26!

A star daughter with impeccable fashion sense, Sonam Kapoor made heads turn when she made her debut in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Saawariya four years ago and has since then established herself as one of the young ones to watch out for in B'Town. Though she plans to spend a quiet day with her family, we're sure the petite actress would like to say a big Thank You to all her fans as they wish her on her birthday. (9th June)

Born in Mumbai to B'Town actor Anil Kapoor and his wife Sunita, Sonam is the granddaughter of filmmaker Surinder Kapoor and the niece of Boney Kapoor and Sanjay Kapoor. The eldest of three children, Sonam has a sister named Rhea and a brother, Harshvardhan. After studying at Arya Vidya Mandir School, she joined the United World College of South East Asia in Singapore to do her International Baccalaureate.

Sonam started off her career in the film industry by assisting Sanjay Leela Bhansali in Black and later made her on-screen debut in the director's Saawariya opposite newcomer Ranbir Kapoor. Though the film failed to set the cash registers ringing, Sonam's performance and screen presence was hailed by critics.

She worked under another very respected filmmaker in Delhi 6, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra. Sonam shared screen space with Abhishek Bachchan in the film and received high praise for her uninhibited portrayal of Delhi girl Bittu Sharma.

In 2010, Sonam appeared in two romantic comedies. Punit Malhotra's I Hate Luv Storys with Imran Khan was her first commercial success. She also played the titular character of Aisha in the Indian adaptation of Jane Austen's 'Emma' in which she starred opposite Abhay Deol.

Though her first release of 2011, Thank You failed to make a mark at the box office, Sonam has a lot to look forward to as she is currently shooting for Pankaj Kapur's Mausam and will soon start working with Abbas-Mustan on Players. She also made her Cannes debut this year where she walked the red carpet for an international cosmetics brand she endorses in India.

Here's wishing the young diva much personal and professional joy on her 26th birthday. We hope that she continues to put her best fashion foot forward and stars in many memorable films in the years to come.