Are Indian celebrities going the Hollywood way?
Actress Sonam Kapoor, who continues her reign as one of India’s savviest celebrities on social media – with 28.9 million followers across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram – recently launched “the official Sonam Kapoor app” on android and iOS platforms.
She seems to be following in the footsteps of the Kardashians. In September last year, Kim Kardashian West and her sisters Khloé Kardashian, Kendall Jenner and Kylie Jenner announced individual personal apps that go beyond the usual mobile game offerings.
Kapoor’s dream to extend her online presence was fulfilled through Disciple Media, a company from London that boasts a client list that includes The Rolling Stones and singer Luke Bryan. Kapoor is their first Indian client.
Can the 30-year-old actress’s app replicate the kind of interest the Kardashians’s apps command?
It might just be possible, since India is now home to the world’s second-largest smartphone market after China, and has overtaken the United States with 220 million subscribers.
Kapoor is excited about her new platform. “You guys have been hearing a lot about me from ... different sources: newspaper, magazines, your best friend’s sister, Pinky, the auntyji across the street, the manicurist, the hairdresser, etc, etc.
“But now it’s time to hear about Sonam from Sonam!” she told her fans through a social media video.
The app offers behind-the-scenes footage from her films and the actress’s daily musings.
So far, Kapoor has posted, among other things, a clip of her father, actor Anil Kapoor, revealing what it is like to work with his daughter, a fitness video by her nutritionist Radhika Karle, the recipe for a red velvet cupcake, and a tutorial by her make-up artist Namrata Soni.
Kapoor has also promised to post book reviews soon (her Twitter account describes her as “a female actor who lives to eat and read in that order”.)
App features include Sister Act, where Kapoor and her sibling Rhea will share their views on current affairs and other topics; and My Tribe, which allows followers to connect not only with the star but also send friend requests to the entire Sonaholic community.
Also available is a live-streaming feature that allows users to turn on notifications for upcoming live events.
Her family and friends have taken to social media to tweet their support.
Hrithik Roshan said: “I think this is so cool. Well done! ”
Her brother Harshvardhan Kapoor, who is awaiting the release of his new romance drama Mirzya, due out in October 2016, tweeted in the spirit of true sibling rivalry: "Check out new app, not only am I haunted by her in the house but also by her notifications on my phone."
artslife@thenational.ae
