Raksha Bandhan special: We are best friends, say Sonam and Harshvardhan Kapoor

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. I wouldn’t really call this a gift, but Harsh got our names (Rhea & mine) tattooed on his shoulder and 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.

Was there any year on Raksha Bandhan when you both were not together?

Sonam: During our schooling years, we often wouldn’t be in the same country. But Harsh, Rhea and I would connect over a video call.

Harsh: We make it a point to never miss it wherever we are. My mom makes sure in advance that we’ve arranged things in a way where it’s not a problem.

Describe the bond and time when you two are together.

Sonam: Harsh is the youngest of the three and by default, the most pampered. Rhea and I dote on him; we’re very protective of him. We’ve been brought up more like friends. In fact, we love holidaying and 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.

Is Sonam always being the big sister around one or is Harsh the more protective brother?

Sonam: That would be me. Not just because I’m the eldest but also because I’m very emotional as a person.

Harsh: I can’t deny that my sisters have always pampered me. But as time has gone by, I have become more protective of them, which I guess, is a natural instinct for all brothers.

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 personally and professionally. We never enforce our views on each other but are 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.

Interact with Monika Rawal Kukreja at Twitter/@monikarawal