New Delhi: Actor Sonam Kapoor on Sunday attended the Coronation Concert to celebrate the crowning of King Charles III and Queen Camilla and delivered a spoken word piece about the Commonwealth. Sonam Kapoor dressed for the occasion in an ensemble created by two designers, Anamika Khanna, and Emilia Wickstead.
Sonam began her address with a 'namaste'. "Our Commonwealth is a union. Together, we are one-third of the world's people. One-third of the world's ocean. One-quarter of the world's land. Each of our countries is unique; each of our peoples special, but we choose to stand as one, learning from our history; blessed by our diversity; driven by our values; and determined to build a more peaceful, sustainable and prosperous future for everyone; where every voice is heard," the 37-year-old actor said in her spoken word piece.
She then introduced the Commonwealth virtual choir composed of performers from across the 56 Commonwealth countries, alongside the legendary musician Steve Winwood. The group performed a modern version of his song “Higher Love,” accompanied by a 70-piece orchestra.
The netizens were not impressed by Sonam’s speech and trolled the actor for the same. “sonam kapoor's spoken word coronation performance is exactly what we hoped it to be, and whyyy is she talking like that as if its a 5th grade elocution contest,” tweeted a user.
"This is embarrassing. As if going to the event itself wasn't embarrassing enough. It's giving 5th std English elocution competition,” wrote another user.
Many netizens called the performance an ‘embarrassing moment’; another user called Sonam a ‘national disaster.’
“Ppl questioned why U don’t like Bollywood?Look at @sonamakapoor- celebrating the monarchy that enslaved our country. Don’t believe in living in past- but it’s fact many Indians sacrificed their lives for freedom. These 2rs Bollywood are bootlickers of them #SonamKapoor,” another user tweeted.
Earlier on Sunday, Sonam took to Instagram to share a series of pictures from the event. "Historic moments call for fashion moments. I'm honoured to mark the unforgettable occasion of the #Coronationconcert by wearing the collaborative vision of two of the most incredible designers from the two countries I'm lucky to call home.. @anamikakhanna.in @emiliawickstead," she wrote.
The bespoke floor-length gown featuring a sweeping band detail around the shoulders framing a corseted bodice, and a full-skirt lined with architectural godet pleats was designed by New Zealand-born, UK-based fashion designer Emilia. The calico-inspired print was created by celebrated Indian fashion designer Anamika. In the 17th and 18th centuries, calico prints were an important commodity traded between India and the UK.
At the Coronation Concert, Sonam was accompanied by her husband entrepreneur Anand Ahuja and friends Imran Amed and Mansata.
The actor, who will next be seen in the film ‘Blind', also shared some videos of her delivering the spoken word piece at the concert.
(With PTI inputs)