Namrata Soni, celebrated makeup and beauty artist, boasts an illustrious career spanning over 25 years in the industry. Her expertise is revered by a wide spectrum of clients – from some of Bollywood’s biggest stars to leading influencers, brides and women of all ages – who trust her artistry. Namrata is a true luminary, equally proficient in crafting stunning red-carpet looks and enhancing everyday beauty rituals. Her passion for the craft extends to her own Makeup and Hair Academy.

Over the course of two decades, Namrata has meticulously carved out a formidable personal brand, synonymous with talent, knowledge, and profound insights. She stands as a role model not only for aspiring young women seeking a future in the beauty industry but also for established makeup and hair professionals who find inspiration in her journey.

Namrata honed her craft at the Delamar Academy of Makeup in London, specialising in prosthetic and casualty makeup. Her exceptional work has graced the pages of prestigious publications such as Vogue, L’Officiel, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Wallpaper magazine, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Femina, Maxim, and numerous others.

Namrata’s approach to beauty is simple: “I believe in using the right products in the right places to accentuate a person’s finest features and innate beauty.” In 2020, she unveiled Simply Nam, a brand that intimately reflects her personal journey and insights as a makeup and beauty expert. Here, Namrata Soni talks to TheGlitz about her journey, ‘Simply Nam‘ and more…

Over to Namrata Soni

Your journey has had many momentous milestones. Could you tell us about the life-changing milestones that have moulded you to be what you are today?

I’ve been fortunate to have a truly beautiful 23-year career journey. It’s been filled with incredible milestones, such as winning the IIFA awards. I vividly remember the joy of having both my parents and my sister by my side during that memorable moment. Additionally, receiving accolades like the Vogue Iconic Award, the Legendary Award, and the ELLE Awards has been humbling and inspiring. I feel immensely blessed and lucky to have achieved these milestones, including the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

This journey has been overwhelming in the best possible way, and I’m deeply grateful to the industry for recognizing and celebrating women makeup artists like myself. It’s your acceptance and support that have brought me to where I stand today, and for that, I am truly thankful.

What are the setbacks you have faced? How did you tackle these setbacks or challenges? And what lesson have you learned from it?

When I began my career, the landscape was incredibly challenging. According to union laws, women were not permitted to work as makeup artists. Productions often expected us to hide in vanity vans, and I personally have endured instances of being physically dragged and humiliated off the sets. However, amidst these trials, I was fortunate to receive unwavering support from remarkable directors and actors who championed the cause of women makeup artists. I am truly grateful for their support. Finally, after a long battle, the Supreme Court ruled in our favour, abolishing such archaic laws. This change was long overdue, especially in a secular country with a female president, where we were still restricted from pursuing our chosen line of work. Despite the challenges, I am immensely grateful to stand shoulder to shoulder with the incredible female makeup artists who have persevered alongside me.

When you look back, what are the three qualities in you that have helped you become what you are today?

To always be on time, refrain from gossiping, and love what I do — these are the principles I live by. Discipline is key; it’s crucial to ensure punctuality at work, maintain confidentiality, and avoid engaging in gossip with other teams. Achieving a beautiful work-life balance can be challenging in this industry, but mastering these three things makes the journey incredible. Waking up in the morning and feeling excited to go to work is what truly enriches this journey.

Who are the people who have been the wind behind your wings?

I have had some incredible people behind me—my parents, my mom, my family, my sisters, my maasis, my grandparents. I have also had wonderful actors and directors like Farah Khan, Sanjay Gupta, Karan Johar, Sameera Reddy, Sonam Kapoor, Malaika Arora Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Sushmita Sen. I’ve had amazing production houses. They have all supported me and helped me get to where I am today.

Lastly, if there was a quote to define you, what would it be?

Be kind, be faithful and be honest.