Benetton Perfumes has always believed in a colourful and optimistic spirit that celebrates diversity in all spheres. It is for this very reason Benetton chose the actor, Janhvi Kapoor, as its Global Brand Ambassador, whose cheerful personality compliments what the brand stands for. United Dreams Together for Him and Her, the recent addition to the Benetton Perfumes family, captures the essence of love and is made of notes that are liked by all. Don’t trust us? Then you can certainly take Janhvi’s word for it as it’s her favourite fragrance from the collection. We caught up with the star, who told us all about her association with the global brand, favourite notes, her recent movie, upcoming projects and more.
ELLE: Congratulations on your first horror-comedy, Roohi. How was the experience of taking up a completely new genre?
Janhvi Kapoor: It was a lot of fun! I was extremely excited because I’m such a fan of the genre, and the film Stree, which is produced by the same makers and I was excited to be a part of that world.
ELLE: Last year was tough for us all during the lockdown. What was it like for you, and how did you keep yourself occupied? Any new things that you picked up?
JK: One thing that I’ve learned is that I’m happy being on my own and don’t feel scared to be lonely anymore. I’ve finally gotten to a place where self-sustenance doesn’t scare me. Apart from that, I worked a lot on my painting and cooked for a month or two.
ELLE: You’ve been the Global Brand Ambassador of Benetton Perfumes. Tell us a bit more about your association; what are some of the brand values that you identify with?
JK: I feel extremely proud and grateful to be associated with a brand that pays so much genuine attention to the kind of social messaging it puts out. It’s a brand that I’ve learned so much from, whether it comes to their work ethics, their evolution and just their general warmth in how they treat people. Their world outlook is something I respect, which is diversity, inclusivity and embracing your individuality.
ELLE: Tell us about the fragrance from Benetton Perfumes.
JK: The scent named Together for Him and Her caters to a really wide range of consumers. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a fruity flavour or something a little deeper or even a more floral scent. There’s a woodier, deeper, more musky scent for men, and the interesting thing is that both these scents go really well together and compliment each other. You can layer them one on top of the other, which I do a lot.
ELLE: When you think about perfumes, are there any scents in particular that you love? A note that transports you to your happiest memories?
JK: I like the scent of mogra flower because mom used to put it around the house, but I also love vanilla. As a kid, I was obsessed with picking up anything that smelled like vanilla.
ELLE: According to you, what role does a perfume play in completing an entire look?
JK: When I smell good is when I feel the most confident. When you go out in the evening and have a very deep, mysterious, musky scent, I think it adds to the entire vibe of your outfit.
ELLE: If you had to curate your own perfume for the summer, what notes would you pick?
JK: I love food, and I’m obsessed with vanilla baked cheesecakes, ice-creams and crème brulee. When I bite into this crème brulee, there are vanilla beans at the bottom of it, so when I smell like it, I feel the best. That’s why my perfume would definitely have vanilla in it with some amount of fruity notes.
ELLE: Can you take us through your daily skincare routine?
JK: I put fruits, milk and honey on my face. But I’ve realised that it doesn’t matter what you put on your face as long as you’re getting good sleep and drinking adequate amounts of water.
ELLE: What’s next for you?
JK: I just wrapped up my film, Good Luck Jerry. I’ve been in Punjab for its filming for the past three months, and I’ve got so attached to the place, team and crew and the character I’m playing. I’m going to resume shooting Dostana 2 next, and then we’ll see what else is in store for me.