After the release of Sonakshi Sinha’s latest film, Akira, we spoke to the leading lady about life after the film. She also shed light on upcoming projects, the benefits of social media and how proving herself to the industry is not her driving force. Excerpts from the interview:
Did you consciously choose a “different” film like Akira at this point of time?
Absolutely not. I feel that if this were the case, then it would be the wrong reason to do a film. My reasons to do Akira are, firstly, that it had a great role for me, and, secondly, that it was A.R. Murugadoss who was directing the film. Lastly, it had a great message for society; so my conscience told me to do this film. You may not have seen a female protagonist doing such stunts in movies so far. These were the primary factors that made me do Akira.
Do you believe that movies like Kahaani, and Queen have opened doors for female-centric films?
I’m really glad that this is the best time for a girl to be in the industry, because so many great roles are being written. The audiences are opening up to see good and different content. I feel that if you give them anything run-of-the-mill, the audience will reject it. In today’s time, the audience has also become wiser; just anything won’t work now. One has to be good!
So, what’s your next movie?
Force 2 is releasing, which again is an action-packed film. I have a soft spot for the action genre. I’m also doing Noor, where I’m playing a journalist.
Are you observing journalists these days, as part of your homework for Noor?
It’s just the backdrop of what my character does in the film. The story is about a girl and her journey. That character, I believe, every boy and girl will relate to. It is nothing like films like Page 3.
How’s working with Purab Kohli in Noor been like so far?
It was great; in fact, the whole ensemble caste of the film is so nice. I think everybody in the film is fit for their role. It’s like the characters come to life; that’s the way they’ve been written.
You also share a good rapport with stunt director Anal Arasu…
He has choreographed action for my earlier movies, Rowdy Rathore, Holiday and Dabanng 2. Akira is my fourth film with him and we are very comfortable working with each other. He was so happy to have choreographed such nuanced action sequences for me for the first time. He’s very supportive on the sets and I always have a great time shooting action sequences with him.
Do you believe your contemporaries make for a great support System while promoting films on social media?
It’s always nice to have their support; it helps reach out to more people and has a lot more people talking about your film. Social media has got all of us a little closer, because everybody is online now, and through this, one can know about what films are being made and what your contemporaries are doing. It’s also easier to express or share opinions about films and people. It’s a good strategy to promote each other’s films — what are friends for, at the end of the day (laughs)!
Did you feel like a new Sonakshi has emerged post Akira?
I’ve never taken any harsh comments or industry scrutiny to heart; that’s not my driving force. It isn’t in my nature to point these things out and prove it to people. I’d rather concentrate on doing good work. Love for me has far outweighed the hate. I’m a person who has always worked on my own terms. If I feel like I need to do something about my appearance, I will do it, and not because someone is telling me to. I’ve honestly worked very hard so far. It’s nobody’s business to gauge anything other than my performance. I don’t give much importance to such things — they don’t deserve it.
