Unlike many, she never wanted to become an actress! In fact, she wanted to study clinical psychology but in order to realise her mother’s dream, she ‘unwillingly’ got into the world of glitz and glamour which paved way her to take up acting, first in Tulu movies before storming into Sandalwood.
Actress Sonal Monteiro, who shot to fame with her second Kannada film Panchatantra directed by renowned filmmaker Yogaraj Bhat, is one of the most sought after stars at present with several exciting projects in her kitty including the most awaited sequel project Gaalipata 2 and another one starring alongside Real Star Upendra in an yet-to-be titled project. She is even awaiting the release of her debut venture in Hindi — Saajan Chale Sasural 2. From making a mark for herself, starting from Mangaluru to Mumbai via Bengaluru, this sensational actress shares all about her exciting journey so far, and more with Bengaluru Chronicle.
“Ever since the release of Panchatantra, which will always be a highlight in my acting career, wherein I learnt the most as an actress while working with Yogaraj Bhat sir, I have been getting a lot of opportunities. However, most of them were similar to my role in Panchatantra, and hence I made it a point to analyse the quality of the script and the roles I am getting to play. After Gaalipata 2, I have taken up the project which is being produced by Dr. Chandrasekhar sir of Ayogya fame. Apart from Real Star Upendra sir being the main reason for me to pick it up, the script work is truly amazing penned by the debutant Maurya, who is definitely going to be the next big director in Sandalwood. It is like a dream come true role for an actress who has just started her career. The script offers everything from a star actor, to good subject and a successful banner to work under,” says Sonal Monteiro.
In fact, Sonal adds that it was her superhit Tulu film Ekka Sakka which ran for over 150 days in the coastal region led her enter to Kannada films. “Prior to that, I was busy with modelling, which again was an alien world for me when I started out. I had no interests either towards the world of glamour or had any affinity to acting. I wanted to become a clinical psychologist. But, my mother wanted one of her three children to get into acting, and she choose me in the end while the others escaped! When I was forced into my first venture, I did not speak to my mother for several days,” she reveals.
However, with the experience she had while shooting for Panchatantra, and post learning the intricacies of acting, she says that apart from fulfilling her mother’s dream, she is now busy realising her passion towards her new found love towards acting.
The shoot for Gaalipata 2 is yet to begin as the team is waiting for the rainy season to begin in full force. She is paired opposite Sharan in it.
“Also, I have been shooting for my Hindi venture Saajan Chale Sasural 2. I also have couple of offers in the pipeline from the Tollywood industry,” says the actress.
