- 6 Oct 2013
- Hindustan Times (Mumbai)
- Afsana Ahmed
In perhaps her most frank interview ever, Sonakshi Sinha reveals her strategy for rapid success, handling big competition, her parentage, Reena Roy and her decision to not expose on screen
This September, Sonakshi Sinha completes three successful years in Bollywood. Although I have known her much before she became an actress, my mind was filled with preconceived notions... star kid, easy success, just another ornamental piece etc. when I was approached to feature her. But achievers do not rest on their past successes, I thought again. And clearly Sonakshi's career is gaining momentum. We don't think anybody else has managed to do 10 films in just under three years. The actress is currently doing her 11th film and there are two more that are yet to begin. Besides, the fact that the 26year-old effectively wrote her own success story, despite a serious weight problem makes for good reading.
So Sonakshi definitely deserves her space in the Big Interview. As she gears up for R... Rajkumar and Bullett Raja, we catch up at her plush Ramayana building.
Do you feel empowered that you're financially independent now?
Money has never been a reason for me to work and hopefully, it won't be in the future too. We (me and my brothers) have been taught not to splurge. So, we know the value of money. We used to travel in auto rickshaws and local trains to our schools and colleges and had fixed pocket money in college that was R 700 per week. Even today, I ask my mother for money if needed.
That sounds interesting. Tell us more about that.
It used to be so much fun to travel by trains. I remember how I used to get into the second class ladies compartment of a crowded train during peak hours (5 pm). I used to chat with fellow travellers and be part of their conversations. All that has stayed with me. Perhaps that's why people say I can connect with the masses.
I remember, once I was waiting outside my college for a rickshaw. Arbaaz (Khan), who was passing by, saw me and stopped his car. He offered me a lift, but I didn't accept it. So, he went back and called my mom, saying, I don't believe Shatrughan Sinha's daughter is waiting for a rickshaw on the road. I'm so proud of her'.
Is it true that you had a crush on Salman Khan?
I've never been awestruck by him. He has always spoken to me as a friend and has been very blunt. In fact, I was very young when I saw Maine Pyar Kiya (1989) and I used to watch it over and over again only for the pigeon and Bhagyashree.
We have heard that you always have a no exposure-no kissing clause in the contracts you sign.
No bikini, no kissing and no highly intimate scenes for me; I don't think they are cool. Nobody has offered me that kind of role and even if they did, the requested changes were complied with. I've a lot more to offer than just shedding clothes. People agree to work on my terms and conditions, because they know I will bring something to the table that other actors cannot. I do films that can be watched with families and are appreciated by the masses.
Is there a reason for such a clause?
I'll not be able to watch such a film with my family. At the end of the day, my father has a certain standing in society and a background in politics. He comes from Patna (Bihar), where I'm looked at as Bihar ki beti (daughter of Bihar). There are a lot of people whose hopes are riding on me.
Would you marry an actor?
I would not want to marry an actor because I know they are so busy that there's no family time for them. I've seen it with my dad and today being an actor myself, I barely get to spend time with my loved ones. So, if I'm with someone, I want all their time and attention.
What does your mirror tell you? Is it an admirer or gives a reality check?
I guess the mirror is merely a tool for me to check if I'm looking fine. I'm not selfobsessed or delusional. Sometimes I feel that I'm a misfit in the industry because I'm not one of those actresses, who take two to three hours to get ready. I'm out in half an hour to give my shot.
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
My confidence is my strength. Even though I was pudgy, I couldn't be pushed around because I was never a meek or quiet girl.
I wouldn't call it a weakness, but there is a certain choice that I have made about films I will not do or scenes that I will avoid.
Can you elaborate on that?
No matter how much I love it, I will never do a film like The Dirty Picture (2011). I truly enjoyed the film, I think Vidya Balan is a fantastic actor and she did an excellent job.
After Katrina Kaif, you're the only actress who has worked with Akshay Kumar several times. What do you think?
I think both of us share a great working rapport and are punctual. We save our producers/directors a lot of money, time and energy, which is why people like to cast us together.
Have you ever met Shah Rukh Khan?
Yes, we were once on a flight together. When we came out of the airport, he dropped me till my car. He didn't need to do that, but it was sweet of him. He's very chivalrous.
Your brother Luv, who started his career before you, couldn't crack it in the industry. Do you feel conscious about it since you live in the same house?
Both Luv and Kush have always been proud of me. They never really made me feel like oh you got it easy'. It's my personal opinion that it's more difficult for boys to make a mark in the industry than it is for girls. I started off with Salman Khan, who is one of the biggest stars of the country. But for my brother, to make his debut and carry a film on his shoulder by himself it's a different thing. My brothers are putting up a production house together and they are working on it.
How would it have been if you had to survive in a different city, like Katrina or Deepika Padukone have?
I'm dependent on my family and need my people around. So, it sounds scary to me. I don't think I can do it. It needs a lot of courage to do that.
Who are you closer to, your mom or dad?
My mom. She has always been there while dad was usu ally travelling. But, I'm close to him too. I'm his pampered kid. Mom gave up her career to bring us up. A lot of mothers are either busy with their careers or kitty parties, but my mom never attended such events.
Are you aware of the reported romance between Reena Roy and your dad (Shatrughan Sinha) in the past?
I think it happened when I was not even born. So it's not something that I would have known when I was growing up.
When did you find out about it?
I found out when I was growing up and started understanding things. But I'm not going to crucify my father for something he did years back. It is his past. And everybody has a past. So I don't think too much about it. Nor do I pay attention to it. Like I said, it just makes really good headlines and juicy gossip to some people. But for me, this is my family.
How will you react if you happen to meet Reena someday?
I'm a very well brought up girl. And I will treat her the way I treat my other elders. I'll say, Namaste aunty, how are you? Nice to meet you.' Why would I treat her any differently?
Lots of people must have asked you about your uncanny resemblance with Reena Roy and you have denied that. But have any doubts ever crossed your mind about your parentage?
No doubts have ever crossed my mind. Because I feel I look like my mom (Poonam Sinha). Maybe my skin tone is like my dad, but my features are like my mom. It (this comparison) makes for good headlines, no? I'm telling you it does.
But there's an uncanny resemblance between you two. Do you disagree
Chhodo, resemblance hoga toh hoga na (forget it, there might be some resemblance). I can't help it. People also say that I look like a lot of people, I can't name them. But I don't take it seriously.
Are you aware that you're still scrutinised for your curves?
If it doesn't matter I don't care. I'm a very confident person. I was always picked on for my weight in school and college. I worked very hard to look the way I do today. I know my strengths and weaknesses and play on them accordingly. I faced criticism when I stepped into the industry and I'm aware that my weight is discussed even today. But I make sure it doesn't bother me. I focus on my work and I'm flourishing despite the criticism.
Who had the confidence to see you as a future actress?
I was heavily overweight and wouldn't have considered myself as good looking at that point, so my mind was never on it. But my mother wanted me to become an actress and I kept fighting with her. Salman Khan was the other person who would always tell me that I could become an actress.
Are you sure you didn't secretly want to act?
If I desired that, then I would have planned for it. I would have trained myself better, lost weight earlier and enrolled in an acting class. I never did that all that which means that I didn't harbour any secret ambitions.
Unfortunately, these days, grooming and shedding weight is usually connected with a Bollywood career.
I disagree. I remember my mom used to be on my case to lose weight, unlike my dad who would occasionally urge me mainly for health reasons. When I was 19, I started going to the gym, but I couldn't run on the treadmill for more than a minute or two. Even walking at a stretch for more than 15 minutes at a normal pace was difficult for me. And that's when I decided, bahut kha liya (I've eaten enough), it's time to knock it all off.
When do you plan to get married?
My dad will be the last person to see me getting married as he wants to keep me with him forever. He doesn't want me to go to my husband's house. My dad will be the happiest if I get married late.
What kind of a person would be your choice?
Someone who's well settled and who can give me the kind of life my parents have given me. But, I should be in a position where I can take care of myself. I'm a sucker for love. When I fall in love, my world revolves around that person.
There were rumours that you were dating Bunty Sachdev. Is that true?
No. I'm single.
We've heard that you have a 1.30 am deadline at home?
Yes. Cinderella gets back home by 12 am and I need to ensure that I'm back by 1.30 am. I have to obey that as mom makes the rules. But, they should be happy because I barely go out.
Cricket
4