Patcy N in Mumbai
Barely two years in the film industry, Sonakshi Sinha has starred in some of the biggest blockbusters like Dabangg, Rowdy Rathore, OMG: Oh My God and Son Of Sardaar.
Her next film Dabangg 2 -- co-starring Salman Khan -- is expected to become a big money-spinner as well.
She tells Patcy N what her success mantra is.
How was it working with Arbaaz Khan, the director of Dabangg 2?
When I started working with him, I realised how good a director he is. I told him he should have done this long back.
Even when he was not the director of the film and was just the producer of the film (Dabangg), his inputs were like a director's. I never once felt that he was directing for the first time. You will realise that when you watch the film.
What is he good at -- acting, direction or producing?
To juggle all three is a very big task. Hats off to him that he managed it. But for me, he is a fabulous director.
'Even today, if I get up late, my mother scolds me'
Most of your films have been hits. Has that changed you in any way?
There is no change in me; even my friends and family say I have not changed. Even today, if I get up late or my clothes are not kept properly, my mother scolds me.
Personally, nothing has changed. I am happy that I am like this because normally people get spoilt if they see success so quick and early in life. I thank my family and friends, who have kept me grounded.
What have you learnt in the last few films?
I have been blessed to work with the best in the industry. With every film I have learnt something new, you work with different people, new actors and new directors, new technicians. You get to learn a lot from everyone.
I am like a sponge. I imbibe things. I did not do any acting course, I was doing something else (Sonakshi had done a course on Fashion Designing) but then I became an actress.
I have the capacity to learn things from others and I try and do that.
'I don't think I will be the kind of wife that Rajjo is'
How close are to you to your character Rajjo in real life?
I don't think I will be the kind of wife that Rajjo is. It will take me half an hour just to drape a sari!
You have done a fashion designing course; do you give your opinion on your clothes in a film?
Sometimes, yes, but we work with such good people and trusted names in the industry. If I don't approve of something, I voice my opinion.
In fact for Dabangg, I had to retain my nose ring. So small things like these I take care of.
You have been lucky for Salman Khan, (Dabangg) Ajay Devgn (Son of Sardaar) and Akshay Kumar (Rowdy Rathore). They call you the lucky charm.
This tag was with somebody else yesterday, today it is with me, and tomorrow it will go to someone else.
I am not attached to such tags. In fact, I think I am lucky that I got to be part of all these films and got to work with these stars.
'I like to consult my parents about the film I sign'
You have releases almost every other month. Do you worry that you will burn out soon?
I don't know what will happen tomorrow. For now, I am very happy doing the work I am doing.
I just enjoy my work. Why does Akshay Kumar do five films a year? It is each to his own. I am very satisfied and content.
What did your parents (Shatrughan and Poonam Sinha) say about the promo of Dabangg 2?
My parents loved it.
My father loves everything that I do. My mother is my biggest critic. What she says, I know she says for my good. She tells me if I could do a scene differently or if a certain outfit is not looking good.
Do you consult with your parents before you sign a film?
I approach my whole family before signing a film. I like to consult them as my parents have been in the industry so it's the logical thing to do.
My mum sometimes sits with me also for narrations. My dad is not always there to sit through the narration so I give him the gist of the narration. If he likes it, he tells me.
'I will not do an item song just because it is in some big film'
Did Salman Khan tease you on the sets?
Salman has been teasing me ever since I was 15. If he criticises me, I take it positively.
It is because of him I have come into films. I lost weight and I became an actress and my career is doing well. He is very happy about it.
Will you do an item number?
I did Go Govinda (OMG! Oh My God). I will do an item song only if it is different, like Go Govinda, if it suits me and if I like it.
I did Go Govinda because it was a festive song, a Janmasthami number. I will not do an item song just because it is in some big film; it has to be something that I connect with.
'Money is not an issue, I look for the script'
What do you look for when you sign a film: the money or the script?
Script. Touch wood, I am from a financially sound family and have a comfortable life. So money is not an issue. I like to work.
Are you working with Shahid Kapoor?
Yes, I am doing a film with Shahid. Prabhu Deva will direct it. It will go on the floors in February.
I am looking forward to it -- I think there will be lots of dancing, and I love dancing.
You have always played a desi girl. Will we see you in a western avatar in the future?
I have an Indo-Western look in my forthcoming film Bullet Raja (alongside Saif Ali Khan).
It's a coincidence that my look has been Indian in all my films, but I am not complaining. In future, if I get an urban role that suits my character and personality, I will do it.
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