The Times of India News & Interviews Entertainment Bollywood
My
imperfections are actually my USP: Sonakshi Sinha
Priya Gupta, TNN | Jun 8, 2013, 12.00 AM IST
My imperfections are actually my USP: Sonakshi Sinha
Sonakshi Sinha, 26, considers herself obedient and,
possibly, borderline boring. From the time she remembers, she has always been
plump and considers her imperfections her strength. She prefers her parents as
parents and not as her friends. While she is the pampered child of her father,
she is conscious of not wanting to do anything that may disappoint her parents.
Ahead of her film 'Lootera', she speaks to TOI about her imperfect looks, her
friends Salman and Akshay and why her father is her role model. Excerpts:
What did it mean to be Shatrughan Sinha's daughter?
To me, he was just my
father. We were brought up in a regular normal way. I would travel in rickshaws
to go to school (Arya Vidya Mandir) and take trains to college. If we ever
showed off, we would be reprimanded at home. My mom had left her career as an
actress when she got married and was strict with us.
How did you land up in films?
I never felt that I
would land up doing films till I was shooting for my first film. I was the
student of the year at SNDT where I studied fashion designing for three years.
During this time, I started losing weight as I realised it was not healthy to
be overweight at such a young age. I would not be able to run two minutes on
the treadmill and that was pathetic. I did swimming, spinning, gymming and yoga
and started losing weight. Dad and Salim uncle (Salim Khan) were friends and
so, when I was in college, Salman would lecture me for hours, saying I was
wasting my life and that I should drop fashion, lose weight and get into
acting. I was not trained as an actor and, looking at me, no one could say that
I would become an actress. So, I would never take him seriously. But he would
always say, 'tum mein woh filmi keeda hain'. When I lost weight, Arbaaz Bhai
met me backstage in a fashion week show and offered me Dabangg. It was unspoken
and understood that I would. My parents were happy that I would start off with
a family that they were so close to. And Salman of course just says now, 'see I
was right'.
What is your dad like?
He is extremely
caring and a good role model to have. He is well-spoken and is a good person.
Even though I am not as social as he is, I get my easiness to speak to people
from him. However, I am also a reserved person and that could be misconstrued
at times for being snobbish. My dad is quite boisterous. I am controlled. My
brothers always like to believe that my father pampered me and I am spoilt.
While it is not true, they felt that way as for my dad, I could not do anything
wrong. So, if I did something wrong, I would put the blame on them and he would
shout at them.
Is he dominating?
That's the persona he
has. He is 6 ft 2" tall and has a strong personality, but he is a real
softy inside. He likes to help people and maintains good relations with
everyone.
Do you have memories of going to Patna?
Till my grandmother
was alive, we visited Patna every year. I would usually not go out and be with
her at home. I remember just after finishing school, once I had gone with my
dad during elections and people were taking my autographs just because I was
his daughter.
Who are you most attached to?
I am most attached to
my mom as she is more involved, has always been there and knows what is
happening in my life.
How have you managed to stay away from any controversy?
I am not a very
social person and have a few friends who have been with me since school and
college. I hate going to parties and events and would rather sit at home and
watch TV. Parties are the place where controversies happen. So, I guess I am
automatically away from it.
What was it like working with three big stars — Salman, Ajay
and Akshay — so early in your career?
I felt I was in an
envious position working with them as they are all superstars. Salman is
straightforward and I love how he does not take his stardom very seriously. He
knows it is there, but he does not rub it in your face. Akshay is funny and
makes life easier for everyone on the set. Ajay is intelligent and just
watching him on the set is so nice.
You are now working with stars your age — Imran and Ranveer.
Do you find a difference?
I choose my films
based on the scripts and not on how old my co-stars are. I enjoy my work, no
matter who I am working with. Even if you give me a solo silent film, I will
enjoy it. I learnt a lot from Salman and Akshay. With Imran and Ranveer, we are
at the same level and they keep teasing me. I was pulling Ranveer's leg the
other day saying, 'you better pull up your socks if you want to be Salman Khan
in 20 years'.
Do you have friends in the industry?
I can call Akshay and
Salman my friends. I would totally count on them .
You have done 10 films so far. Do you have a favourite?
I have had fun in my
other films. I have acted in Lootera. I think it's because of the role and
Vikram's (Vikramaditya Motwane) direction that it has turned out special for
me. Vikram is one of the best directors I have worked with. His set was the
most disciplined one I have been on. It was like going back to school. No
talking, stay in character, lunch at 1, evening nashta at 6 and always pack up
on time.
Does your Indian look and non-zero size work to your
advantage?
In this perfect
world, there are certain imperfections that catch your eye. That's what works
for me. I don't concentrate on being perfect, but instead put that effort
behind my craft and being true to myself. I don't conform to pressures outside
of me. I am confident about myself. It would stress me out if I were sitting at
home without any work. But I am doing really well for myself and am doing my
parents proud. My imperfections are actually my USP and I am proud of them.
Do you see yourself getting married?
Yes of course, eventually,
once I find the right guy. I don't see myself doing this all my life. The
minute I find the right person, I will run.
Is there a similarity between any of the stars you work with
and your dad?
Salman used to tease
me in Dabangg saying that his moustache was like my father's.
Courtesy: The Times of India News & Interviews
