Sonakshi Sinha opens up on doing action for Akira and Force 2….
Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; September 23, 2015)

Bollywood has always been an overtly patriarchial set-up with male actors dominating the bandwagon with their dialoguebaazi and dishoom-dishoom. What the leading ladies are left to doing are just standing as mere props or just romance around the trees with the love track playing in the background. But slowly and steadily, there’s a definite paradigm shift in the industry in general. At a time when there is a dearth of action heroines, more and more actresses are taking up action films. And Sonakshi Sinha is all geared up for her next two films- Akira and Force 2 — both having her in high-octane action-packed roles. Here, we have Sona talking about her action flicks and we decipher why she could possibly be the next action queen in Bollywood.

Most Bollywood films have high testosterone levels whereas the actresses are left with no action scenes. Do you think the scenario is changing for the better now?
Absolutely. Audiences have become very open and welcoming towards watching different kinds of content on screen. Films with women playing strong and powerful roles are doing well. Things are definitely getting better for the leading ladies.

Despite attempts, not many films have the heroine doing action, except maybe in an Ek Tha Tiger or a Mary Kom, etc. Comment.
Slowly and surely, it will happen. It already has. I never thought two consecutive films of mine would have me playing an action heroine! The success of films like Mary Kom has paved way for more such roles to be written, which is great!

In Akira, you will be seen doing some heavyweight action sequences. Did you train specifically in some martial art for the film?
Yes, I did train in mixed martial arts for the film. I have been a part of a lot of action films and have always watched my heroes doing some amazing stunts and action, always secretly wishing I could be doing that too! With Akira, I think my wish has come true and I am doing all that I’ve watched unfold before my eyes before this film. In a way, it feels like I have been training for it just by watching my heroes since Dabangg, Rowdy Rathore, Son Of Sardaar, Holiday and other films!

Given that you always wanted to do action, was the experience on Akira thrilling?
It was beyond thrilling. I think when you specifically learn something for a film, apply it while shooting, and watch it unfold before your eyes, it makes the experience even more fulfilling.

You are following it up with another high-voltage action film like Force 2. Is it a conscious move?
No, it’s a coincidence. My role in Force 2 is fantastic and I couldn’t say no. But you can be assured that the roles, my look and the films are poles apart from each other.

Doing two back-to-back action films, was there any risk of being typecast?
Not at all! Heroes do back-to-back action films all the time. It’s never a risk to do good roles even though the genre might be the same.

In Force, Genelia had no action scenes. How much will we see you doing in Force 2?
My role is very different than that of Genelia’s in the first part. I am playing a special agent who is working with John’s character in the film. So, I will be a part of all the high octane sequences along with John.

Are you more nervous or confident having someone like John Abraham by your side doing the action scenes?
I think it’s great to be working with John on this film. I am confident and excited.

Are you undergoing any special training for Force 2?
All my MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) training from Akira is coming in handy for Force 2 as well! I will be working with an amazing action team coming all the way from South Africa. They are very clear and organised in what they want to achieve on screen so I will train with them as we shoot and learn all the moves.