Sonakshi Sinha gets into action mode, talks films and fitness, but steers clear about discussing a certain someone
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; October 30, 2016)

Sonakshi Sinha is cheery and laughs a lot. The actress is clearly in a good mood, ready to take on any poser — well almost. We meet her at producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah’s office in Andheri where she is promoting her next, Force 2 which has John Abraham as co- star. Her manager hovers around making sure not a strand of hair is out of place making the photographer ask: “Is that the only thing you are concerned about?” The manager still feels the well coiffured hair-do is out of place. Sona, however, keeps posing with her manager evey now and then, ensuring her mane looks perfect. The star has been in the spotlight for her weight issues. She appears even more leaner than when we last saw her, so we begin with what she would love to hear...

You are looking even more fitter. Have you managed to give a fitting reply to your weight critics?
(laughs) Actually it’s more to do with a lifestyle change. As I am doing one film at a time, I can follow an exercise routine and watch my diet. It has happened organically over a long period of time. I can say it has taken its own sweet time. After working with John (Abraham) in Force 2 there is the added motivation.

How has Force 2 co- star John Abraham inspired you?
John is so strict when it comes to fitness. He will literally take the unhealthy stuff out of your mouth. I did not have any control over my food till I met John. It was good to learn a lot from him and take it back with you. He has been a big inspiration for me. There is no scope to give up on your fitness drive, when he is around. And, also the kind of films I have been doing require me to be in ship-shape.

With Akira and Force 2, do you consider you are an action star?
For me, it is the character. It is a coincidence that one followed the other. It was not a deliberate plan, it just came my way. In Akira, I was taking on the baddies. In Force 2, I play a RAW agent. It is a strong character to portray; something I had never done before. If actors can do it repeatedly, why not actresses?

Do you find the action genre exciting?
I have been an athletic person since my school days. So it keeps me engaged in something I like to do. I enjoy sports, it’s fun for me. It is not taxing for me.

Your last outing Akira did not well...
Everyone expected it to do well. Everyone had high expectations of it. For me, it was a great acting with a great director (A R Murugadoss). I was part of a good film. In fact, the martial arts training in Akira came handy for Force 2. I had already reached a certain level of fitness. An actor should play any kind of role.

You are also pursuing music.
Singing is something I enjoy doing. I sing because I want to, but I know my limitations as I am not a trained singer.

Two years ago you had film production plans.
Yes, along with my brothers (Luv and Kush), we are keen to revive the home banner. But such things take a lot of time. So it is still a plan in progress.

You recently changed your publicists. Do you want to reinvent yourself?
Yes, there has been a change. That’s because I am open to working with a lot of people.

You guard your personal life zealously. Anything written about you affects you.
If anything that is written about me affects me, I will tweet about it. If you ignore it people take the liberty to say whatever they want.

But you are a star...
I cannot ignore it. People shouldn’t be given the liberty to talk loosely about anyone.

If you are spotted with someone, there is bound to be speculation.
I get spotted with so many people, so why pick on one particular person? Drawing a conclusion is up to you.

So what is it about you and a certain Bunty Sajdeh?
(laughs) No comments.

(And the manager says the interview is over. We had saved this question for the last, anyways).