While Sonakshi Sinha has been appreciated for her acting chops in Bollywood, her singing skills, too, have garnered praise. She is all set to croon at the Global Citizen Festival India powered by The Times Of India, on November 19, which will also see international artistes like Coldplay and Jay Z perform for the first time in the country. Sonakshi speaks to us about joining the Global Citizen India movement and causes that are close to her heart.

How will a movement like this spread awareness?
The awareness is spread by the involvement of so many people. It encourages everyone to be a part of one big movement, which is for the betterment of our world. I think combining it with entertainment is the best way to grab attention and encourage more people to join in. I'm happy to be associated with it and I am glad it has come to India. I believe it's time to change the way we think and act, and nothing better than so many of us getting together to do just that by being a part of this campaign.

Which issues do you feel strongly about?
Gender equality. Many professions still give men an upper hand when it comes to remuneration, treatment, benefits etc. Today, there's nothing a woman cannot do as well as, if not better than, a man. So why this bias? I also feel strongly about the environment. Pollution is at an all time high and we need to come together to save our planet because well, it's the only one we have!

Speaking about gender discrimination, what advice do you give young Indian women?
It's true that we live in a male-dominated society. And whether or not anyone is affected by it, indirectly, I think we all are. Right from childhood, girls are moulded in a certain way and are given tags that may not even hold true in today's times. My only advice would be to rise above all limitations enforced upon us by society and be seen for what we truly are - capable and strong individuals who can rule the world.