Actress on the sequel to Aanand L Rai’s 2016 romcom, working with Sidharth Malhotra in a mysterious role, and an impending screen reunion with Salman Khan
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 5, 2017)

Amidst experimenting with her look — it’s blonde highlights and a more svelte figure now — and judging the devotional reality show Om Shanti Om, Sonakshi Sinha kicked off work on the sequel to Aanand L Rai’s romcom Happy Bhag Jayegi, titled Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi, on Monday. “It (the original) was a really funny film with an ensemble cast that played their respective parts perfectly. It was a thoroughly entertaining watch,” Sona recounts.

The 31-year-old actress also wrapped up work on the Ittefaq remake with Sidharth Malhotra a few days ago, which, co-incidentally, sees her experiment with her screen role as well. She plays a character with shades of grey. “It was a novelty for me to play a mysterious character. I really liked working with Sidharth as well, who is a team player. He likes to discuss the scene, take everyone’s inputs, go through it during rehearsals and shoot only after that. The vibe on set was always lively despite the somewhat darker genre,” she asserts.

Bringing up her physical metamorphosis again makes her smile. “I’ve always liked experimenting with my looks, whether it’s cutting my hair short or trying out different clothes. The only criterion is that I have to be comfortable in what I’m wearing. Fortunately, the reactions to this new look have been positive and I’m enjoying every bit of the attention,” Sona adds.

What about her new role as a reality show judge? She jumped into Om Shanti Om, which also has singer Kanika Kapoor and composer Shekhar Ravjiani as judges, soon after Nach Baliye... “I love watching the talent this country has to offer, whether it’s singing, dancing or using your creativity to render a devotional song in a new style. I also like to offer the contestants the boost and encouragement they need to hone their talent,” she explains. But did establishing connect with the show’s concept because of its niche nature take time? The actress explains, “My school (Arya Vidya Mandir, Juhu) used to have a weekly havan, and all weekdays would end with a recitation of the Shanti Path, so I am well-versed in a lot of Sanskrit prayers and devotional songs. Initially, I wasn’t sure if I’d fit into this show but the creative team said that the songs will be repackaged into different styles and I found that interesting. It helps me reconnect with my culture.”

Another recent gig that she admits to have thoroughly enjoyed is performing live for a musical tour of the UK. “I feed off the audience’s energy. Also, when you are performing alongside Salman Khan, Prabhu Dheva, (rapper) Badshah or Jacqueline (Fernandez), it’s an adrenaline rush. Da-Bangg The Tour was one of the best shows I’ve done. It was a blast!” she reveals. So, is a screen reunion with her Mr Dabangg on the cards too? “Please ask the producer, Arbaaz Khan,” she says evading the question.

Speaking of reunions, the actress is also going to feature in a film alongside Punjabi singer–actor Diljit Dosanjh, with whom she has previously featured in a single called “Move Your Lakk”. Sona is all praise for her co-star. “I admire his focus and the simplicity with which he transforms into his character as soon as the camera turns on and how he gives it his all,” she says.