You can mock my looks or ignorance, but don't label me a racist-Sonakshi Sinha on recreating a classic, reuniting with Ajay Devgn and why Rajjo’s world feels like home
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 4, 2019)

After featuring in the recreated version of “Mera Naam Chin Chin Chu” in Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi, Sonakshi Sinha is stepping into Helen’s shoes yet again for Total Dhamaal. In Indra Kumar’s multi-starrer comedy, the actress will be seen swinging her hips to the yesteryear classic “Mungda,” along with one of the film’s leads, Ajay Devgn. The song is directed by Kookie Gulati. “It’s a coincidence that my last performance to an iconic song also happened to be Helen aunty’s. It’s great that we can repackage these iconic songs and present them to today’s generation,” the actress said.

When asked if she feels the pressure to live up to the original’s success, Sona explains that the approach is never to imitate. “Helen aunty’s grace and charm are unmatched, and it would be foolish to even try to copy her. Our version is a dance number with spruced-up music, lots of choreography and it’s nothing like the original song,” she added.

The song marks a reunion of sorts for the actress and Ajay, who have previously shared screen space in films like Son of Sardaar and Action Jackson. “Since this was a dance number, I got the chance to pull Ajay’s leg as he hates dancing,” Sonakshi smiled, adding that her costar is one of those people who can pick up a conversation from where they left off, no matter how much time has lapsed. “It’s always a pleasure working with him.”

Next up for Sonakshi is another multi-starrer, the Abhishek Varman-directed Kalank, in which she is a part of the acting lineup alongside Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt, Aditya Roy Kapur, Madhuri Dixit and Sanjay Dutt. “This is my second association with Dharma (Productions), and I am excited about it because the story is beautiful, and the role is challenging. Sharing the screen with such stellar actors makes it even more special,” she said, refusing to divulge further details about the period drama.

Then, there’s a yet-untitled comedy that she started shooting in Punjab with co-star Varun Sharma. “It’s my director, Shilpi Dasgupta’s debut film, but it doesn’t really feel like one. It’s a wonderful story about a street-smart, independent girl making her way through the many challenges that life throws at her. You can call it a slice-of-life or a coming-of-age film. Varun plays my brother in it and keeps me thoroughly entertained on the set,” she informed.

Mirror had earlier reported that Salman Khan is returning as Inspector Chulbul Pandey with Dabangg 3 which will feature Kannada actor Sudeep as the antagonist. The first installment of the franchise had marked Sonakshi’s debut in 2010, and the actress is charged up to be back as Rajjo in the cop-drama. “It certainly feels like home because that’s where it all began. My life changed after Dabangg. I found my calling with it. I can’t wait to begin shooting for it. The film goes on the floors by March-end,” she concluded.