Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 24, 2020)

Actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s sudden death affected people in showbiz in many ways. Some spoke about nepotism while others discussed mental health. Actor Samir Soni was disturbed, too, and made a shocking admission in an Instagram post. “It could have very easily been me,” he wrote.

Explaining his post, Soni, 51, says, “I understand the pressures of showbiz, which is why I wrote that. This business is unpredictable... It can get frustrating if after working non-stop, you have no work for months. One hit makes you famous, but give a few flops and people might forget you.”

The writer-director cites examples in the industry such as late actor Rajesh Khanna and actor Kumar Gaurav — both had major highs and lows in their careers. “In a low phase, sometimes one can’t see light beyond the darkness. You wait for that one phone call which can change your career. I have been there and so I could relate to the darkness. One has to be very strong mentally to survive in this business. It is not just about talent... It is a business at the end of it all,” he says, adding, “I’d tell young actors to act because you enjoy it, but be prepared for the long wait between projects. too. Even now, due to Coronavirus, a number of films will suffer and so will the careers of many actors, filmmakers and technicians.”

Soni debuted with Rajkumar Santoshi’s China Gate (1998) but his career didn’t pan out as expected. “When I was launched in a huge film, I was told I had a bright future, but once the film flopped, I didn’t get any work. My first marriage, too, fell apart... It happened so fast, I didn’t have time to react. I’d get panic attacks. For almost a year, I’d stay at home in bed... I was in counselling for two years,” he shares. Later, he thought Baghban (2003), which was a super hit, would translate into a lot of work, but it didn’t. “I didn’t get any film for three months, but this time I was stronger... I am glad I decided to transition into TV and saw success in Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin. I did a number of films including Vivah (2006), Fashion (2008) and many TV shows such as Parichay, and web shows including Puncch Beat, too. I am happy with my career and life,” adds Soni.

Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 4, 2017)

After lending her voice to “Let’s Celebrate”, a racy track from her 2015 action film Tevar, Sonakshi Sinha did the T-Series single “Aaj Mood Isqholic Hai” the same year. The 30-year-old actress followed it up with playback alongside singer-composer Vishal Dadlani for the track “Rakjj Rajj Ke” in A R Murugadoss’s Akira and, more recently, “Move Your Lakh” with rapper Badshah and actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh. Meanwhile, she made her TV debut as a judge on the singing reality show Indian Idol Junior 2, and was one of the opening acts for British band Coldplay’s Global Citizen concert in Mumbai last November.

Now, the actress’s newest musical tryst sees her collaborate with Canadian rapper-musician Parichay (of “Aaj Phir Peene Ki Tamanna Hai” fame). The duo has reportedly recorded a modern, soulful rendition of National Award-winning composer MM Kreem’s lilting ditty “Tum Mile Dil Khile” from the 1995 Telugu-Hindi bilingual Criminal. While the original song had featured Manisha Koirala and Nagarjuna in a dream sequence, Sonakshi’s video is yet to be choreographed but will have the singer-actress at the centre of a stylised set-up.

“Parichay and Sona met five months ago and recorded the track over a series of studio visits. While the lyrics of the chorus are the same as the original and sung by Sonakshi herself, Parichay joins in for a rap verse. The music video is expected to be completed later this year. While the video will be solely focussed on Sonakshi, Parichay will appear on screen in some portions,” says a source close to the development.

Nargis, who makes her singing debut, says will sing whether she is appreciated or not
Soumya Vajpayee Tiwari (MID-DAY; June 21, 2017)

After a busy 2016 which saw four of her films hit the marquee, Nargis Fakhri has had a rather pale 2017 with no films to her credit. However, the Rockstar (2011) actress has managed to hit headlines nonetheless, albeit for reasons other than her Bollywood commitments. Nargis has joined the growling league of B-Townies who’ve put their singing prowess to test. Her debut single pairs her with Punjabi singer Parichay and Canadian rapper Kardinal Offishall.

Talking about the track, titled Habitaan Vigaad Di, Nargis says, “When I heard the song, I was intrigued by its pace. Parichay and I decided to take it forward. To give it an East-meets-West flavour, we also got Offishall on board. We had a lot of fun shooting the video.”

Nargis admits that though she isn’t versed with the music industry, she is keen to hone her singing skills. “It (singing) sparked something in me. I’m thinking of taking some singing lessons. I also want to continue
learning the guitar, which I picked up during Rockstar. I can only play three songs on it, though.”

The industry hasn’t been kind to actors who’ve tried their hand at singing, but Nargis doesn’t fear criticism. “I’ve been criticised since I entered the industry; you guys turned me into steel. So, I don’t fear it, because criticism makes you stronger and thick-skinned.” She admits that despite spending six years in the industry, she hasn’t found a foothold. “It always seems to be a struggle [to make a name in Bollywood]. But I feel comfortable in India. I love coming back to the country,” she says, acknowledging that she’s appreciated more for her looks than her acting chops. “But I don’t mind that. You have to play to your strengths. If glamour is mine, so be it.”