Sonakshi Sinha: It's Okay To Be Real

An incredible five-year journey, amazing luck at the movies and a new career in singing—what more could a girl want? Vivacious star Sonakshi Sinha on her journey to the top and that funny thing called love.

- Sandipan Dalal, Photographs By Errikos Andreau

In October 2015, Sonakshi Sinha capped five years in the movies, with a few resolutions: do one film at a time, say no to double shifts, and make a legitimate name for herself in both creative arenas—acting and singing. “I have worked at breakneck speed for the last five years. So, when I was inching closer to my five-year milestone, I decided to make a few changes to my life. But now the challenge is to stick to it,” explains the 28-year-old star. It has been a non-stop adventure: for someone who had never intended to join films, Sonakshi already has 15 films under her belt. “I got addicted to the energy of filmmaking,” says Sonakshi who will be next seen in action flicks Akira and Force 2, and Haseena, a biopic on Dawood Ibrahim’s sister Haseena Parker. These days, she has another obsession she's training to play the drums and occasionally slips into the recording studio to rap. “I have a cool drum set, and the best way to unwind these days is put on my headphones and just jam.”

Sonakshi recollects her best (and worst) in the last five years, her quest for love (she maintains she is single) and hopes for the future (includes seeing the Great Barrier Reef with the love of her life). Edited excerpts:

You completed five years at the movies. Describe your journey to the top.

It has gone by so fast that it feels like a blur. I don’t think any other actor (of this generation) has done 15 films in five years. I’m currently on my 16th. I have not only worked at breakneck speed, but also without taking any breaks. I have learnt so much. Every day has brought a new experience and I’ve enjoyed these five years—the good, the bad and the ugly—immensely.

Is there any advice from your parents or senior co-actors that has held you in good stead in the last five years?