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| Edited By: Nayandeep Rakshit |Source: DNA |Updated: Aug 14, 2018, 06:00 AM IST
The last time, we met Sonakshi Sinha, she mentioned that she was keen to try her hand at comedy. She said, “I think that’s one space I’ll be good at and I haven’t done much of it.” Now, with her upcoming film Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi (HPBJ), it seems her wish has come true. She tells After Hrs about defying the perceptions about her, relying on her instincts while choosing movies and why she is in a ‘happy’ space right now. Excerpts...
People don’t know what to look forward to in this film because of the confusion that’s created between Diana Penty’s and my characters. I don’t think they were expecting a different Happy. Having said that, the best part about the first instalment was the chemistry between all the characters. The recall value is there, so viewers are curious to see how the story is taken forward.
It’s lovely because I missed the singing and dancing. We started the shoot with the song Swag Saha Nahi Jaaye, so I was like, ‘Oh my God, I’m enjoying myself’. I had a blast and from there on, it was a joyride because off set Mudassar Aziz, Jimmy Sheirgill, Ali Fazal and Diana are so funny.
No, I don’t think so. In the films that I’ve done — whether it’s Rowdy Rathore or Son Of Sardaar — the female lead required a certain comic timing and sense of humour. The makers knew I could be extremely funny, which is why they cast me. But yes, Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi (HPBJ) is my first full-fledged comedy where I play the title role.
I guess everybody has a certain perception of actors especially based on what they see. They check out our interviews, films, shows and a lot of people’s outlook is formed on the basis of that. Also, the general perception about actors is that all of us must be la-di-da (hoity toity). Until and unless you actually meet a person, you can’t form an honest opinion about him or her. Many people are surprised when they meet me. They don’t expect me to be funny (smiles).
Absolutely. There are slapstick, emotional, situational as well as dark comedies and we are tapping into all of it right now. It’s great because of the kind of films that are being made and the roles that are being written for women.
I guess, to each his own. Honestly, I’m someone who does everything from my heart. If you ask me for a 100 per cent, I’ll give you 110 per cent. Whether it’s a 10-minute or a three-hour role, I’ll put in the same amount of effort. I’m an instinctive person. I don’t look at the smaller picture, I always look at the larger scheme of things. If it’s a film that I would like to watch on screen, then I’d happily do it.
Actually, it does happen in the industry, but I’m someone who doesn’t like to be connected to anyone beyond a point. So, whether they had that perception or not, it never bothered me. I’m not an extremely social person who is constantly looking for approval from others. I’m my own person who likes her private space. I’ve always been like that, regardless of having big hits or not. But yes, everyone has to go through this; the biggest of our stars have struggled, too. I remember having this conversation with Akshay (Kumar) where I told him that my last two movies didn’t work. He turned around and said, ‘You’re talking about two films, I had a phase where 11 of my movies hadn’t worked back- to-back.’ But he’s still Akshay Kumar.
Of course! I appreciate it so much and that’s where the point gets verified. The audience’s connect with you isn’t based on a hit or flop. They connect with you because of who you are on screen, how much you’ve entertained them and once they are invested in you, they remain loyal. Honestly, there are a lot of reasons for which I shouldn’t have clicked as an actress, in terms of what was written about me — be it my weight, or my small roles in big-hero films. But did it ever affect me? No, because the audience connected with me and they would never let me go.
