Noor has a wonderful character graph which I wanted to portray - Sonakshi Sinha | Exclusive Interview

Think Sonakshi Sinha and the first thing that comes to your mind would be - Damn! Is there anything this girl can’t do? From acting to singing, rapping and now turning judge for a reality show on television, Sonakshi has done it all. When she debuted seven years back alongside actor Salman Khan in Dabbang, she stood out with her impressive act, and her dialogue ‘Thappad se darr nahi lagta’ went on to become a huge hit. A nuanced performance in Lootera followed next, with which she cemented her position as a performer in the industry. Over the years she has delivered some fine performances in films like Bullet Raja, Linga, Rowdy Rathore, Akira, Force 2 among others, essaying characters ranging from a village belle to RAW agent. 

In 2017, we are all set to see her in a new space, that of a journalist. The actress is ready with her next release Noor, an adaptation of the famous Pakistani novel - Karachi You're Killing Me by Saba Imtiaz. It is a known fact that Sona had made a few rules for herself back then, which she still swears by - she will be never seen kissing someone on screen, and will never don a bikini / swimsuit on screen. Needless to say, Sona still abides by the same rules she had formulated seven years back. In a tete-a-tete with Team Dancebee’s Sneha, the gorgeous Sonakshi Sinha talks about Noor, judging Nach Baliye, passion for dance and more.

Did you read the novel to understand the character and story? 

Yes, I did read it. I found it to be very entertaining and engaging. When director Sunil Sippy narrated this story to me, I immediately liked it and said yes for the role. It is a character I could relate to in many ways. There is a wonderful character graph of Noor which I really wanted to portray. There is a good mix of funny and emotional moments in the film, which I loved to play on screen. Also, the fact that this film is based on a book helped in relating to the characters in a better way.

How difficult or easy was it for you to play Noor? 

I would say it was easy. After the trailer was launched, so many people came to me and told me that they have so much similarities with Noor. Honestly, there are many scenes where I feel like I am Noor in real life too. 

 There is a good mix of funny and emotional moments in the film, which I loved to play on screen

We heard you got a chance to explore several unknown places in Mumbai during the shoot. How was that experience?

I am born and brought up in Mumbai. But, I must say with Noor, I have explored many places which I have never seen. We shot in Wadala, Vashi, and many other places like cement factories and salt pans, which I have not visited earlier. It was quite an experience. These places haven’t been explored in Hindi films. Filming at areas like a cement factory can get quite uncomfortable, as the area which was full of dust.

How much of inputs have you taken from your friends in the media? 

Right from my first film, I have had a deep connection with the media. I have been watching you guys for years now (smiles). So, I picked up a few nuances from journalists whom I have met over the years. It was fun to be on the other side of the mic. 

Right from my first film, I have had a deep connection with the media

What was it about Nach Baliye that made you take up the role of a judge?

I was always looking for something, if not better, but as good as Indian Idol to be a part of. When Nach Baliye came to me, I immediately connected to the dance factor. At this point, I thought this would be the best thing for me to do. It’s not just dance but the show is also about couples and their stories.  Many of them are not even dancers and it’s interesting to see how they support each other. So, that’s exciting!

Would you be cautious or diplomatic while judging the contestants? 

I don’t know if I am a cautious person, because I am real and honest. If I like or dislike something, it shows on my face. I am transparent and that’s something people like and relate with. But, I also know how to put across my thoughts in a nice way, so that no one is offended. Plus, they all are professionals and have been in the industry, where they have to face lots of praise and brick- bracts. So, I think they are used to it. Hopefully that should also help them to manoeuvre their way through the show.

If I like or dislike something, it shows on my face. I am transparent and that’s something people like and relate with

Do you enjoy dancing?

Oh! I really enjoy dancing, and stage shows are a favourite part of my profession. I was very little when I started dancing at birthday parties and dance competitions. I used to get offended if I didn’t win the prize (laughs). And that’s when I knew that I loved to dance. I have not learnt professionally but when I was younger as a form of exercise I would always enrol myself at the Shiamak Davar or Terrence Lewis classes. I used to keep doing it because I was so fond of it. Plus, anyway I used to hate working out as such. So, dance was the only way I could have exercised. I think when you are fond of something you automatically get better at it and do it with your heart.

Who are your favourite dancers from the Indian film industry?

Of course, it has to be Madhuri (Dixit) ji. Any girl from my generation would look up to her. Then, we have wonderful dancers like Deepika Padukone who is graceful, Alia (Bhatt) is so funky. Also, Ranveer Singh, Shahid Kapoor and Varun Dhawan - all of them are really good dancers.

Your next project is the Ittefaq remake. How's that coming along?

Well, I have started shooting for the film already. But, I am yet to watch the original cult film, which stars Rajesh Khanna. So, for me, it's like doing a new film. I am sure a lot of people from my generation haven't seen the film either. Personally, I loved the way the film has been rewritten and adapted to fit in today's scenario. I am looking forward to this one.

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