In an industry fixated with body image, Sonakshi Sinha was always considered a misfit. Sonakshi Sinha says her upcoming action flick 'Akira' is, in no way, an attempt to silence body shamers
Sonakshi Sinha
In an industry fixated with body image, Sonakshi Sinha was always considered a misfit. She dares to call out bullies who have shamed her for her voluptuous figure and mistaken her candour for arrogance. But Jr Shotgun isn’t one to give up. As Sonakshi returns to screens with AR Murugadoss’ action extravaganza, Akira, she tells us why B’wood is ready to get a taste of girl power. Edited excerpts from an interview:
Sonakshi Sinha
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When you joined the industry with Dabangg in 2010, you were criticised for your physique. Is this film a retort of sorts?
This thought didn’t even cross my mind at the time of signing Akira. I didn’t do this film to prove a point. This movie touches upon some important topics like self defence, ragging, acid attacks , corruption. It is an entertainer, which shows a mirror to society. It is made with that intention, not to silence my detractors about my weight. From day one, I have been a Dabangg girl. Maybe, that’s why they signed me for Akira.
Sonakshi Sinha in a still from Akira in which she plays a college student who moves to the big, bad city of Mumbai with her family
Was the physical preparation for this film draining?
I trained in mixed martial arts; it was physically demanding. I wanted to ensure that the action scenes didn’t look gimmicky.
Did you hand out acting tips to Anurag Kashyap, who is the villain in the film?
He is a really good actor and got the pulse of his character bang on. Anurag was the perfect antagonist to Akira.
Till a few years ago, a solo heroine film was not considered saleable. Do you feel that mentality has changed?
Definitely. For years, we have only had men playing action hero parts. It is high time we change that. The audience has become more accepting now and is ready to watch experimental stuff. They don’t mind watching a woman pumelling goons. Look at our women athletes who brought back medals from the Rio Olympics. There’s really nothing girls can’t do.
You are an action heroine in your next film too.
Force 2 and Akira are as different as chalk and cheese. The former is slick and stylised. I enjoyed playing a RAW agent. Next up, I have Noor in which I play myself.
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