After a power packed performance in Akira, Sonakshi Sinha will play the action heroine once again in Force 2. She talks about performing stunts and the surgical strike by the Indian Army.
After Akira and Force 2, can we call you the action queen?
You must (smiles). I am very fond of action films which is why I have been a part of various action films like Rowdy Rathore, Dabang, Dabang 2, Son of Sardar. I enjoy watching this genre. When I was a part of those films, I would watch my heroes and think ‘When am I going to get to do this cool stuff?’ That happened with Akira and I couldn’t be more thankful that it has been taken forward with Force 2. I am in a happy space and I hope that I get to do more films like this in the future. I will work hard to retain my ‘Action Queen’ tag
What is easier – to romance someone or to beat-up someone?
It’s easier to beat-up someone (laughs).
Do you really enjoy doing stunts?
I was really excited about performing stunts. It was a lot of fun for me. I have been very athletic when I was in school; I used to enjoy playing sports. I feel doing this kind of scenes liberates me in a way.
Considering your Force 2 hero John Abraham is an old hand at action films, was it difficult to do stunts that match up to his?
After Akira I felt that this was the right film to portray a different style of action -- more slick, stylized, amazing car sequences and high octane stunts. It was a really fantastic experience and I was matching John step by step. He was very encouraging. Even though he made fun of me every now and then but, at the end of the day he appreciated my work which is what counts.
Was there any stunt about which you said, ‘When will I get a chance to do that?’
Absolutely not! I got to do a lot more then I expected. I have absolutely no complaints. In fact, there was an action sequence in which I was not supposed to be involved but after John saw the trailer of
Akira, he said ‘Make her do the action in this scene as well.’
What is your father, actor-politician Shatrughan Sinha’s reaction to your newly acquired action image?
He is very happy. He knew how I am and he is now able to see me on screen. He says, Ab tumhari asliyat bahar nikal rahi hai. He is very proud of me.
Did you have to undergo any training to play a RAW agent in Force 2?
The training for MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) for Akira helped me in this film too. My character is so well-written -- she is strong-headed, has her own opinions, doesn’t think she is less than anyone and she is doing really well in the man’s world. These attributes of my character attracted me towards both the film and my character the RAW (Research and Analysis Wing) agent. The director (Abhinay Deo) helped me a lot. Everything was very well laid out for me to play this character.
Also, I think the attire helps - when you wear a shirt, pant, jacket and a gun holster, your walk changes immediately.
You are playing a Pakistani journalist in your next movie Noor at a time when there are questions being raised on Pakistani actors in Bollywood movies.
I am not playing a Pakistani journalist. The film is just based on a book which is written by a Pakistani author; now it’s been adapted to Mumbai.
What is your comment on the surgical strike carried out by the Indian army recently?
Firstly, I would like to say thank you that they took such a big step. This was the need of the hour, we have to deal with terrorism. I am really happy that finally it’s happening. We all are citizens of this country and love our country.