Known for her glamorous screen presence in films like Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2, Sonnalli steps into the role of a simple small-town girl in this unconventional drama, showcasing a completely different side of her acting abilities.
In this exclusive interview with Deccan Chronicle, she opens up about her journey from modelling to Bollywood, why she chose “Aryabhatt Ka Zero,” balancing motherhood with her career, breaking stereotypes, her thoughts on comparisons in the industry, and the importance of gratitude, relationships, and personal growth.
Excerpts—
You started your career as a model before making your mark in films. Did modelling make your transition into Bollywood easier?
Yes, coming from Kolkata, modelling gave me a reason to move to Mumbai, earn a living, and explore opportunities. This was around 15 years ago, when there was no social media or Instagram. I never had a grand plan of becoming a Bollywood actress. I simply wanted to be financially independent and experience life in Mumbai. My Miss India background and height naturally led me to modelling, but honestly, I never wanted to be just a ramp model. I always wanted to do something more creative, which is why advertisements and acting appealed to me more.
From “Pyaar Ka Punchnama” to “Aryabhatt Ka Zero” looks very different from your previous work. What attracted you to this film?
The script was unlike the other scripts that were coming to me. I had read it before. It’s not a typical commercial film—it has unexpected twists and a unique narrative. I’ve been offered glamorous roles, but this film allowed me to break away from that image. I play a simple small-town girl, which was refreshing for me as an actor. I also enjoyed working with director Kamal Chandra. I had worked with him earlier on a music video, and I really admire his style of storytelling.
Your recent films feature you as small-town characters instead of glamorous roles. Was that a conscious choice?
Yes, because I’m always looking for roles that challenge me as an actor. After “Pyaar Ka Punchnama,” I reached a stage where I could say no to projects that didn’t excite me and choose roles that I genuinely wanted to do. For me, it’s always about selecting the best opportunities available rather than fitting into one particular image.
“Pyaar Ka Punchnama” was a turning point in your career. How do you look back at its success today?
It was definitely an important milestone because it gave me recognition and the confidence to make better choices. Comparisons are inevitable in this industry, but I don’t let them affect me. Every actor has a different journey, and I prefer focusing on my own growth rather than comparing myself with others. The industry often compares actors who come from the same successful film.
Did you ever feel competitive after “Pyaar Ka Punchnama?”
Honestly, no. We were a group of actors in that film, and I’ve always looked at it as a shared success. I share a very warm relationship with everyone, especially Nushrratt. When I see a colleague doing well, I genuinely feel happy for them. A successful film creates opportunities for everyone involved, and I don’t believe someone else’s success takes anything away from mine.
So, comparisons in the industry don’t affect you?
Comparisons are everywhere—not just in films, but in every aspect of life. Some people naturally get caught up in that mindset, but I’ve never been that person. Whether I’m doing a film with six actors or just one co-star, I focus on my own journey. I’m extremely satisfied with my life, both personally and professionally, and I think that keeps me grounded.
Tell us about your character in “Aryabhatt Ka Zero.”
I play Rinku, a girl from the Rishikesh-Dehradun region. She’s lively, fearless, and completely uninhibited. She plays an important role in the protagonist’s life. While there is a romantic angle, this isn’t a conventional love story. Rinku helps shape his life in unexpected ways. What I loved most is that the characters don’t make predictable choices, which makes the film feel very real and relatable.
Was shooting in Rishikesh another reason you said yes to the film?
Absolutely. My family has an Air Force background, so I’ve always had a connection with Dehradun. I also visit Rishikesh almost every year for yoga. Spending a month shooting there was a wonderful experience, and the beautiful locations added to my excitement about the project. The film releases on August 7.
What are your expectations?
I’m really excited because it’s a different kind of film. When I showed it to my husband and my mother, who are my biggest critics, they were pleasantly surprised. That’s when I felt we had made something special.
Over the years, female actors have been getting more diverse roles. How do you view this change?
I absolutely love it. This change didn’t happen overnight—it’s the result of many actresses breaking stereotypes and proving that women can carry all kinds of stories. Today, audiences are more interested in seeing women play layered, meaningful characters rather than just glamorous roles.
How has motherhood changed your priorities?
Motherhood is the centre of my life right now. My daughter, Shukar, is almost 20 months old, and everything revolves around her schedule. I’ve consciously chosen to spend her first two years with her. Fortunately, my profession allows flexible working hours, so I can still do advertisements and campaigns while being a hands-on mother.
Is it easier today for actresses to balance motherhood and their careers?
Definitely. Earlier, women often felt they had to choose between motherhood and a career. Today, it’s possible to have both. Society has become much more accepting, and our industry is changing too. That’s a very positive shift.
What does motherhood mean to you personally?
It’s the biggest priority in my life. Every decision I make, from work commitments to daily schedules, it is planned around my daughter. I chose to become a mother, and I want to be fully present during these early years because they’ll never come back.
You spoke about multitasking. Do you think women are naturally better at it?
(Laughs) I genuinely think women are brilliant multitaskers, and mothers even more so. Once you become a mother, you somehow develop the ability to manage several things at once. It’s amazing how naturally that happens.
How supportive has your husband been throughout your career?
He’s my biggest cheerleader, and I’m equally supportive of him. He’s incredibly secure and genuinely gets excited whenever my films release. We have a strong friendship, communicate openly, and respect each other’s careers. I believe one of the greatest gifts parents can give their child is a happy and healthy marriage.
Besides “Aryabhatt Ka Zero,” what other projects can audiences look forward to?
I have a web series that is awaiting release. I also have Noorani Chehra with Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Nupur Sanon, and Jassie Gill. Both these projects were completed before my pregnancy, and I’m looking forward to audiences watching them.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: deccanchronicle.com
