Sonakshi Sinha has spoken of her role in the action drama Akira about a college girl  whose life spirals out of control when she becomes unwittingly involved in a crime.


Tell us more about your film Akira?

Akira is the result of a lot of hard work and dedication. It has taken hard graft to look the way I do in the trailer of the film. I really have to thank Murugadoss to offer a film like Akira and show immense faith in me. 

He is known for his actions films like Ghajini and Holiday and it is nothing less than an honour to have been offered a film by him.  This film is close to my heart as Akira is about a girl who stands against up against all odds; I truly feel this is a story that every girl today will be able to relate to.  

There are 3 different stories in the film, Anurag Kashyap’s, Konkana sen Sharma’s and mine. The film is about how these stories are interconnected. Akira is a really cool Murugadoss style thriller.


How was your experience working with Mr. Murugadoss for the second time after Holiday?

Working with Murugadoss is always inspiring. He is a fantastic director to work with. Honestly, I was pleasantly surprised when he came up to me with this film. He said that he wanted to make it female-centric and a hard hitting film that will resonate well with today’s audience.  He is a very trusting director to work with, which is very important from an actor’s perspective. I consider myself very lucky to be a part of a film like this. 

How do you feel after dong so many action and stunts?

I feel ready to beat someone up (Chuckles). On a serious note it feels great. Shooting for action scenes always gives me an adrenaline rush.  Our action director Anal Arsoo who has worked on films like Dabbang 2, Rowdy Rathore, Holiday and more, is the best in the industry and it is a real privilege to work and learn from him. 

There is a lot of action in the film. Was there a lot of prepping up for the same?

Yes, there was indeed. I trained for 3-4 months before the shooting of the film and continued my training during the film. I can tell you that it definitely wasn’t easy but I played a lot of sports in my school and college days so physically I was capable of doing it.
I had a few painful injuries and yes, you wake up sore every single day and some part of your body is always hurting. But in the end it was all worth it. 

Did something happen in your college where you had to beat someone? 
I was quite a brat so no one would mess with me.

Have you discussed the trailer with any of your male co-stars?

Akshay Kumar has worked with Murugadoss previously and he knows what our film Akira is about. I remember before I started the film, he told me that this film will be a game changer for me. Akshay Kumar has been very supportive and when the first look was released, he sent me a very sweet tweet. 

Were you injured while shooting?

Yes, I was injured several times during the shooting of this film. Once I hurt my wrist where I couldn’t straighten it for some days, second time I hurt my knee while doing one of the kicks in the cable action sequence and once I hurt my back. It has been a very strenuous and gruelling experience training for the action sequences. But now I am back (smiles)and must say all the pain is totally worth it. 

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Sonakshi, how was it working with Anurag Kashyap as this is his acting debut?

In one word - fantastic. When you see him in the film I am sure you are in going to be in for a surprise. He is so intimidating in the film that I am sure the audience will know how perfectly he fit this role. 

As you are the protagonist in the film and you are carrying the film on your shoulders, are you nervous or anxious?

Rather than anxious and nervous it feels like a great place to be in. I have always waited for this moment in my life and now here I am. 

What are the other projects you are working on?
I am working on Force 2. I will soon start shooting for Noor. 

Your character looks like that of a strong girl who is fierce and who stands up for whatever is right. In that context do you think it is very difficult for celebrities to take a stand on any current issue because it will end up being controversial?
There are many instances where things are blown out of proportion. I can tell you personally that I will always stand for what is right. Every girl in today’s day and age, should be able to handle any situation. Institutes, collages and schools should make self-defence mandatory for girls and boys. 
For years we have seen woman-centric films but we haven’t seen many action ones. You are doing two back to back action films. Do you think this will open more avenues ?

I really do hope so. I am very happy to be a part of a ground-breaking film which has women doing action sequences.  I will be happy if more and more film makers consider pitching such roles to women. I see the Bollywood industry also maturing to include roles like these in the future.

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Did you take any actions tips from Akshay Kumar?

The biggest tip Akshay Kumar gave me was to keep safe from injuries, but I guess I did not do too well in that respect. He is a very sensible person when it comes to understanding the forms of martial arts. I did get to learn a lot just by watching him when we were shooting together in Holiday. He is so involved with his action sequences that he automatically ends up teaching you while doing it.