Beauty with Brains

The film has Amitabh Bachchan in the lead and also stars Hema Malini. About working with the veterans,she says,“Working with Amitabh Bachchan was a wonderful experience. There is so much to learn just by watching him act. Again,Hema Maliniji is such a beautiful lady. When I saw her for the first time on the sets,I was totally mesmerised by her beauty. I kept staring at her and

maybe made her feel awkward too with my constant glances at her.”

Sonal also elaborates on how she landed the project,she says,“When I was approached for this film, it came as a Puri Jagannadh project. I have seen his regional films earlier and I feel that he knows what the audience’s taste is like and what makes very entertaining cinema,fit for a complete family watch. Then I came to know that Amitabh Bachchan was a part of this film,which delighted me,as at a young age I was getting a chance to work with him. Also,when I went through the script,I found it hilarious. I was laughing so hard reading all the punch-lines and dialogues that in the end I had tears in my eyes. The film has comedy,action,emotion,romance,family values and everything entertaining. All these factors made me grab the offer as soon as it came to me.”

The actress claims to be big fan of Amitabh Bachchan since childhood. Her favourite film of his as a kid was Shahenshah,but once she grew up,she enjoyed watching Kabhi Kabhie,Silsila,Hum,Sharaabi and Deewaar(1975).

Apart from Bbuddah,she will also be seen in Owais Hussain’s untitled love story. Says the actress,“This film is complete and is ready to release but because of M. F. Hussain’s demise,the release will be delayed. It’s a wonderful film,and I have heard that it is looking beautiful too. Santosh Sivan is the DOP,while Owais himself has done the photography and editing. It is a love story. I am playing the female lead,a girl from Delhi who goes on a road trip. Anubhav Sinha plays the male lead.”

Sonal says,“I did not vanish from this industry. I was very much here,shooting for Owais’ film. I also did a film down South,and was juggling with my studies.” The actress is studying Philosophy and is in her third year of graduation. Later she may also opt for the Masters’ programme and hopes to maintain a right balance between studies and films.

onkar.kulkarni@expressindia.com