Unseen pics: Sunny Leone starts shooting for Splitsvilla 7

Former adult-film-star turned Bollywood actor Sunny Leone set the temperatures soaring in Samode, Rajasthan in her red body-con dress during the shoot of her new show Splitsvilla 7. The actress paired her dress with leopard print heels and a big smile. (Source: Express Photo by Praveen Khanna)

Sunny Leone says: “People think they know me. They know the actor, but on this show, they will get to see me as I am. They will get to know me.”(Source: Express Photo by Praveen Khanna) sunnyleonesmiles

Sunny Leone further says: “I don’t know how to describe the ‘real’ Sunny Leone." (Source: Express Photo by Praveen Khanna)

"People don’t know that I’m goofy and nerdy, and I might be in this body, but I’m completely different from what people think I am,” says Sunny Leone, during an exclusive interview. (Source: Express Photo by Praveen Khanna)

Sunny Leone says the performer that people know and lust after, or shun, is her own creation. “I created that persona. I can’t get away from it, nor do I want to."

Sunny Leone gets her make-up touches done before the shoot. (Source: Express Photo by Praveen Khanna)

“I think there is risk in every form of self expression. You are putting yourself out for the world to judge, even more so in the adult entertainment industry. The biggest risk I took was in facing the backlash from my community, family, and friends,” she says. (Source: Express Photo by Praveen Khanna)

Her parents only found out about her profession when she won the Penthouse award and it was a while before they accepted her decision. “Both my parents have passed away. I wish they could have seen the work I am doing today,” she says. Her brother, who lives in the US, does not keep up with her releases unless she prods him to watch a project. “I love him, but he doesn’t know what’s going on with my career,” she says.(Source: Express Photo by Praveen Khanna)

In an industry that is perceived to be exploitative, Sunny Leone has categorically stated that she joined the adult entertainment business of her own accord. “I choose to own a production house so I can produce, own, direct and distribute my own content and of others. It was the logical step to take to be successful in the business." (Source: Express Photo by Praveen Khanna)

The closed-door shoot at Splitsvilla does not accommodate fans, Sunny Leone has worked her charms on both the contestants and the crew. In between the shoots, Sunny takes time off to play hopscotch. (Source: Express Photo by Praveen Khanna)

As her fan base grows, there is no room for Sunny Leone to be wary of her detractors. "If I cared about what other people thought of me, I wouldn’t be where I am right now." (Source: Express Photo by Praveen Khanna)

Did she ever want to bolt? “Yes, of course. Every time I think I’m taking one or two steps forward in the industry, somebody writes the craziest of things. I wouldn’t mind it if they were true, but certain articles make me feel like I’ve moved two steps back,” says Sunny Leone. (Source: Express Photo by Praveen Khanna)

Hot in Black - Sunny Leone poses with co-host Nikhil Chinappa. (Source: Express Photo by Praveen Khanna)

“Over time, I think the Indian audience will understand that I am a person with emotions. I am here to be creative and entertain, and that is what I am doing. Like me or hate me, the choice will always be theirs," she says. (Source: Express Photo by Praveen Khanna)