When Sonakshi Sinha delivers the dialogue, "Yeh shahi mahal hai, aur yahan ke khuda hum hain", in Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, it almost feels like a mic drop moment for her character Fareedan in the eight-episode web series. But of course, it was very far from it. This is where the plot thickens, and you begin to see the multifarious talent of the actor as she essays a myriad of emotions as a courtesan in the biggest Netflix India show till date.
Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus starts like a piquant, pre-Independence Indian period drama. The moon shines over the red-light district of Heera Mandi in Lahore. Horses pull carriages on the bustling street. Ornately dressed nawabs and noblemen visit elite tawaifs for their intricate and intimate performances. The refined etiquette, the royal patronage, the regal outfits and the resplendent jewellery that made the social fabric of the '40s era unfold. There are scandals and seductions, castles and charm of the bygone era, passion and patriotism.
While certain tropes remain, certain themes promise to leave you awe-struck. One is the larger-than-life opulence and escapism that we have come to expect of the filmmaker. Second is the spellbinding story—a biting rivalry between the protagonist Mallikajaan (Manisha Koirala) and the antagonist Fareedan (Sonakshi Sinha). Above all, it's the acting from the six female stars.
For Sonakshi, the pinnacle was delving deep into the Sanjay Leela Bhansali world, which was an experience second to none. When I meet Sonakshi to interview her for this story, the show had released and engagement numbers followed. Streamed across 43 countries, dubbed in 13 languages and accumulated 33 million viewership hours in just the first week, the local Indian show had already garnered global admiration.
Nupur Sarvaiya: Congratulations on Heeramandi's success! It's truly one-of-a-kind. Was your experience different from working on other projects too?
Sonakshi Sinha: Yes, it was! Firstly, it's a Sanjay Leela Bhansali project. Secondly, it's the biggest offering in terms of OTT content coming out of India. Not to mention, it was amazing working with not one, butfive fabulous female actors. Fareedan is truly the strongest character I have played in my entire career and I am immensely grateful to Sanjay sir for entrusting me with such a complex role.
NS: Everyone is raving about the series, and rightly so. What's your current state of mind?
SS: I am very overwhelmed by the love and appreciation that is pouring in for the series and for my performance from across the world. I feel so proud to be a part of a one-of-a-kind project like this. Many years of hard work, creativity and sweat have gone into creating Heeramandi. I have emerged a better, stronger, and more resilient actor.
NS: Given all the applause, it can seem easy to get lost in the limelight. How would you describe your support system, the ones you count on to help you keep your feet on the ground and yet eyes at the sky?
SS: Staying grounded is crucial in our line of work. The people I hold close are always ready to give me a reality check when I need it. Along with my family, my closest friends have known me since school, and before the fame and the noise. So, with people like that, it has been easy for me to be humble. It's why I don't take my work home. I enjoy spending time with my loved ones and talking about things that aren't related to work or movies. I appreciate the value they bring to my life.
NS: Circling back to Heermandi, tell me about your experience while working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali. He is known to be a perfectionist who has a unique method to the madness. Tell me more.
SS: Sanjay Leela Bhansali is a complete genius. As a filmmaker, he has honed such a distinct style that when you see a frame, you know it's Sanjay Leela Bhansali's. He is not only someone with a vision, but someone who can execute it to create different worlds for the artist and the audience. Given his appreciation for talent, art and culture, I learnt the art of surrender while working with him. It was definitely one of my best professional experiences.
NS: Walk me through your first day on the set. Was it anything you predicted or pre-empted?
SS: My first day on the set was surreal because I didn't understand the magnitude of the project until I got there. The minute I walked in, I was transported into another world. For that ultimate experience that he creates for the screen, the process starts on his set. From the moment I would enter to the time I would don the costume and makeup, and read the lines, I would transform into my character. I would turn into Fareedan.
NS: In Heeramandi, there are six female leads—all of whom Sanjay Leela Bhansali described as the "queens of Lahore". That is not counting the other supporting actresses who seamlessly make up the cast. Sadly, it is often perceived that with too many women working together, things can get chaotic. What was the vibe on the set like?
SS: It was anything but chaotic. From assistant directors to makeup artists, the Heeramandi set had more women than men. And it was probably the smoothest, most organised set I have ever worked on. So, anyone who ever said that things get chaotic when there are too many women working together was probably a disgruntled man.
NS: You were fierce, fearless and fantastic as Fareedan. Onscreen, Fareedan is portrayed as shrewd and revengeful, but she is also patriotic, courageous and a girl's girl. How similar and different is Sonakshi from Fareedan?
SS: Sonakshi is completely different from Fareedan other than the fact that they are determined to achieve what they set out to achieve. I don't think I see much of myself in her, which is why thoroughly enjoyed playing the character. I got to be someone else and I got to portray some negative emotions like jealousy, anger, rage, hatred and revenge. But by doing so, I realised that these are also such human emotions. And no director has cast me in a role like this. Strangely, because it was so different, I was truly able to embody Fareedan and forget Sonakshi.
NS: Your career graph is enviable. But like any industry, every journey is marked with its highs and lows. Could you share a few milestones that stand out? And how did you get past what you believed were your lowest points?
SS: My journey has been very satisfying for me. The ups and the downs are part of everyone's journey. I know I have made mistakes, but I have learnt from them. I own them because they have shaped the person and the actor that I am today. My first film Dabangg in 2010 is a milestone that stands out—it changed my life, from a girl unsure about her career to never looking back from acting. Then there was Lootera, my first film where I was appreciated as an artist. With Akira, I started shouldering my movies on my own and started playing solo leads. It was also my first action film. Dahaad was my first series and my foray into the OTT world. Of course, there's Heeramandi,and I am still basking in its success.
NS: Heeramandi is a visual treat. Apart from the magnificent setting, there was heritage outfits, the heirloom-worthy jewels and the gorgeous makeup. What trends from the era gone by do you still love?
SS: I am not a fan of overdressing. My personal style inches towards all things casual and comfortable. But a makeup trend from the era gone by that has now become my signature is the winged eyeliner.
NS: From actor to beauty entrepreneur, you've come a long way. Tell me about the Soezi™ journey. How have you learnt to navigate the business and
the transition?
SS: My Soezi™ journey has been incredible. My partner, Srishti Raai and I come from varied backgrounds. She is a lawyer and I am an actor, so it has been the perfect coming together of two different worlds, yet both of us have the same vision to make beauty accessible to every woman. I started from scratch and have learnt so much along the way. And that's a pattern for me. I also started acting with no experience and learnt on the job. I am really enjoying the role of being an entrepreneur and love handling the creative side of the business. With just one product, we have scaled into retail very soon and that's a big win for us. Currently, we are in the process of expanding the Soezi™ umbrella with other products.
NS: When not working, how do you spend whatever downtime you can pack into your chock-a-block schedule?
SS: I work around the clock, so when I do get a day off, I vegetate. I take my time to wake up, I work out then get ready to sit on my couch and binge-watch something on TV. I always try to fit in some time with my friends and family. Over the years, I have realised that my work is a part of my life and not my entire life. I make a conscious effort to do things that I enjoy.
NS: What would Sonakshi, the bride be like?
SS: I will be the simplest bride ever! Like I said, I don't like overdressing. With the last three years of dressing up for my role in Heeramandi, I have had my share of wearing OTT outfits and jewels. Plus, I would want to be comfortable, all while looking my best on my Big Day.
NS: An intimate or a big, fat wedding?
SS: I am a private person. I would prefer an intimate wedding because I would only want people who genuinely care about me to be present on my Big Day... whenever that is.
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