Sonal Chauhan

How much were you banking on your debut film, Jannat, being a hit?

Honestly, when the film was about to release, I did not think about the fate of the film. Now that I have tasted blood, I want all my films to be hits.

What was your first reaction when you saw Jannat?

I didn’t have any opinion because I was only looking at myself; I was not looking at the film. When I came back from the screening, my sister asked me what I thought about the film. And I was speechless.

And how did you rate your performance?

I’m a very harsh critic when it comes to myself.

Well, what was your sister’s reaction?

I have two sisters, a younger sister and an elder one. My younger sister loved it but my elder sister was very critical. She said you have done a good job overall but she also commented on every minute detail — the make-up, the clothes etc.

I believe the audience went so wild that at a Calcutta theatre Emraan and you had to flee.

Yes, we were in Calcutta for the screening of the film. After the show was over, when we entered from the back door, we saw people standing on the seats and singing songs from the film. The crowd was in a frenzy and was running forward to mob us, so Emraan and I had to take refuge in a toilet. Emraan and I couldn’t move out of the place, till a van full of cops had been summoned.

Were you happy with the way you were presented in the film?

I’m not a star to begin with, I couldn’t have asked for a better launch than this. I had a role to play. Fortunately, I was not hanging out in the film, just looking pretty in the background.

What was the reaction at the premiere in Pakistan?

We had already been informed that there would be a large crowd but we never imagined even in our wildest dreams that the moment we stepped out of the airport, the turnout would be so humungous. Somehow they managed to get me into the car.

You have come from nowhere and delivered a hit...

Yes. I don’t have a godfather or anybody to help me now. I’m doing it all on my own. If you work hard, the industry accepts you with open arms.

But you wanted to become a journalist.

Yes, can I interview you?

How did you feel when you were being interviewed for the very first time?

The first time I was being interviewed I put myself in the interviewee’s shoes. I could see myself asking the same questions to myself, it was really spooky. But I’m not complaining; I’m happy where I am.

Any plans of playing a journalist in your forthcoming films?

I would love to. I also want to do an action film and kick some butt!