The unapologetic, mesmerizing, model turned actress whom we have known long enough to recognize her from her debut in Jannat which was the biggest hit of that year, Sonal Chauhan. In an exclusive interview with Krishti Khound, she walks us through how she cruises through summer and what goes in her head about her fitness routine.
Ex: Hi Sonal! Over the decade of your stardom, you have always striven to convention churning out memorable performances. How do you look back at it now?
SC: Honestly, it is so overwhelming and doesn’t feel like it’s been so long since I got my debut film in Bollywood and went to South Africa to shoot for Jannat. The movie was so well accepted by the audience that it all feels like a dream from the day I moved into the city and started my journey as an actress. It was definitely a huge accomplishment that I am extremely proud of. I also had an amazing experience in the Southern film industry as it gave me an opportunity to grow as a performer. I look forward to performing challenging roles, I am hungry as an artist. The love and the recognition I have got so far from my fans and the people across makes my heart warm. I hope that the journey continues for a very long time.
Ex: Being a part of Bollywood, what were the challenges that came along your way?
SC: The biggest challenge for me was being an outsider who had no connection in the movie or the glamour industry. I come from a very conservative Rajput family my dad who was in the services. Absolutely nobody to ask for guidance. The initial journey was definitely a tough one, it wasn’t as if I began receiving film offers straightaway. The second challenge was that I am an introvert for which it was really difficult to ask for work since that’s how the industry works.
Ex: It might come to you as a surprise but your looks on social media have garnered the hearts of your followers and fans Do you have any tricks to keep up with the cool quotient in the summer?
SC: That’s really nice to know. I am overwhelmed with the support and encouragement I get through my fans. Social media can take a toll on you sometimes but as far as my cool quotient is concerned, it’s the way I am. I don’t pretend to be someone else. I don’t have a social media team behind me I post everything by myself and that’s what connects to my followers.
Ex: Are you someone who gets bored too easily? Tell us how you cruise through your day?
SC: On the contrary, I don’t get bored at all. I am somebody who can stay alone for days at a stretch because I am an introvert. On a day when I am not working, I make it a point to go to the gym, go out.
Ex: With a job like yours comes intensive travelling while juggling in between shoots, especially in the heat. How do you keep your cool?
SC: A trick that works for me is ‘mind over matter’ even when I had to shoot in 50° and that is the biggest challenge of my job. To keep me cool my mantra would be to stay hydrated, protect my skin with sunscreen and eat light which basically means to intake a lot of fruits.
Ex: Fashion is experimental and revolutionary. What are the few summer trends that have kept you hooked religiously?
SC: When it comes to summer fashion, I like clothes which help you breathe. My go-to look will always be denim shorts paired up with a white t-shirt. I prefer pastel shades, easy fabrics like cotton and definitely my sunglasses which are really handy when you talk about summer.
Ex: Are you into fitness and weight training? We’d love to know your thoughts about it?
SC: Yes, I am big time into fitness and I do a mix of everything. It is important to keep yourself physically active in whichever way possible and I always maintain that. So in the summers, I hit the pool because swimming is one of the best exercises for the entire body and at the same time helps you beat the heat. I also like to do weights to keep myself toned, or dance for an hour or go cycling, and do yoga to keep my peace of mind.
Ex: How does Sonal Chauhan unwind her day?
SC: I unwind by speaking to my parents, listening to music, basically falling asleep while binging shows on Netflix.
QUICKIES
- What’s your cool quotient?
It has to be my dry, dark sense of humour which offends a lot of people. - One travel hack?
To travel light so that you can shop more and explore the place. - One food routine that you follow, especially during summers?
A lot of hydrating drinks from coconut water to juices. - One thing that without which you cannot move out?
Definitely, my phone. - One tech essential that helps you beat the summer heat?
I would say Air Conditioner but those mini handheld electric fans are a blessing while on a shoot. - What are you most excited about 2020?
If you ask about the recent future it would be my trip to Maldives that I’m planning.