Sonakshi Sinha, who made her Bollywood debut in 2010 with Dabangg, spoke about her relationship with her father, veteran actor and politician Shatrughan Sinha. She also shared her views on nepotism and the evolving dynamic between a father’s legacy and a daughter’s stardom.
The actress offered thoughtful thoughts on identity, privilege, and what it really means to do it on your own terms.
Shatrughan Sinha never wanted to make a film of her own, says Shatrughan Sinha
Even though she hails from one of the most famous families in Bollywood, Sonakshi Sinha said that her father deliberately chose to stay away from her career journey. In an interview with News18, Sonakshi Sinha said, “He never told me that he wanted to produce a film for me.”Shatrughan Sinha, who has produced films in the past, including ‘Kalka’ and ‘Bihari Babu’, is currently focusing on his political career as a Member of Parliament representing Asansol constituency for AITC. His last on-screen appearance was in Yamla Pagla Deewana: Phir Se.Sonakshi Sinha stated that this transformation suits him well. She added, “I, however, don’t think he is inclined towards making a film yet. He has made films in the past. At the moment, he is very busy with his politics, and I think he has done this whole transition very beautifully. He is happy wherever he is and whatever he is doing.”Sonakshi credits her father’s laissez-faire and honesty approach in shaping her into the person she is today.
“Strong fathers make really strong and resilient daughters,” she revealed. “On the other hand, my father has always been very kind to me but very honest as well. But the main thing for him is that I have to prove myself by myself. His approach might have been different, but I think he always works to create a strong, independent woman.”
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Sonakshi Sinha says her father Shatrughan Sinha is proud of her
When the film Dabangg was released in 2010, Sonakshi was widely introduced to the audience as Shatrughan Sinha’s daughter.
Fifteen years later, the dynamic has flipped, and this has only deepened their bond. “It works both ways today. When he flies, all the flight attendants come up to him and tell him: ‘You are Sonakshi Sinha’s father, aren’t you?'” she revealed with a laugh.The pride that comes with role reversal is mutual. The actress added, “He feels very proud (laughs). And every time this happens, he comes and says to me: ‘Beta, muhi un honi bula ke aap Sonakshi ki papa ho na?’ (Daughter, they asked me: You are Sonakshi’s father, right?) I am his daughter.
He will always be my father. That’s what it is. This is the truth, this is the truth. You can’t take this away from us. If people refer to me as his daughter, that is something I will always be proud of and always will be.
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Do you think nepotism in Bollywood is a major issue that deserves more attention?
Sonakshi Sinha talks about nepotism
Sonakshi Sinha’s latest release ‘System’ touches on fractured female identity and references the concept of ‘reverse nepotism’, a topic the internet is obsessed with. However, in real life, Sonakshi is realistic and unapologetic about how privilege and lineage work in every industry, not just film.She emphasized, “I might want the opportunity to join a company. But a businessman’s son will have a greater chance of being a part of it than me. That’s the way the world works. I can’t complain or hold a grudge against that person because his path to that opportunity is much easier than mine. I don’t think nepotism is a topic that deserves much attention from people.”
More about Sonakshi Sinha
It is worth noting that Sonakshi’s entry into Bollywood was not made by her father; He was
Salman Khan
who discovered her working as a mentor at college fashion week in the early 2000s and encouraged her to make the leap into films.