Many star kids venture into the film industry, attempting to continue their parents’ legacy, but only a few succeed. Sonakshi Sinha, daughter of superstar Shatrughan Sinha, is a prime example of resilience in the face of fluctuating success. Despite not delivering a single solo hit in the last decade, Sonakshi has now found her niche and is ruling the digital space.
Sonakshi’s career began on a high note with her debut alongside Salman Khan in the blockbuster Dabangg. She followed this with another hit, Rowdy Rathore. However, after her 2014 success with Holiday: A Soldier is Never Off Duty, Sonakshi faced a series of setbacks. Eleven of her subsequent films, including Action Jackson, Tevar, Akira, Force 2, Noor, Ittefaq, Welcome To New York, Happy Phirr Bhaag Jaayegi, Kalank, and Khandaani Shafakhana, failed at the box office.
A brief resurgence came with the multi-starrer Mission Mangal, which emerged as a hit. However, this success was short-lived, as her following films did not perform well. Most of her successful projects were ensemble casts, and her solo ventures struggled to attract audiences.
In 2023, Sonakshi transitioned to the OTT platform with remarkable success. She debuted in the web series Dahaad, where her role as a cop earned widespread acclaim. This was followed by her performance in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi, where she played a double role as Rehana and Fareedan. Her portrayal in this series has been praised by netizens, solidifying her status as an OTT star. Sonakshi now commands a fee of Rs 2 crore per OTT show.
Reflecting on her journey, the 36-year-old actress remains positive despite the rough patches. “Even though I went through a ‘rough patch,’ I didn’t let it shake my confidence,” Sonakshi says. “The box office fate of a film isn’t in my control. As an actor, you have to give it your best. My performances were always appreciated. That’s how I moved forward and kept doing the work I wanted to. It’s paying off now. Everyone goes through a rough patch.”
Currently, Sonakshi is experiencing what she describes as “one of the best phases” of her career. “I’m finally doing the kind of roles that I’ve been waiting to do – roles that are so different from each other. I’m really enjoying myself. I think it’s a great time to be an actor, and I’m making the most of it,” she says with a smile.
Sonakshi Sinha’s journey from box office flops to OTT success is a testament to her perseverance and talent, proving that resilience and adaptability can lead to new and rewarding opportunities in the ever-evolving entertainment industry.
