Madhubala, Waheeda reference points for Sonakshi in Lootera

Sonakshi Sinha's new period drama Lootera is set in the ‘50s.

MUMBAI: Her period drama Lootera is set in the ‘50s and to play her role perfectly, actor Sonakshi Sinha has taken yesteryear’s actors Madhubala and Waheeda Rehman as her reference points.

While many say she resembles Reena Roy, Sonakshi has a reason to think about the two legends of Indian cinema. “I think she [Roy] came after the ‘50s in the industry. I would think of Madhubala jee, Waheeda Rehman jee and Suchitra Sen. I can only think of these faces. I am quite excited about the film. I am really looking forward to it,” Sonakhi told reporters at the first look of Lootera on Friday.

Speaking about her character in the film, Sonakshi said, “The role has been the most difficult I have done till now. It was quite challenging.” She added that she would like to do the kind of roles she did in Rowdy Rathore, Dabangg and Lootera.



Filmed in West Bengal, Lootera is film-maker Vikramaditya Motwane’s second directorial venture after much acclaimed Udaan. Thanks to his technique and freshness in the narrative, Motwane made his niche in the film industry after the success of Udaan, which had also wowed cinemagoers at the Cannes Film Festival.

But he doesn’t feel he’s pressured, “I do not feel the pressure; I am not bothered. I am rather very proud of the film and hope that people like it. I want everyone to enjoy the film,” said Motwane.

Lootera is said to be inspired by American author O Henry’s famous story The Last Leaf, but Motwane clarified, “The book has inspired the film, but we have not adapted it. We have made changes in it and it is a fresh film.”

For the male lead, Motwane has cast Ranveer Singh. Jointly produced by Phantom Films and Balaji Motion Pictures, Lootera is scheduled to release on July 5, this year.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 18^th, 2013.