Sonakshi Sinha, who made her Bollywood debut in the 2010 blockbuster ‘Dabangg’, has opened up about her relationship with her father, veteran actor-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 reflections on identity, privilege, and what it truly means to make it on your own terms.
Shatrughan Sinha says Shatrughan Sinha never wanted to produce a film for her
Despite coming from one of Bollywood’s most recognisable families, Sonakshi Sinha said that her father deliberately chose to stay out of her professional journey. In an interview with News18, Sonakshi Sinha said, “He has never told me that he wants to produce a film for me.”Shatrughan Sinha, who has produced films in the past, including ‘Kalka’ and ‘Bihari Babu’, is currently focused on his political career as a Member of Parliament representing the Asansol constituency for the AITC. His last screen appearance was in ‘Yamla Pagla Deewana: Phir Se’.Sonakshi Sinha stated that the transition has suited him well. She added, “I, anyway, don’t think that he’s tilted towards making a film as of now. He has produced films in the past. Right now, he’s too busy with his politics, and I think he has made that whole transition very beautifully. He’s happy wherever he is and with what he’s doing.”Sonakshi credits her father’s hands-off yet honest approach for shaping her into the person she is today. She revealed, “Tough fathers make really resilient and strong daughters. My dad, on the other hand, has always been very soft on me but very, very honest too. But his main thing has been that I’ll have to prove myself on my own. His approach might have been different, but I think that always works in creating a strong and independent woman.“
Sonakshi Sinha says her father, Shatrughan Sinha, is proud of her
When ‘Dabangg’ released in 2010, Sonakshi was widely introduced to audiences as Shatrughan Sinha’s daughter. Fifteen years on, the dynamic has flipped, and it has only deepened their bond. “It works both ways today. When he flies, all these airhostesses come to him and tell him, ‘You’re Sonakshi Sinha’s father, right?'” she revealed with a laugh.The pride that comes with the role reversal is mutual. The actress added, “He feels so proud (laughs). And every time this happens, he comes and tells me, ‘Beta, mujhe unhone bola ki aap Sonakshi ke papa ho na?’ ( Daughter, they asked me, ‘You are Sonakshi’s father, right?’) I’m his daughter. He’ll always be my father. It is what it is. That’s the truth, that’s the reality. You can’t take that away from us. If people refer to me as his daughter, that’s something I am and will always be very proud of.“
Sonakshi Sinha on nepotism
Sonakshi Sinha’s latest release ‘System’ touches on fractured female identity and even nods to the concept of “reverse nepotism”, a subject the internet obsesses over. In real life, however, Sonakshi is pragmatic and unapologetic about how privilege and lineage function in every industry, not just film.She asserted, “I may want an opportunity to join a business. But the businessman’s son will have a greater chance to be a part of it than me. That’s how the world works. I can’t grouse or hold a grudge against that person because his way to that opportunity is much easier than mine. I don’t think that nepotism is a topic that deserves so much attention from people.”
More about Sonakshi Sinha
It is worth noting that Sonakshi’s own entry into Bollywood was not handed to her by her father; it was Salman Khan who spotted her working as an usher at a college fashion week in the early 2000s and encouraged her to make the leap into films.