Portraying a powerful working woman has become a new trend in Bollywood these days. Sonakshi Sinha -starrer, Noor, is another addition to this genre. Inspired by Pakistani author Saba Imtiaz’s novel Karachi, You’re Killing Me!, the film highlights the journey of a journalist, who tries to navigate her way through Mumbai. Excerpts from an interview with Sinha:

Q The trailer of your film was well-received among the audience as well as critics. How do you feel about it?

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I am actually very excited because the feedback is so positive. You know, when somebody comes and tells me that they relate to the character or feel the character, I think my job is half done, even before release of the film. When I heard the script I immediately connected myself with the character because she is modern, working and independent. Like today’s girls she wants to achieve something in life. She wants a perfect career, relationship and a perfect figure. It is her struggle, her journey of trying to achieve something in life.

Q You are playing the character of journalist in the movie. How did you prepare for this role?

Honestly, I don’t believe in research or preparation for a role because I believe in spontaneity. Apart from Akira, for which I had to train physically. But for most of the other characters, I talk with the director and try to understand how they have visualised it or what they want me to portray. It is my job to portray the director’s vision.

Q While playing the role of a journalist you must have come across a few things that you didn’t know about them before. Can you describe some?

The first thing I got to know about journalists is that their job is thankless. It has lots of hard work, many sleepless hours and so much research for just one story. And yes, deadlines and then bosses, who limit you from doing what you want to do. That is also Noor’s story in the film.

Q At the beginning of your career you did some malecentric movies, which had little scope for an actress. With Akira and now Noor, which are both women-centric, how do you see the change?

I feel great because I am able to play such wonderful characters, such beautifully-written roles. You know, as an actor it is our work to be able to do the roles which challenge you, push you in certain ways. From Akira to Noor to Force 2 — these characters have challenged me as an actress. I am really happy that I am finally playing a role, which I always dreamt of.

Q These days, women-centric roles are widely accepted among the audience. How do you view this change?

It is a great change. Now viewers are accepting films irrespective of the gender of the protagonist. That said, nobody says anything when the movie is based on male characters but when it concerns women, people call it women-centric. This mentality has to be changed.

Q You have spent quite some time in Bollywood now. What have you learnt so far? Any regrets?

I never wanted to be an actor while growing up, it seems destiny has planned for me. Therefore, whatever I have learnt has been on-the-job. Every person you work with has something different to teach you. Moreover, the process of learning is still continuing for me. I don’t have any regrets so far. In fact, I treat my mistakes as learning experiences. Yes, I have made some mistakes and it is not like I am going to erase all those. You have to make some mistakes for your personal growth. I am not going to name that film though!

Q Noor is based on a Pakistani novel. Given the current scenario, didn’t you get a little worried?

No…I think it is just a book at the end of the day. And the city is Mumbai. And we have made the film here. I don’t think anybody should have any issues.

Q You have said you want to do a biopic based on a sportsperson. Do you have anybody in mind?

Yes definitely…There are so many sportspersons, whom you or me have never heard about. I want to bring somebody like that alive on screen — one who is not that well known.