Wives feel insecure if I work with their husbands: Sunny Leone
She calls her journey in Bollywood a "roller coaster ride". But adult film star-turned-Bollywood actor Sunny Leone admits that while she has been dealing with a lot of negativity of late, several nice things have also happened to her since she has come to India. Here, she opens up about the “random” cases filed against her, dealing with insecure actors’ wives, her wish to work with big production houses, and more.
How has your Bollywood experience been so far?It has been something that I had never imagined. Every day, there’s some crazy news or something amazing happening. And on top of all things that aren’t so nice, there are many superb things too — like when my song or movie does well. It has been a roller coaster ride.
It must be distressing to deal with the cases and complaints that have been filed against you in the recent past?It’s upsetting how the most random things pop up on a daily basis. I am learning about the judicial system in India, and how things work here. I feel that Daniel (Webber; husband) and I are easy targets. In this country, anyone can file an FIR; and we have to defend ourselves. I have no problems in doing that, but it takes such a toll on one’s mind, body, and soul.
Sunny Leone in a still from Kuch Kuch Locha Hai.
Have you become used to the constant media attention, rumours and stories about your life?Not yet, and I don’t think I will ever get used to them. Every media house has Daniel’s number to verify any story, but they choose not to. It’s disappointing, to say the least.
Keeping in mind your background, has it been challenging for you to makeinroads into B-Town?Of course, there were challenges. There are pros and cons to everything. But I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for my past. Have I turned the page and moved on in life? Yes, I have, but I wouldn’t have this popularity without that past. If I had come in as a new girl, who hadn’t done anything, I don’t think I would have risen to fame like I have. However, now I feel that I need to make different choices in terms of the films I do.
You recently said in an interview that some people from the industry want you to leave…You have asked me this question at a very interesting time. Yes, there are a lot of people who would love to see me pack my bags and leave. But I am not that kind of a girl; I am a fighter. I might have an accent, but I am a Punjabi girl at heart, who fights for what she believes in. I remember Daniel and I having a conversation when he asked, “Do we move on with our lives, and not be here because we can’t handle this drama or do we fight?” My answer was, “It’s not in my character to leave and not fight.” I would be inhuman if I said that it didn’t get to me. It does [affect me]. I have sleepless nights. But there are rewards for fighting and working hard.
Do you think it is because of your image that you are only being offered glamorous roles?If I had come to Bollywood with my background, and said, “I am only going to wear turtleneck T-shirts and buttoned-up shirts, and that’s how I want to perceive myself,” it wouldn’t have worked. But I do think with time, different kinds of movies will get offered to me. Bollywood movies are usually the ones where girls and boys look hot. But that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t want to take a different path.
Has the industry been warm to you?If I think about the directors and the producers who are still trying to make their name in the industry, then yes. But when I think of the top five production houses in B-Town, they are very cautious before casting me because what’s at stake for them is very different.
How eager are you to work with them?Very. I have always told Daniel that if anyone from these production houses calls, you have to tell me. I don’t care what they want to pay. Just to get an opportunity [to work with them] will be amazing.
Is it true that the wives of several actors feel insecure when their husbands work with you?Most of the actors I work with are married, and when I meet their wives, I usually get along with them more than the boys. But still, I do believe that there is some insecurity for sure. I just feel like telling them, “I don’t want your husband or boyfriend. I have the most amazing husband in the world.
Recently, there were reports that actor Celina Jaitly asked you to leave her house that you were renting. Is it true that you now plan to buy a house in Mumbai?I had moved out of Celina’s house last year in September. Post that, we found a really nice place in Juhu. And I don’t see us moving out of our current location for a really long time. We are so busy that I can’t even think of going out and looking for places.
How true were the reports that claimed no one wanted to rent out flats to you?That was all nonsense. Instead, everyone wanted to show their houses to us. Who wouldn’t want Sunny Leone living in their building?