Ajay Devgn and Sonakshi Sinha, as screen couple, are the rage not only of Bollywood but also a Punjab village near Patiala, where most of the film was shot. “Whenever we felt hungry, the villagers would promise to bring some great chaas for us. But, eventually they turned up with packed food, enough for the whole unit. It was so touching.

They’d get us fresh buttermilk, sarson da sag and all other food items. I really hogged and then had to exercise vigorously to keep the weight off,” says Sonakshi Sinha. “Working on this Punjabi script makes me feel elite because I have now understood the lavish culture of the north. Also, I identify with it  because I have lot of Punjabi as well as Sindhi friends,” she adds.

Sona says she is awe of the state. “We worked through all the different seasons – summer, winter and autumn. The weather is such that you are constantly hungry. But, the season I loved the most was ‘Basant’. I felt energetic and wanted to working all the time.”

She can’t stop talking about the music. “I feel Punjabi music and dance are very sexy and peppy. It’s soothing to the ears which is why the music of SOS music is topping the charts.” It’s been only two years since her debut in Dabangg, but Sonakshi already talks like an experienced actor. “I am lucky to be working with seniors such as Salman and Ajay. I am comfortable working with them.

But, working with young actors such as Emraan Khan, Ranveer Singh who are my age is fun too. I am friendlier with them and share a great relationship with them. My seniors have been very good to me. I am lucky to have started with Dabangg and Salman has been like a mentor to me. It’s the same rapport during the shoot of ‘Dabangg 2’.”

She says that Salman is very serious about his work but maintains a jovial and helpful nature. “Ajay is a prankster though. Ranveer Singh, I feel, is a methodical actor and believes in rehearsing scenes. I am an extempore actor and have learnt many things from him.”

She adds that she gets advice from her parents. “I am open to all suggestions I get from mom and dad. I would love to be a part of all of my dad’s remakes. ‘Khoon Bhari Mang’ is my favourite film even though dad has a short role in it. But, Rekha’s role was great.”

Sonakshi does not believe in the Rs 100 crore mark. “I don’t believe in standing on the roof top and yelling and stating my monetary success. I have just begun my career. When my film does well it makes me happy.”

Talking about Joker, which flopped miserably, she says, “I am the one who promoted the film to the maximum. So stories stating that the film did not do well as the actors backed out of promotions is totally wrong. No one makes a film flop. We are here to work and put in a lot of effort. We need the film to do well.”

Talking about future films she says, “I am open to romantic, comedy, serious and thrillers, so long as I like the script. All in all, while okaying the script I always try to think how the audience would react to it.” She is excited about ‘Lootere’. “The look and characterisation is very different and I have learnt a lot. I also enjoyed working on ‘Once Upon a Time…’ very much,” she adds.