Sunny Leone, Alok Nath and Deepak Dobriyal come together for a quirky anti-smoking Ad

Feb 16 2016 5:03pm

Imagine Sunny Leone sharing screen space with ever so 'sanskari' Alok Nath and the proverbial villain Deepak Dobriya, well this certainly makes for an interesting thought. But we aren't talking about a film; instead we hear that the trio will be coming together for a digital public service advert for a social cause. 

Apparently Sunny, Deepak and Alok Nath were recently spotted on sets shooting for the anti-smoking advert, whose plot and story have been strictly kept under wraps. However, we were able to find out from sources that Sunny Leone, for the first time, is playing a Haryanvi, while Deepak is playing a man on his death bed and the 'sanskari' Alok Nath is believed to be a key character causing a twist in the plot. 

It is believed to be a comic concept but with a strong message, and with such a quirky combination of a star cast, it is definitely set to go viral. The film is set to come out on the digital platform shortly.

Filmmaker cum lawyer Sandhya Gokhale writes an open letter to Sunny Leone

Feb 12 2016 6:47pm

We all know about the (infamous) interview of Sunny Leone with the renowned journalist and how tactfully she had handled the interview. Immediately after this, almost the whole of Bollywood stood in her support. Sunny Leone has now found yet another supporter in the form of Sandhya Gokhale, a renowned film maker cum lawyer, who also happens to be Amol Palekar's wife. She has now written an open letter to Sunny Leone, in which, she has praised Sunny Leone for diligently handling the interview even when she was posed with uncomfortable questions. 

The letter is as follows: 

Hello Sunny, 

I felt compelled to write to you to applaud your dignified composure throughout the attempted public lynching by an immature, crass interviewer on national television. He tried to abnegate your present; his was a blatant misogyny. His look was torn between personal lust and cultural impairment. 

In the very first question about "any regrets about your past life", his implicit agenda became evident - to get a confession of "immoral conduct" from someone who is slotted as the best-selling yet stigmatized sex object! His ulterior motive was indeed to grab the highest TRP (which otherwise would have remained at the rock bottom). He was itching to expose your vulnerability… probably to patronize you with his condescending overtures. We all saw how complicit he was in the dissection of your past which he was pruriently condemning. 

His implication was that while making a "wrong & morally corrupt" career choice, you had walked on a slippery slope. You were gracious enough not to point out to him that he represented all those who accompanied you all through your walk… albeit cowardly and secretly hiding to slacken their orgasmic pleasures. You could've asked "Where are your internalized moral prohibitions when you are with me?? You could've sermonized him on the didactic quality of your work, asking him, "Isn't the pedagogy of sex an all-time need? ? I'm happy that you didn't take this path as he would've remained sanctimonious, no matter the amount of enlightenment gets poured in his lap… after all as the Arabic adage goes, "It is a goat, even if it flies!? Having said this, one thing you ought to have asked him, "Have you not consumed me? If no, then ask me any question and let's have a cathartic session. If yes, then let's talk about how and why your channel was mutilated as a result of which you were brought in." His smug face would've been downsized hopefully! 

Then, maybe you could've gently explored whether his ambit of vulgarity/obscenity includes, among others, pimps in the free market, cricket, page 3 trivia, and of course the boot licking chamachas in politics. 

Had you replied, "I had or have no regrets for being a porn star. I entertained you just like any other star on the big or small screen. In fact, I can flaunt the quantum of my repeat audience. I'm proud that I didn't have to use anyone else's body to hike the TRP or to hit the box office." I wonder how the next 18 minutes of the air time would've been covered! 

Sunny, I was not at all surprised by his "around the bush? approach. I would've admired him had he interrogated you straight by giving the anti-porn feminist rap about "commoditization or objectification of female body; how it's a systemized degradation, and how it leads to proliferation of sexual violence etc.? Since he isn't smart enough to drop names beyond Aamir Khan, you could've quoted scholars like Andrea Dworkin, Catherine McKinnon whose crusade has been to regulate if not eradicate pornography. There upon throwing Wendy McElroy's name who asserts that pornography benefits women both personally and politically, you could've asked, "If we as feminists believe in "my body, my choice?, why cannot pornography within the regulatory limits be my choice?? 

Sunny, this is a classic duel between individual freedom and social control. The present day hash-tags about intolerance erupt from this very conflict. Where do you draw the line between "allowed? and "offensive?? Who draws that line? Who gives them that right to override your personal liberty? But moral censorship is our forte! In 1950, charges of obscenity were filed against Akbar Padmsee's painting of a naked couple. Public exhibition of nudity is considered a crime of an "obscene act in a public place?. The Judge ruled that since the work was within the premises of an art gallery, it could not be deemed obscene. My point is that your craft has a context and it got to be seen in that context. Besides, pornography is not criminalized in India. 

Your situation is actually very unique Sunny. Typically, a chosen few hoist the moral flag after which the mob takes over and the majority remain bystanders. All these 3 categories are your fans and not just viewers! How much they love you and your art got substantiated by the statistics cited by the interviewer. If their joint sessions with you were not enriching and libratory, why would they have visited you time and again? So you can say "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone." Actually, they did not cast any stone at you, and in fact expressed their gratitude towards you when they unequivocally lifted the ban on the triple-X internet sites. It is ironical that while lingam and yoni had occupied a respected space in our traditional epics and art, porno-phobia has fractured our contemporary social ethos. 

The only concern you will be sharing with them is when the participation in such activities is coerced and non-consensual. When participants are under duress or are incapable of giving their consent (as in case of mentally or physically challenged or intoxicated persons), forcing them is wrong in every sense. Our dispute arises against their omnipotent audacity to claim that the consenting women are so damaged and exploited by the patriarchy that their consent is neither voluntary nor free. If my consent for my adult acts is alleged to be notional, why won't you call a wife's freedom offered by the institution of marriage an illusion? Is a married woman devoid of the patriarchal cultural dictate? Isn't she expected to present her sexy avatar to her divine husband and to surrender? Is it not objectification? When you are reacting to my actions on the screen, don't you think that I AM the owner of my own body? Can you think so about your wife when you are imposing yourself on her? Irony is that a wife's conduct has to conform to the approved text of patriarchy. Sunny, you are free of all this hypocrisy. Don't believe in the accusation of married women that you corrupt their husbands as was alleged by the interviewer. He conveniently hid the statistics showing the percentage of female surfers of the porn sites. 

By now, Sunny you might have understood my intention behind not naming the interviewer as he shall remain a variable representing the misogynist jerks of the world (pun unintended)! Journos will also shy away from publishing this letter claiming "it's outdated". Are the issues raised here outdated??? Moreover, will 'Sunny' the metaphor ever be outdated? end

"You won't find me in a bikini in Antarctica" - Sunny Leone

Feb 1 2016 5:43pm

There is a newfound image that Sunny Leone has managed to build in the fortnight gone by. While she has made it quite clear that she is not really looking for reinvention, she has pretty much also made a statement that she isn't a pushover either. With a solid resolve around the manner in which she wishes to take her Bollywood career further, she has her priorities already set. This is further getting reflected in this week's release Mastizaade, which is entirely riding on her star-power. Over to the woman who has One Night Stand lined up as her next release.

Mastizaade has ton loads of skin show on display. Guess diehard fans of you are happy feasting on as many as two of you on the big screen. 
The film is shot at beaches, resorts and pools - it makes sense to be in that kind of attire due to the setting. Of course I can't be seen in a bikini when it doesn't make sense. However on a beach, a bikini does make sense. (Laughs) If I am in Antarctica, then you won't find me in a bikini.

After Ek Paheli Leela, this is yet another film of yours where you are in a double role. You seem to have an affinity for double roles? 
In Ek Paheli Leela, I was playing two characters in two different time period. However, Mastizaade is my first actual double role where I am playing twin sisters. It was more difficult this time around since both versions of me are in the same frame in number of scenes. 

This is also your first out and out comedy. You could at least let your hair down, right? 
Yeah, it was a lot of fun making the film. I had just got off making Ragini MMS 2 when I was approached for Mastizaade. When I heard it, I found it funny; it had good comedy to it. During shooting too, I ended up having so much fun on the sets. To have actors like Vir (Das) and Tusshar (Kapoor) around me was great and as a producer, Rangita (Pritish Nandy) has been amazing. To top it all, Milap (Zaveri) has written amazing dialogues for the film. 

Talking of Milap, he is someone who comes with an insane sense of humor. Did you click with him instantly or were there some discomforting moments when he got into the details of the script? 
(Smiles) I didn't feel any discomfort per se. When he gave me the narration of the first half, I found it really funny. Then when the actual script came to me, there were certain moments where I wasn't too sure, so I asked Milap if they could be changed. Both Milap as well as Rangita were very nice and they said that they wanted me to be happy. They happily changed it. Most of the stuff that I did in the film was the kind that I was comfortable with. 

In the film, you are playing a bombshell and a sweet girl next door. This must have really required you to modulate your acting skills? 
I know people find it really hard to believe but it was a little more difficult to play Laila (the bombshell) than Lily (the nerd). Lily is someone who is a little clumsy and makes crazy faces. It was a lot easier to enact her part; it was pretty relaxing. On the other hand to change back into Laila was tough. These are two over the top outrageous characters. 

You must be glad that people are seeing you in two different avtar. 
Audience have certain expectations from me and hence there an element of glamour and sexiness to Laila. Since Lily is very different, I am excited for people to see a different character. I am hoping that they like it. When you are making an adult comedy, people know what they are going to get on screen... So when they watch Laila, they get glamour. On the other hand Lily is just me. 

Mastizaade is an out and out adult entertainer. Since you have acted in adult genres like Jism 2- an erotica and Ragini MMS 2 - a horror flick, how do you see the graph going for you? 
It is just the certificate rating (A) which is the same; otherwise my films are on different levels. Mastizaadecomes with a lot of funny things and comedy. I have grown up on the likes of American Pie, Wedding Crashers, Hangover and other Adam Sandler movies. Physical comedies, comedy of errors, adult comedies - I find them really exciting. These are popular genres in the U.S. It is so hilarious to be watching them and now I am so happy to be able to make such movies in Bollywood. end

Sunny Leone to do item number in Hrithik Roshan starrer Kaabil?

Feb 1 2016 5:02pm

Over the past few weeks, a lot has been printed about the Sanjay Gupta directed Hrithik Roshan starrer Kaabil. After reports of the film landing in legal trouble, we now hear that the makers of the film who have recently commenced principal shoot for the project have roped in Sunny Leone to feature in it.

In fact, reports suggest that Sunny, who was recently in the news for the scathing interview by Bhupendra Chaubey, will be seen doing an item number of sorts in the film. "We are currently in talks with Sunny Leone for the same, however nothing has been finalized as yet", says Rakesh Roshan who is producing the film. 

Kaabil, which will be directed by Sanjay Gupta and stars Hrithik Roshan in the lead, will most likely also feature Yami Gautami alongside the Bollywood Greek god.

Will Sunny Leone become as mainstream as Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif?

Jan 28 2016 5:13pm

The 'graceful' and 'dignified' Sunny Leone put up a great show during Bhupendra Chaubey's interview, which became infamous after many termed Chaubey's line of questioning as inappropriate. Despite being constantly probed about her past, Sunny handled the interview bravely without walking out of those downright offensive and misogynistic comments directed towards her. Many A list celebrities have come out in support of the Bollywood actress since. However, there was one important point that the interviewer Bhupendra made that got us thinking - Was he really right in saying that Indians are 'hypocrites'? Let's analyze

How many of us actually think that Sunny Leone is a mainstream actress? Well, there is one point that differentiates her from others and that is curiosity. Ever since her entry in Bigg Boss till her last film Kuch Kuch Locha Hain, the actress has always managed to retain the curiosity quotient about her that often proves to be her USP. 

Reality shows like 'Bigg Boss' which are controversial in nature often bring out the worst in an individual on national television and it sometimes even destroys Bollywood ambitions of wannabe stars who aim to make it big in the industry. Many known faces have entered this house and returned losing whatever little fan base they had and some who bagged big opportunities in the industry post the stint failed to live up to it. But Sunny Leone is one of the rare stars whose entry in the reality show gave her the chance to fulfill her dreams and today, she has become a star who is famous enough to be invited on a prime national news channel for an interview. Doesn't that place her on a much higher pedestal compared to certain people (who would like to be called stars) like Rakhi Sawant and Veena Malik. And this 'porn star', as Chaubey would like to term her, has even made a mark proving that she has definitely gained more stardom that even heroines who have had a launch under bigger banners (remember Preeti Jhangiani and Kim Sharma) couldn't achieve during their hay days. 

Her connect too we believe is quite mainstream, courtesy her hosting stint in Splitsvilla. The actress hosts a youth oriented show on a popular music channel with many youngsters as contestants for the past two seasons. The makers actually planned to retain her for the second season after seeing the popularity of the first which does prove the fact that television has always been a strong medium for Sunny, especially since she can connect with the youth. 

What proved beneficial for the star was also her 'past' and not in the way Bhupendra Chaubey would have liked to describe it in his interview. It is a renowned fact that Sunny Leone never shied away from her past and has definitely never mentioned of being ashamed of it. And it is this honesty that has got her a handful of fans. These fans may not be impressed with the 'actress' Sunny Leone but they admire the Sunny who can speak the truth. They appreciate her courage and even condemned the media when they couldn't get enough of obsessing over the words 'porn star' while describing Sunny Leone. 

Having said that, are these fans strong enough to change the mindset of Indians in general? Can she play the next Tulsi or Parvati in saas-bahu sagas? Unfortunately, that will remain an unfulfilled dream and it has nothing to do with Sunny's acting skills. Yes, it may be impossible to imagine Sunny Leone as the saree-clad bahu but that holds true for most actresses in Bollywood. However, we wonder if we will ever be able to see the actress playing a simple girl's role like Geet in Jab We Met or Parineeti in Ishaqzaade. Though there are many who have been bashing Chaubey for his interview on social media for insulting the actress, we wonder if the prejudices attached to her past will ever wash away. There are still many who believe and comment about the skin show Sunny does on the silver screen despite the fact that many actresses have donned bikini in films. In fact, the actress' name is often synonymous with sex comedies or erotica. For example, her upcoming film Mastizaade has already been in the news for long, courtesy the stringent rules of the censors who were planning to chop off a major chunk of the film in the name of obscene and vulgar content. 

However, we do not deny the fact that the actress too requires an image makeover. May be choosing much more content driven cinema may help benefit her career. A role that requires more of emotions, feelings and dialogues must be given preference over dancing on Honey Singh songs and skin show for Sunny Leone. Well, it isn't a cakewalk to break stereotypes attached to her previous profession especially in a country like India where sex definitely sells but nobody wants to be associated with it. Even when a long standing and reputed Bollywood star is dragged in the murky world of their past, the unhidden truth of Sunny Leone's life is not going to be wiped away automatically and requires efforts even from her side to break this image barrier that people have built in their minds. 

It is not just the fans or Sunny Leone to be blamed. The fraternity of Bollywood which now stands united in support of the actress who was on the receiving end of the interview is probably the first positive step that the industry has taken as a whole in accepting Sunny Leone as a part of Bollywood. The mainstream, commercial and high profile actors and actresses have rarely acknowledged her presence so much so that we haven't seen the actress perform on reputed award shows. Today, whilst they voice out their support loud and clear on social media, there are many who still doubt the authenticity behind the actors shedding inhibitions of working with Leone. Aamir Khan recently spoke about how he has no problem in working with her and claimed that her 'past' doesn't matter after his name was dragged in the interview by Chaubey questioning inquisitively to Leone saying that the superstar may never act with her because of her 'past'. While we are thrilled to see Aamir Khan, amidst his busy schedule, respond to the comment and appreciate Sunny's courage to handle the interview, we wonder if the words were just made as an effort of empathy and if they would even turn into reality. Do you remember the miniscule cameo (blink and miss appearance rather) of Sunny Leone in Singh Is Bliing? Let's hope in a bid to turn mainstream we get to see some acting of Leone and not just appearances in big starrer, big budget films. 

We still wonder if this interview has brought about a change in the perception towards Sunny Leone and would like to know if you truly believe that the actress will be able to make it as mainstream as a Deepika Padukone or a Katrina Kaif in Bollywood?end

Sunny Leone, it's not just about sex for her

Jan 20 2016 2:55pm

Sunny Leone, bold, direct and uncut. Doesn't regret one bit of whatever she may have done in life. Couldn't care two hoots for those who criticize her. Is she calling the bluff on large sections of male Indian society?

On my weekly interview show, The Hot Seat, I decided this week to go ahead with Sunny Leone. Scorned and adored by people in equal numbers. I have been pilloried by many, suggesting that I was obnoxious in my questioning. Some thought I was obsessed with her past. Well, Yes, I agree. The only reason why Sunny Leone, or Karanjit as she used to be called earlier, would have qualified to be on my show, is because it's her past now evolving into her present which is the story waiting to be told. 

Like all my interviews, this time too, I tried to read up as much as I could about her. I found all kinds of things. Some held her high as an example of courage! Like how difficult her life journey must have been. I agree with that, it must have been one helluva journey. But that's precisely the point. We aren't really going to the cinemas to watch her because she is a star. And I might just add here that I haven't seen any of her Bollywood films. Because I have kids at my place, so I can't watch any of her films in her earlier avatar even if I wanted to. Sunny Leone is a newsmaker in her own right because of what was going on in her past, the circumstances she operates in today and the manner in which she deals with criticism which is bound to come her way. 

Frankly, let me be honest with you folks. She did tell me half way through the interview, that she felt it was like an interrogation. She did concede that if she knew the format, she would have been better prepared. But ever since the first airing of the interview, I am only seeing positive feedback for her. So Sunny, you did well! It doesn't matter that I was convinced at the end of the interview that you were an extremely brave woman to have dealt with your past in the manner in which you did. It's the viewer that counts. Whether it's you or me. 

I came across an article, like many others, assumes that I have been judgmental. I fail to understand how. I simply did the job of asking questions, yes which were perhaps moral in nature. But isn't that also the story? I did mention this multiple times in course of the interview that Indians were a bunch of hyper hypocritical people. I am not writing this blog to respond to the critics. But I thought it's important to place the facts correctly. In the right context. 

When I asked her to respond to some comments made by politicians about her, I thought she was splendid by jokingly claiming that perhaps President Obama himself may someday include her in his speech. When asked if we were to turn the clock back in time, would she have done anything differently, her response was again spot on. 

My point is, the moralists in this country can have any take on anyone. I most certainly wasn't aiming to be a moralist on The Hot Seat. end

"I want to be played by Vidya Balan if there is a biopic made on me" - Sunny Leone

Jan 19 2016 12:55pm

After having started off her career as a porn star, she made a career switch and took over Bollywood as if she is a 'born star'. We are indeed talking about the one and only Sunny Leone, who was originally born as Karenjit Kaur, is now all set to storm Bollywood with the upcoming sex comedy titled Mastizaade. 

Satish Sundaresan of Bollywood Hungama met up with Sunny Leone, who spoke about her various topics like her journey in Bollywood, Mastizaade, Rakhi Sawant and much more. 

Over to you, Sunny! 

To start with, when we searched for the perfect words to describe 'Sunny Leone', we came across many definitions. A few of ranged like 'An international star giving sleepless nights to many Bollywood heroines', 'A top Hollywood producer', and the last one, which stated 'One of the major reasons for Google's Image Search section's survival'. Can you please tell us as to who exactly the real 'Sunny Leone' is?
(Smiles). First of all, I am not 'Sunny Leone', I am Karenjit Kaur. 'Sunny Leone' was a brand that was created long time ago. I am just a normal girl trying to make a living. 

Sunny, looking back was Bollywood a planned move or did it just happen? 
Bollywood was not at all planned… it just happened…with 'Bigg Boss'. Initially, I did not want to do the show as I did not think that India will accept me into their TV world and hearts. I was wrong... very wrong. And I am so very sorry for that. 

Speaking about Bollywood and films, you have your film Mastizaade releasing this week. What's the feeling no? Are you excited, nervous, anxious, eager or just plain neutral? 
It is a lot of excitement. I will be scared and anxious on Thursday night because my film is getting released on Friday. 

What made you sign Mastizaade? Was it the script, your role, your co-stars or something else? 
It was the script, which was extremely humorous. The way Milap Zaveri had written the script, it was super funny. 

Whenever and wherever there is Sunny Leone around, there can never be a dull moment. Can you recall any funny or memorable moment/s from the shoot of Mastizaade? 
There was never a dull moment whatsoever on the sets (of Mastizaade). There was never an ego clash between anyone. Everyone respected one another on the sets, cracked jokes and laughed their hearts out almost every day. All of this made working in the film so much fun. 

What are the locations that you guys shot the film in? 
Most of the film has been shot in Pattaya, Thailand. 

The music of the film is really catching up. Which one is your favourite track and why? 
My personal favourite is 'Dekhega Raja'. It is a fun-filled and 'situational' song.

How was it to work with Vir Das and Tusshar Kapoor? 
They both were so much fun to work with. We would work for as many as 15 hours a day! The whole shooting experience in the film was total fun. 

Sunny, this is the first time you are playing a double role in a film. How easy or difficult was it to switch roles? 
In Mastizaade, I play two characters named 'Lilly' and 'Laila'. When I compare the two, I feel that it was more difficult to play the role of Laila than Lilly. The character of Lilly is funny, clumsy, makes faces and stutters... more like my own personality (in real life). On the other hand, Laila... is how the world sees me (in real life). 

This is the first time you are doing a comedy role. Is doing comedy a difficult task? 
I have done some comedy in US and even in India. I have absolutely no issues in making a joke of myself. I mostly love the comedy of errors and all the situational errors that leads to comedy. Even the idea of mistaken identities is fun to do. That's why, when doing Mastizaade, I did not think that doing comedy was that great or difficult task. 

Mastizaade realises one week later than the release of yet another 'sex comedy' Kyaa Kool Hain Hum 3, which is touted to be India's first 'Porn-Com' film. Since both the films have sex comedy as its base, do you feel that Mastizaade would have been at an advantage had it released before Kyaa Kool Hain Hum 3? 
Everything happens for a reason. I wish nothing but the best for that movie (Kyaa Kool Hain Hum 3). I hope it does well. I also hope that their (film's) success carries onto our (film's) success. 

Now, let's talk about Mastizaade's dialogues. Mastizaade has some of the raunchiest and double meaning dialogues in it. How comfortable were you with such lines and is there any of your involvement in these dialogues? 
I was not comfortable with doing a couple of scenes. I spoke about this to Milap and Rangita, both of who were extremely understanding. I reasoned it stating that because of my background and my accent, certain lines and dialogues may not sound proper. That's why we changed a couple of scenes, totally, in the interest of the film. 

Which has been your favouirite scene in the film? 
The scene when my character Laila discovers that she wants to do what she has never done before. It's not what you are thinking. You have to see the film in order to know what I am talking about. (Laughs heartily).

Sunny, in real life, who do you identify with more: Laila or Lilly? 
There is a part of me that is Laila, who is sexy and beautiful. But, that's not who I am in real life. That's who I am for the screen. I am more like Lilly, who is goofy, silly and more concerned.

Now that you have worked in Bollywood and Hollywood, what, in your opinion, is the basic difference between Bollywood and Hollywood's style of film making? 
Hollywood spends a lot more money than Bollywood (laughs). At the same time, take for example, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Bajirao Mastani. Every frame of the film is a piece of art. I am sure that Hollywood will never be able to recreate it. The only thing in common between Bollywood and Hollywood is cinema, which everyone expresses in their own ways. 

With so much happening in the genre of sex comedies in Hindi films, do you feel that, today's Bollywood has come of age? 
Bollywood, I feel, is exactly where the people want it to be. When times change, the people's demands also changes with the times. That way, yes, Bollywood definitely has come of age.

After having reached so far, are there any regrets? 
Absolutely no regrets. If I want to do something, I will do it. Nobody can change my mind. If my parents could not change my mind, then, how are other people going to change it! 

If there's biopic that's to be made on you, who do you feel will be the heroine who fits the bill?
Vidya Balan. 

Is there any dream role that you are dreaming about to do in Bollywood? 
I want to play the role of a super hero…a REAL super hero. 

What's the status on your brand endorsements? 
There are many brands with whom the talks are going on. I am also in the process of launching my own range of perfumes and deos. I have already launched my own 'Teen Patti' game. 

Sunny, we have always seen Rakhi Sawant speaking about you in every possible interview. But, you have never spoken a word about her. Is that a conscious decision? 
You will never see me doing that. Never in my life, will I ever say bad things about anyone. As far as Rakhi Sawant is concerned, I just wanted to tell her Thank You for thinking about me all the time. 

If you were to be made the Chief of Censor Board, what is/are the change/s that you would like to bring about? 
Oh! That's a question which I would not like to answer (smiles.) 

There have been lot many rumors floating about you Sunny. Can you please clarify them with the right facts: That you played with a women's soccer league team in California. 
I did play, but, that was in Canada. 

That you have directed 42 adult films and have starred in 41 films
That's so wrong. 

Your first job was with German Bakery at Jiffy Lube, and, then, later at a tax and retirement firm? 
My first job was when I was fifteen and a half years old at the German Bakery at Jiffy Lube. I did work as a teacher at a tax and retirement firm. 

That you were studying to be a paediatric nurse before entering the films? 
(A bit stunned). That's true (smiles). 

That you own two pets: Lilu and Chopper, one of which is a rescue. 
Very much. The fact is that both of these dogs are rescued. 

That you are scared of bugs and insects. 
Yes. I am so very scared of bugs and insects. 

That you make hand stitched baby blankets for all your pregnant friends. 
Yes I do (Smiles). 

Lastly, that your second movie 'Virtual Vivid Girl Sunny Leone', got you the first AVN Award, which is considered the 'Oscars of porn'. 
Yes, it did. end

"2015 was a very interesting year for me" - Sunny Leone

Jan 5 2016 10:25am

How has 2015 treated you? What are the best/worst things that happened in your career this year? 
2015 was a very interesting year for me. There were lots of up and some downs. The best happening for me was the release of my film Ek Paheli Leela. I got a chance to showcase myself differently. 

And the lows? 
And the lows were the attacks by certain people this year but I have to say it helped me grow and become stronger. 

Why do you say that? 
My psychological ability to handle some of the bad things that happened has become a lot stronger. 

Do you think you've made ample headway in Bollywood? Do you see a wider acceptance now than before? 
I don't know about acceptance, but I'm definitely not going away anywhere and I think people are gradually getting to realize that. Which makes it easier to approach them, or vice versa. 

You are now becoming more gregarious in Bollywood? 
Yes, I have met a lot more Bollywood celebrities this year. It's very exciting. 

Your two Bollywood releases in 2015 did not do well. Was that a reason for some unhappiness? 
Well obviously it doesn't feel good when a movie doesn't do too well. But I don't see Leela as not doing well. For me it was a chance to play new characters and so many people in Bollywood appreciated it and my fans loved it. 

I saw bits of the documentary on you by my friend Dilip Mehta. It humanizes your story and makes you seem so vulnerable. Are you happy to be projected that way? 
I agreed to do this documentary on the pre-condition that it will reveal the truth. In the documentary people will get to know who I really am and what I feel. My story and my journey will be shared with everyone and I am fine with that. 

Apparently your screen name comes from your brother Sunny. How did he react when you named yourself after him when entering the adult entertainment business? 
Well, when I used that name I didn't think about it too much and if I knew then I would be this person that I am now, then I would have picked another name. 

Why do you say that? 
It's awkward now when my brother and I are together and I have to say, 'This is Sundeep Singh.' (laughs). 

Do you enjoy the confusion? 
Well, it's not something I had foreseen. 

How does your brother feel about your place in Bollywood? 
He thinks it's very exciting. He is not filmy and doesn't watch Bollywood. Actually when I told him to watchLeela he called me very upset saying don't ask me to watch a movie where your character dies. He couldn't handle watching his sister die on screen. 

Why? 
Because we had literally watched our parents die in front of us. So it's very hard to watch even if it's just a movie. 

How often do you meet him? 
I see him as much as I can. When I am in the US we see each other every day no matter what. We are very close and I'm so happy for that. He's one of my best friends.end

"I don't look at numbers ever or think about it" - Sunny Leone

Dec 24 2015 11:25pm

Your video 'Supergirl From China' has gone viral, as expected. How did that come about? 
We have a great relationship with T - Series and Ahmed Khan so we all talked about making a video together. So there isn't some crazy story behind it. We are all friends and thought it would be a good idea to collaborate together again.

In the video you play a nerd's fantasy woman. Do you see yourself as a joy provider to unhappy men? Do you like that image? 
I don't know about that outlook on the song. We see it as a fun way to connect with the youth and be able to give them a cool song and visuals. 

Your fan following on the Internet remains a staggering number. How do you cope with all the attention and demands? 
I don't look at numbers ever or think too much about it. My main concern always is that I am always busy working and working on things I enjoy. And I always just hope my fans will enjoy it. 

You seem to be blissfully in love with your husband Daniel. When do you intend to become a mother? 
We both want children just trying to figure out the best time for that. I do know my mother in law wants a grand-child. She asked last week and we are taking too long.end

Sunny Leone Documentry on to get full-fledged commercial release

December 10, 2015 - 09:00

Sunny Leone's career is about to acquire another level of sexiness. The documentary titled Mostly Sunny Partly Cloudy that film filmmaker Dilip Mehta has made on her life is about to get a full and formal worldwide release.

Says Dilip, "It would be a worldwide theatrical release. It's a feature-length documentary. Sunny is endearing, warm, candid and emotional and takes one through her life trajectory with remarkable openness and confidence." 

The documentary happened by sheer chance when a Canadian film company approached Dilip to direct a feature-length documentary on Sunny Leone. Recalling his first meeting with Ms. Leone Dilip says, "Sunny, her husband Daniel and I met at the Juhu Marriott in Mumbai over a year ago. From the moment Sunny came into the lobby and all the way to the coffee shop at the lower level all eyes were focused on her. She has a presence that commands attention. It was as though no one else existed nor mattered." 

Sunny has bared her soul in the documentary. "Over the course of one year in the making of our film I can't recall a single incident when Sunny asked us to switch off the camera. She gave us unfettered access to her film sets, the making of music videos, and to her family, friends and Team Sunny." 

What comes across very strongly in the documentary is a woman who is not embarrassed by or apologetic about anything she has done. 

Says Dilip appreciatively, "Sunny appears to be amongst a handful of people who seemingly has no regret of her life journey. She is non-evasive of her past avatar as an Adult Entertainer and of the choices that made her a hugely successful part of a multi-billion dollar industry."hm