31st December 2023,Mumbai: Sunny Leone, at 42, is experiencing a career high, featuring in Anurag Kashyap’s Kennedy and making her debut at the Cannes Film Festival 2023. The film received a standing ovation, marking a pivotal moment in her career. In an interview, Sunny shares how Kennedy has been instrumental in changing people’s perceptions of her, transcending her past as an adult film actor. According to her, Kennedy marks the beginning of a new chapter in her diverse and evolving career.
Age No Bar in Showbiz
Sunny Leone passionately addresses the ageist stereotypes prevalent in the entertainment industry, asserting that success has no age limit. Reflecting on the evolving landscape, she notes, “At literally any age, you can be successful or start your career. It just depends on how you want to start it and how far you can go.” She emphasizes the shift from a time when people would proclaim an artist’s career as finished based on age, highlighting that individuals who once thought their prime was over are now making remarkable comebacks.
Embracing Smaller Roles
In the same interview, Sunny Leone reveals a shift in her priorities. The once-celebrated star expresses her newfound preference for smaller roles that hold depth and significance. She candidly states that being the ‘star of a movie’ is no longer her aspiration. Rather, she values having a smaller part that contributes meaning and purpose to a film. Using Kennedy and her upcoming film Quotation Gang with Jackie Shroff as examples, she applauds the trend of movies not solely relying on her name, appreciating the essence of contributing to a larger narrative.
Sunny’s Journey in Bollywood
Sunny Leone made her Hindi film debut in 2012 with Pooja Bhatt’s Jism 2, quickly followed by Jackpot (2013), Ragini MMS 2 (2014), Ek Paheli Leela (2015), Tera Intezaar (2017), among others. Her journey In Bollywood has been marked by both successes and challenges. Through the years, she has broken barriers and defied expectations, carving a niche for herself in an industry known for its traditionalism.
The Evolution of Showbiz
Sunny Leone’s insights into the industry’s changing dynamics reflect a broader evolution in showbiz. The once-rigid standards regarding age and stardom are giving way to a more inclusive and diverse landscape. As more actors break free from conventional molds, the emphasis is shifting towards talent and the ability to contribute meaningfully to a story. Sunny’s decision to embrace smaller roles signifies a paradigm shift where substance holds more weight than mere star power.
Quotation Gang and Beyond
Looking forward, Sunny Leone discusses her next venture, Quotation Gang, alongside Jackie Shroff. She acknowledges that the film isn’t centered solely around her, emphasizing that it’s a smaller part that she finds personally fulfilling. This deliberate move away from the conventional expectations of being a lead actress speaks volumes about the changing priorities of actors in the industry.
A Bright Future Ahead
Sunny Leone’s journey is emblematic of the evolving nature of Bollywood. Breaking ageist stereotypes, she paves the way for a more inclusive industry where talent and meaningful contributions take precedence over age or star status. As she navigates through diverse roles and embraces the significance of smaller parts, Sunny Leone sets an inspiring example for actors seeking fulfillment and depth in their cinematic endeavors. Her story reflects the promising future of an industry that is progressively moving towards celebrating diversity, resilience, and the enduring spirit of reinvention.
By Kashvi Gala