Indiaglitz catches up with Sonal Chauhan. Ahead of her forthcoming release Pandaga Chesko, the Delhi-based actress talks about her comeback stint, sporting bikini, Neil Nithin Mukesh episode and her desire to get into politics.

It`s been a great comeback in Tollywood. How did it change you as a person?

I don`t think it changed me as a person but it has just made me a busy person that`s it (smiles). Apart from that, nothing really changed – I`m just working as hard as I was earlier and I`m keeping my fingers crossed hoping that the audience will appreciate and me as much as they liked me in Legend, or even more.

You came a long way since Rainbow (2008). What was the learning curve?

Well, I think with every experience you have in life you learn a lot, and so did I. When I did Rainbow`, I was very young and in fact studying at that time and I had to go back and complete my studies later. So I learnt a lot after Rainbow in terms of education too. Apart from that there`s so much I`ve been learning every day.

What`s your role in the film?

It`s a very nice role. I`m fortunate to be able to get such a strong character early in my career and I`m waiting for the audience reaction. I can`t thank director Gopichand Malineni enough for giving me a role that`s different from what I generally get. I had a lot of fun playing the role because it`s completely different from what I am in real life. As an actor, the role challenged me.

Did you do any homework? How did you prepare for the role?

I watched a lot of films for reference and that`s when I realized Sridevi`s role from the Hindi film Laadla` (Gharana Mogudu in Telugu) was the closest to it. And Gopi sir helped me a lot in terms of understanding the scene and the character. So I hope I`ve done justice to it (smiles).

You and Ram are Taurians. What do you share in common?

Yes, we both are Taurians (smiles). I think the sun sign itself has a lot in common. We both are foddies and we love eating. He is a very calm person (like me) off screen, he`s an introvert and I`ve also been an introvert all my life. So I do relate to him a lot and I understand where he comes from. I don`t know whether it`s because of the same sun sign or not but he`s a fantastic guy and I`m a fantastic girl (laughs).

Rakul suggested you a few Biriyani joints in the city. Did you try any?

She did suggest. In fact, I`m eating my lunch from the place she made me try food once. She suggested a lot of places too and I think she`s sorted when it comes to food in Hyderabad. Whenever I have any confusion in finding any food joint in the city I`ll call Rakul and ask her where to get my food from.

Did you sport a bikini in Pandaga Chesko

Yea, we have a beach song (Dorikade), it is a fantastic song and Thaman gave wonderful tunes. It`s a very catchy beat and I`m sure the audience will love it. Before shooting for the number, cinematographer Sameer Reddy told me that this is one of those songs that will be remembered for many years to come. In fact, much before I saw, Ram told me that it`s one of the best beach songs ever shot. I can`t thank enough Sameer garu for making me look beautiful and better than what I am.

Can you recall any interesting on the sets` moments?

There were lots of exciting moments but one I can never forget is when we were shooting in Algarve in Portugal. Just because the frame looked so nice, the crew made me and Ram stand on top of a cliff. I`m supposed to sit on his shoulder on the edge of a cliff. Had there been one strong gust of wind, we both would have fallen down. That is something I`ll never forget because it was very scary and I thought I`m going to die but all is well that ends well.

Are you seeing anyone? What`s up with the Neil Nithin Mukesh episode?

There was no episode as such. These are people`s imagination and when somebody is overactive, something like this will come up. If your question is whether I am dating someone or not, I`m absolutely single and I very happy.

You expressed interest getting into politics… Any plans?

Politics is something I find very interesting and very fascinated and I have a very keen interest. I don`t know if I`d be in politics but yes, I would love to be a part of it and make a difference. I think the country needs young and progressive people and if I can make a difference in any way for that matter I would definitely love to get in.

Did any party approach you?

I`ll tell you when it happens (laughs).