Sonal Chauhan will be seen in an action-packed role in 'The Ghost', which hits the screens on October 5. In this interview, the 'Panda Chesko' and 'Legend' actress talks about working with Akkineni Nagarjuna and versatile director Praveen Sattaru. The beauty had to undergo weeks of rigorous training for her career's most-challenging character.

She throws light on the nature of her character in the film, what is to be expected from 'The Ghost' and more.

Excerpts:

The gap in my career in recent years is because of the pandemic and there is no other reason. Tollywood is my first love.

It has been a very interesting journey at 'The Ghost'. Action had been on my bucket list. I was already half-ready by the time I received this offer. Praveen Sattaru sir is a versatile director. Then there is Nag sir himself. I think every movie comes with its own fate. The one who is supposed to do a role alone is going to do it. (Her role in the movie was earlier supposed to be played by Kajal Aggarwal and then Amala Paul).

Praveen Sattaru is a pleasure to work with. He has a crystal clear vision. Two months before the shoot, he was ready with a bounded dialogue version. It made the life of actors easy.

Two major action blocks involving me are there in the film. It's a completely action-packed entertainer.

I am playing an Interpol officer in the film. This character is the most physically challenging one I have ever played. It's also the most satisfying one. It's not just about your physical strength. You also have to be mentally strong.

Right on the second day of my training, I had a fracture. I had never trained in action before. Since there was no pain, I didn't know it was a fracture. After X-Ray was done, I was shocked to see the result. It was not a hairline fracture. It was a proper fracture. My heart sank because I was told not to train for six weeks! I later carried on with my weapons training. I went a little easy on my foot.

I am a police officer's daughter in real life. Coincidentally, I had come back from Kashmir where I got to interact with the Army when 'The Ghost' came my way. I love holding AK-47 guns and loading them. When I met director Praveen garu, I told him about my interests. He wanted to see how I would look while holding a gun! It was the best audition ever (laughs). I started getting trained later.

Thanks to this film, I have realized how much I love holding weapons. It's not just about action. Someone's life is in your hands. The MMA training, the action training demands you to be mentally strong. I had to give my 100%. This whole team was a dream team.

I am not dancing or looking just pretty in the film. The training videos you have seen are nothing. We underwent intense training for about 2 months. This is the most organized team I have ever worked with. I got to understand my character, work on my diction, and all. I don't know if reinventing is the right word, but in the audience's mind, definitely something is going to change.

I was a little nervous before meeting Nag sir. He is such a big star. But when I met him, within 10 minutes, all my nervousness was gone. He came across as someone who is my age. I know he is called the King of romance. But 'The Ghost' is an action film. I hope I will get to do a romantic film with him (smiles).

Is there a lip lock in the film? I am neither confirming nor denying. You have to watch it on the big screen (laughs).

Very few action roles have been done by Indian actresses. Katrina Kaif has done beautiful action in 'Ek Tha Tiger'. But 'The Ghost' is in a different space altogether. I have come out a new person after this movie. I didn't know this side of me even existed. It has taught me mental strength, and discipline, and it has taught me how to never give up. There is always scope for improvement.

I am much more than a glam doll. That's what people are going to say after 'The Ghost'. I have been stereotyped. I am aware of my calibre. Give me a deglam role. I want to play a village belle.

'Adipurush' is a film the whole country is waiting for. I am a huge fan of Prabhas. It's a larger-than-life film. I am very happy that it is being made in this day and age. We used to watch the Ramayana and the Mahabharata stories as children (on TV). My parents made sure that I watch them. So, when 'Adipurush' came my way, I knew what it meant! On the technical front, it is way advanced. It's going to be a game-changer.

I have got to work with Venkatesh sir ('F3'), Nag sir and Prabhas. Touchwood, I hope I have arrived. I am hungry for substantial, meaty roles.

I am in talks for a Tollywood film. There is another one in Hindi.