Actress Sonu Chandrapal, who will be seen in the upcoming Nepali film ’12 Gaun’ and is known for her work alongside icons like Hrithik Roshan and Prakash Raj in advertisements, as well as her roles in Gujarati films and television shows, says that her entry into showbiz was not one that was planned. She adds that she had to choose between a stable option such as engineering and acting, and initially she chose the former.
“Growing up, I had two clear options: engineering or acting. My father, an engineer, wished for me to become a computer engineer, and many of my relatives had pursued engineering or medicine. Naturally, I aimed to be an engineer. However, deep down, I always had a desire to become an actor. Art and creativity have always fascinated me, and in school, I was an excellent painter. This artistic inclination gradually revealed itself, drawing me towards the acting industry. Ultimately, I decided to pursue both engineering and acting, fulfilling my father’s wish while also following my passion,” she says.
Ask her what motivated or guided her in her career decision, and she says, “My motivation came from my love for storytelling and the arts. Watching powerful performances on screen and stage deeply inspired me. My family and friends were incredibly supportive, encouraging me to follow my passion. Their belief in me, combined with my determination, guided me toward a career in acting.”
She adds, “When faced with indecision, I rely on a combination of my intuition and the advice of my trusted circle. My family and close friends have always provided me with honest and valuable insights. Additionally, I often turn to meditation and reflection to find clarity and guidance from within.”
Talking about risks, she says, “I believe that taking risks is an essential part of growth and success. While the fear of failure is natural, I try not to let it hold me back. I weigh the pros and cons, and if the potential reward aligns with my goals and values, I’m willing to take the leap. It’s important to embrace challenges and learn from every experience, whether successful or not.”
However, she adds that being in the creative field is not easy. “Overthinking and self-doubt are common hurdles, especially in a creative field. I handle them by practicing mindfulness and focusing on the present moment. Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps helps reduce overwhelm. Surrounding myself with positive influences and taking breaks to recharge also play a crucial role in maintaining a balanced mindset,” she says.
