22 July,2023 06:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Sunny Leone
Sunny Leone's magnetic presence and extraordinary journey make her the most talked-about, captivating hearts nationwide and beyond. From Bigg Boss to Cannes, she's a true phenomenon. In our latest Sit With Hitlist episode, the Kennedy star bares her soul, sharing her experiences of growing up in a conservative Punjabi home, where every step was under a microscope. She delves into her thoughts on the existing diaspora and how her inspiring journey continues to spark conversations worldwide.
Sunny reflected on her journey from a young girl with dreams to becoming a prominent Bollywood actress. Asked if she ever imagined being in the movies she watched, Sunny shared, "No, I was more concerned with growing up in a typical Punjabi home where I wasn't allowed to wear a short skirt. I used to wonder why I couldn't wear one when I saw others doing it. We were in Canada at that time, I go how come she is allowed to do it and I am not. It was like 'chup kar, thappad milegi'... But those were the concerns at that age; Bollywood wasn't as pervasive in our lives back then like it is now."
Sunny acknowledged that diaspora communities might tend to hold on to their cultural roots more conservatively. She shared her theory, saying, "It's like a time warp. When families move to a foreign land, they take their Indian culture with them and time warp it to their new surroundings. Inside their homes, they try to recreate the culture and philosophies as if they were living in India during that time. They want to continue these traditions, which is amazing because that's how I grew up."
However, she also noted that they might be trying to hold onto something that no longer exists in their home country. "They create their own versions of what it means to be a proper Indian girl, with specific clothes, hairstyles, and traditions, but that's not how it is here at all," she added.
Sunny's journey from Canada to Bollywood has been nothing short of remarkable. Reflecting on her achievements, she shared, "I never thought I'd end up walking at the Cannes Film Festival when I first stepped foot in the Bigg Boss house. If someone had predicted that back then, I would have thought they were crazy. It means so much more to me because of the incredible journey I've had."
