Sonal Vengurlekar, ‘I fast for 20 hours and eat for 4 hours’

Sonal Vengurlekar started out as television actor about seven years ago. After featuring in shows like Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, Dil Dosti Dance as Ruhi, The Buddy Project, Shastri Sisters, Yeh Vaada Raha season 1&2, Saam Daam Dand Bhed, Yeh Teri Galiyan Etc. She was in the news during lockdown as she posted about her financial plight as some of the producers didn’t pay her her dues. She’s gearing up for a brand new show titled Gupta Brothers.  Sonal Vengurlekar spoke to Cine Buster extensively. Below are the excerpts…….

Tell us more about your role in Gupta Brothers…
I play Jaya, who is a neighbour of these four brothers. She falls for one of the brothers knowing that he is a bal brahamchari. She keeps trying to lure him. Jaya is a very jovial person who loves to do atrangi things in life. The show title  Gupta Brothers -Chaar Kuware from Ganga Kinare (Star Bharat) is also unique.

How is this show different from other comic shows?
It is a light-hearted comedy and has a subtle approach. You can expect 100 percent comedy from the show.

Mahesh Pandey is a very creative and big producer who is so human and accessible. He is extremely good at his work and I wish all his shows do well. He has made a  very realistic show and audiences will love it for sure.

What preparations did you do to play your character?
My character has a decent level of comic lines, so as preparatory measures I borrowed experiences and situations from real-life people. I connected with my friends over video calls to ask for their atrangi moments in life. It was surprising to know that we all have this comic side in us, which knowingly or unknowingly comes out either in form of words or expressions.

You cited financial issues a few months back. What is the situation now?
Thankfully the situation is better now. Only when I explained my situation to the world, the producers started paying me in installments. It is unfortunate that I had to tell the world of my situation for the producers to realise it.

Are you planning to have another source of income?
I really want to have another source of income and I am trying to figure that out. Having experienced a situation which was very stressing, I really do not want to rely only on acting. There are many actors who have multiple or joint business ventures and I would like to do the same.

If not an actor, what would you have been?
I love cooking, so I would’ve been a chef.

Tell us about your fitness regimen…
I have been following intermittent fasting since some time now. It does not emphasise on what to eat but when to eat. In 24 hours, I fast for 20 hours and eat for 4 hours.