When the 2004 cameras rolled for "Jannat", a shy Zoya stepped onto the screen and into the hearts of millions—fans still whisper her name like a secret.
And, years later, Sonal beams that the love she received for that first crime‑thriller is still alive, saying, "I love being called the Jannat Girl," a line that feels as fresh as a new soundtrack.
Fast‑forward to 2024, her latest avatar in "Mirzapur The Movie" is Mumtaz, a gritty, street‑smart woman who now has her own legion of followers. She laughs, "I used to be called Zoya, and now everyone calls me Mumtaz—it's a beautiful evolution."
Her real triumph, she explains, is when audiences stop seeing an actor and start seeing a character: "Being called by a character’s name is the biggest achievement for me; it means the audience has connected with me beyond the face."
The chatter about a possible "Jannat 3" didn’t scare her; she simply says she hasn’t been approached yet but would love a sequel that keeps the original spirit alive.
Beyond the franchise, Sonal keeps a soft spot for Emraan Hashmi, noting his rise from the under‑appreciated to the celebrated, especially after his return in "Awarapan 2." She praises his talent and urges more roles that play to his niche.
As fans gear up for the next chapter—whether it’s a new Mirzapur spin‑off or a crime‑thriller revival—Sonal remains ready to carry her names and roles with the same swagger she first displayed as Zoya.