Shotgun Junior is raring to go at 26

Bollywood's Dabangg girl Sonakshi Sinha is on a roll even as she turns a year older. She was the highest grossing actress of 2012 and probably one of the rare actresses of her generation to have signed movies big stars such as Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar so early. Being from a filmy family and being Shatrughan Sinha's daughter may certainly have made things much easier but, Sonakshi with so many successful films, Sonakshi is slowly proving that she is a star in her own right.

Here's a pictorial journey through her life as she turnd 26.

  • Bollywood's <i>Dabangg</i> girl Sonakshi Sinha is on a roll as she turns a year older. She was the highest grossing actress of 2012 and has starred with Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar, two of Bollywood's biggest names despite being just a few films old. Being Shatrughan Sinha's daughter may have opened some doors but Sonakshi's success rate proves she's a star in her own right. <br><br> Here's a pictorial journey through her life as she turns 26.
    Bollywood's Dabangg girl Sonakshi Sinha is on a roll as she turns a year older. She was the highest grossing actress of 2012 and has starred with Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar, two of Bollywood's biggest names despite being just a few films old. Being Shatrughan Sinha's daughter may have opened some doors but Sonakshi's success rate proves she's a star in her own right.

    Here's a pictorial journey through her life as she turns 26.
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  • Sonakshi was born on June 2, 1987 to actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha and Poonam Sinha.
    Sonakshi was born on June 2, 1987 to actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha and Poonam Sinha.
  • She has two brothers, Luv and Kussh Sinha.
    She has two brothers, Luv and Kussh Sinha.
  • Sonakshi began her showbiz career as a model, walking the ramp at Lakme Fashion week in 2008 and then again in 2009.
    Sonakshi began her showbiz career as a model, walking the ramp at Lakme Fashion week in 2008 and then again in 2009.
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  • Previously chubby, Sonakshi had to lose 30 kgs to play svelte village belle Rajjo, her first film role in <i>Dabangg</i>
    Previously chubby, Sonakshi had to lose 30 kgs to play svelte village belle Rajjo, her first film role in Dabangg
  • Her debut film, <i>Dabangg</i> (2010) opposite Salman Khan, became a blockbuster hit and broke box office records.
    Her debut film, Dabangg (2010) opposite Salman Khan, became a blockbuster hit and broke box office records.
  • She won the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut for her performance in <i>Dabangg</i>.
    She won the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut for her performance in Dabangg.
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  • Sonakshi had no releases in 2011 but a lot of awards came her way - the Most Promising Newcomer trophy at the Star Screen Awards, Zee Cine Awards, Stardust Awards and Apsara Film & Television Producers Guild Awards.
    Sonakshi had no releases in 2011 but a lot of awards came her way - the Most Promising Newcomer trophy at the Star Screen Awards, Zee Cine Awards, Stardust Awards and Apsara Film & Television Producers Guild Awards.
  • We saw a lot of Sonakshi in 2012. While her <i>Rowdy Rathore</i> opposite Akshay Kumar and <i>Son Of Sardaar</i> opposite Ajay Devgn were big hits, <i>Joker</i>, again with Akshay, was a flop.
    We saw a lot of Sonakshi in 2012. While her Rowdy Rathore opposite Akshay Kumar and Son Of Sardaar opposite Ajay Devgn were big hits, Joker, again with Akshay, was a flop.
  • Sonakshi's last film of 2012 <i>Dabangg 2</i>, opposite Salman Khan, was also a box office hit though it received mixed reviews from the audience and critics alike.
    Sonakshi's last film of 2012 Dabangg 2, opposite Salman Khan, was also a box office hit though it received mixed reviews from the audience and critics alike.
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  • We also saw her in a retro look in an item number <i>Thank God Its Friday</i> from the movie <i>Himmatwala (2013)</i>.
    We also saw her in a retro look in an item number Thank God Its Friday from the movie Himmatwala (2013).
  • Sonakshi Sinha has four films lined up this year. <i>Lootera</i>, a romance drama is first in the list. The film is directed by Vikramaditya Motwane and Ranveer Singh is cast opposite the actress. The movie will hit the screens on July 5. Then comes Milan Luthria's <i>One Upon A Time In Mumbaaai Again</i>, a sequel to the 2010 hit film <i>Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai</i>. The film also features Akshay Kumar, Imran Khan and Sonali Bendre and will release on August 8.<br><br> Then comes Tigmanshu Dhulia's <i>Bullet Raja</i> opposite Saif Ali Khan, releasing on September 6. Sonakshi will also appear in the remake of <i>Thuppakki</i> with Akshay Kumar.
    Sonakshi Sinha has four films lined up this year. Lootera, a romance drama is first in the list. The film is directed by Vikramaditya Motwane and Ranveer Singh is cast opposite the actress. The movie will hit the screens on July 5. Then comes Milan Luthria's One Upon A Time In Mumbaaai Again, a sequel to the 2010 hit film Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai. The film also features Akshay Kumar, Imran Khan and Sonali Bendre and will release on August 8.

    Then comes Tigmanshu Dhulia's Bullet Raja opposite Saif Ali Khan, releasing on September 6. Sonakshi will also appear in the remake of Thuppakki with Akshay Kumar.
  • Sonakshi is also much in demand as the cover girl of choice of magazines like Vogue, Maxim and Marie Claire.
    Sonakshi is also much in demand as the cover girl of choice of magazines like Vogue, Maxim and Marie Claire.
  • Here's wishing this versatile actress a very happy birthday and a fantastic year ahead.
    Here's wishing this versatile actress a very happy birthday and a fantastic year ahead.