Sonakshi Sinha: 'Dabangg was an accident'

Sonakshi Sinha has admitted that she never wanted to be an actress before making her debut in Dabangg.

The 24-year-old star changed her mind after family friend Salman Khan cast her in the action film, Mumbai Mirror reports.

She told the paper: "I never intended to become an actress. I wanted to be a fashion designer. Dabangg happened by chance.

"[Producer] Arbaaz Khan and Salman Khan approached me for Rajjo's part as they thought I would suit the role perfectly.

"I heard the script along with my family and it all fell together. It's not like I told my father I wanted to act nor did he push me into this… the decision was mutual. There was no reason to refuse."

Sinha had previously earned a degree in fashion, but revealed that she felt instantly comfortable in front of the camera because of her family background.

She said: "It's always different when you're born and brought up in a film family. I've visited my father's sets as a child and been part of the film industry from a young age.

"So I was perfectly comfortable on set and in front of the camera… it's funny how I wasn't nervous at all!"

Sinha's father is Shatrughan Sinha, who is most famous for hits such as the 1980 film Dostana and Santosh.

She will start shooting the sequel to Dabangg in January 2012.

The actress was reportedly axed from the upcoming Vishwaroopam because she was unable to lose weight fast enough for her role.

Watch Sonakshi Sinha in the trailer for Dabangg below: