Universally, stars are timeless icons that valiantly and consistently erase the darkness around them far and wide, illuminating the skies as far as possible. On the earthly horizons of human skies, these ever-shining stars rise to give hope to the millions of dreamy eyes gazing upon them to pursue their dream with all their hearts and minds. Within these hearts, these glittering leaders ignite a fervent desire to pursue their own aspirations with untiring enthusiasm by channelling all their intellectual and emotional energy towards their goals and, crucially, never falter or waver in the face of any obstacle, no matter how daunting or seemingly insurmountable it may appear.
Such is the power of one of the most iconic rising stars – Sunny Leone – a self-made timeless brand that she has become the very definition of how to achieve your aim, realize your dream, and create your own destiny for the countless others.
Rising Global: A Star is Born
On the global media & entertainment industry’s map, Sunny rose swiftly with unstoppable gusto and incredible agility. Then, proving that success is not a destination but a journey, she smoothly transitioned to the Indian Hindi film industry – also known as Bollywood- and became a sensational starlet almost overnight. However, she does not call it a transition or a shift. “I have never shifted. My life started as an entrepreneur and actor when I was very young. My life path has always had both parts interwoven.”
Bollywood Breakthrough: No Handouts, Just Hustle
Thus, after earning her share of international acclaim, Sunny only changed bases, which, to her, was not a change at all. When asked about her experience with the Hindi Film Industry (Bollywood) viz-a-viz the culture of international cinema, she says that the Hindi film industry is unlike any other. As an outsider, you have to work 10x harder to keep working. “I’m not from any film family or fraternity and have no connections to anyone that hand me work. My office and I go after everything you see, and we work for it.”
Suncity Media: Crafting Her Own Legacy
Sunny has now assembled an amazing team from management, PR, social, and branding, all under her company, Suncity Media and Entertainment Pvt Ltd, and she uses it as a means to build her brands her way. She adds that the Hindi film industry works in the standard ‘Artist-Agent manner’, which did not work for her brand as she came to India with a brand she had already created globally. “Now we found ourselves in a place where all agents and casting directors know how to connect with us directly, and it is a win-win for both parties,” she states.
The Real Drive: Building Something Bigger Than Herself
Behind this win-win situation of brand building and her rise as a star and a timeless icon in the industry, there is a deep-rooted motivation. It has always been the same. To build a brand and create something bigger than herself globally. “My journey has been a roller coaster ride, to say the least, but as time has gone on, I realized every great success story is filled with ups and downs nonstop,” smiles Sunny.
Staying Relevant in a Fast-Paced Industry
These ups and downs are a part of the cinematic landscape that, according to Sunny, like every other industry, evolves nonstop. To remain relevant, she adds that she and her team try their best to keep up. “We try our best to meet the trends. It’s not easy by any means. Great stylists keep you stylish, great PR firms keep you relevant, and creating great brands keeps us working.”
No Mentorship, Just Motivation
Today, after becoming a brand, one might assume that Sunny’s inspiring acting abilities and her move from international to national pawed the way for other actresses, aspirants, stars, and celebrities to enter the Indian film industry. However, Sunny breaks the assumption with her honesty, “I do not see myself as a mentor. I always say, do it your way and never follow my path. My journey was mine and unplanned and many leaps of faith.”
Producer with a Purpose: The Rise of Suncity Media
These personal convictions and leaps of faith encouraged Sunny to establish her own production house called Suncity Media and Entertainment. Under this banner, Sunny and her team produce brand TVC and other content required by many brands. “We have several great film projects we would like to produce if the right partner comes on board to help back the project,” she reveals.
The Brand Universe: Beyond the Screen
The company Suncity Media is also the parent company of
- Starstruck by Sunny Leone Cosmetics.
- Affetto Fragrance.
- I Am Animal Clothing.
- I Dream of Sunny NFT.
Sunny credits her present rise as a successful brandpreneur to her professional career in modelling, acting, and films. “Without all that I have done, I would never have been able to build a successful company like Starstruck by Sunny Leone Cosmetics. Everything we do is inter- woven and helps with everything we are trying to achieve. Sometimes, we don’t know it at the time.”
Tech-Savvy Entrepreneurship
The current times are tech-driven. Digitalization and technological advancements have become crucial aspects of the modern industrial ecosystem. To build her brands and company processes, Sunny says, “We have used so many technologies along the way. We have in-house built gaming and NFTs and work closely with the crypto markets. With our brand, we have used as much new digital tech as possible to test and see how it provides a better customer experience as well as ads/marketing.”
Films vs. Brands: A Game of Time
According to Sunny, though films and entrepreneurship are businesses, there is a difference between a successful career in those two. “Film careers are based on one film at a time, and one hit can provide more films for years to come. Brands in business are built over a long period. Very Long.”
No Drama, Just Drive: The Culture at Work
Every company is as successful as its workforce is empowered, believes Sunny. To ensure all her companies foster a culture of growth, skill development, and empowerment among their employees, Sunny states, “The first main item when hiring is professionalism, and No Drama is tolerated in our workspace. A calm and focused space is as important as skill level. This comes with maturity in business. Having the ability to adapt quickly, change course, and learn fast is important to us and our success. That’s what we see in every individual we hire. Then they become a part of our professional family.”
Equality in Action: Carving One’s Own Path
Also, in the era when gender equality is a buzzword in cinematic and corporate parlance, we asked if she sees any difference when it comes to the opportunity, especially leadership, for aspiring women in both sectors; Sunny replies, “I believe in hard work and ask for what you want. If you believe you have earned it, then ask for it. And if you don’t get it, then do it yourself and create your own. This is how I always thought. I have seen women at the top of companies and films and men as well.”
More Than a Celebrity: The Woman Behind the Brand
When reminded that she is also an avid writer, PETA, and social activist, and asked about how she is able to manage such a versatile, multitalented career, Sunny states, “I am a Wife and Mother first. All the rest of these great items I make time for as its things I love to do. Only do what you love to do in life.”
The Long Game: Branding with Integrity
Businesses are a way for the industry to pace up its economic potential and capacity amidst turbulent times. As a successful starlet and now equally triumphant entrepreneur, when asked about her advice to other budding aspirants wishing to leverage their stardom in the entrepreneurial space, Sunny says: “I think the best advice is, don’t do it for the quick gain. If you start something, make sure you understand that time must be invested and years put in. Building a brand is not easy. So many artists jump on the wagon to create a product, slap their name and face on it and fail because the public has no trust in that. The consumer is smart. They want to see a brand that has lasted.”
CSR with Conviction: Walking the Talk
When asked to share her take on corporate social responsibility, Sunny reveals a unique perspective. She follows a basic rule: “If I will not take part in it, then I will not advertise it. Simple example: I get asked to promote tobacco products all the time due to my brand reach and size. I have been offering obscene amounts of money to do so. My father died from cancer as he smoked. I promised never to advertise this and promote a tobacco product. In fact, I even shot a campaign for the Health Ministry of India called “11 minutes” to show the effects of smoking. Practice what you preach.”
What’s Next: Full Hands, Full Heart
Looking to the future, Sunny says she will continue to grow several brands that she and her team have built in different categories. “We are currently in Restaurants, Cosmetics, Tech, Pharma, Fragrance/Beauty, and Consulting. My daughter has designed and launched an IP called “Boo-Box”, which is a multifunctional tissue dispenser. So, as of now, our hands are full!”
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