No headline needs to be click bait when it's about Sunny Leone. It’s sure to get hits and likes online. It’s sure to be read, with love or hatred. Sunny Leone has accepted it all. A few clicks on the web will give you the nitty-gritty of Sunny's life. But what is the real truth? Watch it unfold through Karenjit Kaur: The Untold Story of Sunny Leone. Sunny partnered with Zee's digital platform ZEE5 to bring the story of her life, both real and reel, on screen with this web series. The first season of the show is currently available for streaming, and the first three episodes are free from subscription. Here, we have broken down the first three episodes that have left us wanting more and will have the same impact on you.
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On January 19, 2016, Sunny was interviewed by CNN IBN’s Bhupendra Chaubey and soon the interview became a viral video because of his demeaning questions and her brave answers. This interview is where the show begins. Every episode has a story to these questions. From her Indo-Canadian parents to a supporting sibling, a vamp aunt to bullying in school, from her first lingerie shoot to becoming Penthouse Pet of the Year – this web series will truly tell you the untold story of Sunny Leone.
Episode One: The Dress
"Ab aap usse gaaliya de rahe hai, lekin jab TRP aayega, tab aap hi duayein denge"
The show does not waste time in introducing characters; the world knows well what is to be expected. It dives right into the story. After Sunny has given crisp answers to the journalist for his questions, the show goes back to 1994, Canada. A 13-year-old girl, Gogu as she is called fondly by her family, is trying to live up to the 'coolness' of her pals yet not wanting to disappoint her parents. She wants a new dress for the dance-night, her parents can't afford it and she knows it's best to keep them out of it. From selling lemonade to painting fences, Gogu does what it takes to buy the $60 dress. This episode introduces us to her first prominent trait: she knows well what she wants and how she wants it. Once she has made up her mind, there is no stopping her.
Episode 2: Canada to Los Angeles
"How was the journey from CA to LA?"
"Just like this interview has been"
Count on Sunny to make you laugh when you are least expecting to. The second question from Chaubey’s interview compares prostitutes and porn stars. Sunny replies saying prostitutes might not have a choice for what they do but porn stars make the decision. However, the only similarity between the two is that it takes guts for what they do.
In this episode, the 13-year-old is asked to leave behind everything she has ever called her own. Her father makes the choices, for everyone, without their consent. Somehow she knows things are to turn around. She says to her father, "You're going to regret this decision". Her typical Indian mother is seen keeping her values aside as she sips alcohol for the first time. Here, we know that things are going to change - probably for the worst. Trait two: she is impulsive, but not wrong.
Episode 3: Virgin Mary
"It takes nerves of steel to strip off your clothes and still not strip off your dignity"
The not-so-girly Gogu has grown into a beautiful young adult, Karen, who has won her first beauty pageant at the age of 17. Before she can exit the venue she is offered her first modelling assignment. All that the person says is “Let’s have a meeting on Monday”. She is both surprised and confused. While modelling is not her mind she decides to give it a try anyway. Karen is accompanied by her friend for the meeting which turns out to be catalogue shoot for a famous lingerie brand. She is hesitant but her friend is sure that it is a big deal. But Karen is clearly not interested. Cut to a party which Karen attends. Before sneaking out, she goes righteous and confesses to her parents about her previous sneak-outs. At the party, she sips alcohol under peer-pressure and loses her "flower", also influenced by constant bullying from her friends. Yet, no decision she takes is a regret. Karen lives every moment of her life. On returning home she realizes that her father – the only bread earner – has lost his job, her mother has turned into an alcoholic. That is when she takes a decision that changes her life forever. That is when Karenjit Kaur becomes a brand – Sunny Leone. The show isn't dramatic, over-the-top, edgy or sensational. It does not reveal a mystery or thrill you with suspense. It's clean, plain and still manages to keep you at the edge of the seat with its gripping storytelling. It takes you places and makes you a part of it all. Along with Sunny playing herself, the show features Rysa Saujani playing younger Sunny a.k.a Gogu, Karamvir Lamba as her brother, Bijay Jasjit Anand as her father and Grusha Singh Gill as her mother. The show is directed by Aditya Datt.