Sonakshi Sinha has signed up her debut Telugu project Mahesh Babu-starrer "Shivam" to be directed by Krish. She says the project and its crew takes her back in time when she forayed into Bollywood with "Dabangg".

Sonakshi will play a character named Meenakshi in the movie, director Krish aka Radhakrishna Jagarlamudi told.

"The character is called Meenakshi. She has the most beautiful eyes, and it is so ironic it happens to be Sonakshi, a name which means golden eyes.

"I was on the lookout for a beautiful, elegant and regal character, and Sonakshi happens to fit the bill. It was after I saw 'Dabangg'; I knew I found the character for my next film. Prabhudeva helped me get in touch with her," added Krish.

Sonakshi is looking forward to the project.

"Lots of support from the south for my Telugu debut - thanks guys! Really looking forward to it. Feels like 'Dabangg' deja vu - debut with superstar, script I couldn't refuse, capable and intelligent director," Sonakshi tweeted Thursday.

"The shooting starts later this year. It is going to be a great journey," added the 25-year-old.

Sonakshi made a roaring debut with 2010 blockbuster "Dabangg", after which she featured in films like "Rowdy Rathore", "Joker", "Son of Sardaar" and "Dabangg 2".

Her forthcoming Bollywood films include "Lootera", "Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai 2", "Bullet Raja", "Rambo Rajkumar" and the remake of "Thuppakki".

She will also be seen in a special song in the "Himmatwala" remake.