Sunny Leone was born in Sarnia, Ontario, to parents who emigrated from India. She posed for Penthouse, and was named Penthouse Pet of the Month for the March 2001 issue, followed by a feature in the Holiday 2001 edition of Hustler magazine as a Hustler Honey. That same year, Leone signed a 3 year contract with Vivid with which she transitioned into the world of hardcore porn.