When Stars Like Salman Or Kangana Tweet About You, It’s Something Else, Says Debutante Soundarya Sharma

When Stars Like Salman Or Kangana Tweet About You, It’s Something Else, Says Debutante Soundarya Sharma

She might be just one film old but Soundarya Sharma has already caught the attention of the industry with her acting skills in her debut film ‘Ranchi Diaries’. A dentist by qualification, the actress is now geared up to establish a foothold in Bollywood where fate of actors changes every Friday. Soundarya was in the city with her film producer Anupam Kher and director Sattwik Mohanty when My City Links caught up with her. Excerpts:

Ranchi Diaries is your first Hindi film. How was your experience working with Anupam Kher, Satish Kausik, Jimmy Shergil and Sattwik Mohanty?

The overall experience has been fantastic. When you are an outsider and you get to work with great actors like Anupam Kher, Satish Kausik and Jimmy Shergil, it’s a big opportunity to learn so many things. For any newcomer, the role of Gudia in Ranchi Diaries is a dream role. Now there is a trend that after doing two to three films, an actress prefers to opt for de-glam roles where they can prove their acting skills and not just be glam dolls. But the character of Gudia Sharma was excellent as thanks to it, I got to act and prove my skills in my very first film and I also had three amazing songs to my credit. The character was very relatable and young girls could easily connect with.  

Many Bollywood actors like Salman Khan, Kangana Ranaut among others have appreciated your work. How does it feel? Are you motivated?

Yes, indeed it is very motivating. When you enter Bollywood, even to make the audience sit up and notice is a big deal. Nobody knew anything about me but when stars like Kangana Ranaut, Salman Khan, Varun Dhawan and Hrithik Roshan tweeted about me, I was very happy and thrilled. If the biggest stars of the industry support you, nothing can be better than that! You can’t become a star overnight, it takes at least two to three films to find your place in the industry.

How did you develop interest in acting? Were you interested to be an actress always?

When I was young, I wanted to be everything. After completing my dental studies, I was working as an intern in a hospital. But since during my school days, I was taking dance and acting classes, the interest to be an actress was always there. During my internship, I told my dad that I want to be an actress which he didn’t like and I tried to elope from the house. But later when I again approached them, they agreed and asked my brother who was studying in Singapore to accompany me to Mumbai. After seeing my work and names being published in newspaper, they are now happy with my choice. 

There have been lot of issues about nepotism and it is seen that actors from non-filmy background generally have to struggle a lot. What is your take on this?

Struggle is there in each and every field. Nepotism is there in every field, it has nothing to do with the industry alone. See a doctor who owns a hospital would always prefer his children to take over the legacy. I am not supporting nepotism as I am myself trying to make a place here but it’s natural for filmmakers, producers to opt for someone from their industry rather than taking a risk with an outsider. But now I think the industry is welcoming newcomers like me. I have no background, I have no one in the industry but they still supported me as they liked my work.

After Ranchi Diaries, what’s next?

At present, I am planning to give audition in some good production houses. It would be too early for me to talk about it. Let see what’s there next for me.

Any actors with whom you dream to work?

I would love to work with Aamir Khan and Akshay Kumar. A few days back, I was talking to Varun Dhawan and I said I dream to work with Aamir Sir and Akshay Sir to which Varun said ‘I want to work with you’!

How has been your experience about Odisha?

Oh lovely! During my five days stay, I got an opportunity to explore various places in Bhubaneswar, Konark and Puri. The food is really nice and delicious. Since I am a vegetarian, I tried various vegetarian delicacies like chatubaja, dalma among others.

Picture Courtesy: Rakesh Roul