Soundarya Sharma talks ‘Housefull 5’, Career & More

Since she burst on the Bollywood scene in Ranchi Diaries (2017), Soundarya Sharma has proven to be a star with huge potential.

Her talent glows in every frame she is in.

As she gears up for Akshay Kumar’s Housefull 5, it’s all upwards for Soundarya here.

She is also a dance enthusiast and has vast experience in theatre.

In 2022, she appeared in Bigg Boss 16, and despite finishing in the ninth place, she made a mark on the show.

The star has featured in several music videos as well, including ‘Mast Barsaat‘ and ‘Khoobsurat’. 

Soundarya was originally a dentist, and she went on to star in an advert with the likes of Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, and Shah Rukh Khan.

In our exclusive interview, Soundarya Sharma delved into her career, shared some insights into Housefull 5, and much more. 

What can you tell us about Housefull 5? What is the story, and what is your role?

The film is very different from the previous instalments. I am the new entrant in the film and the most junior.

I am not at ease to release much because of my NDA with the makers.

But I can tell you that I am the surprise package of the film. 

I’m not saying that because I’m part of the film but also as an audience member who would want to watch something like this.

It’s a laughter riot and a larger-than-life plot. There’s a sense of freshness, and it’s a very different storyline.

I’m very thrilled to be a part of it. As a kid, I’ve grown up watching these kinds of films.

Little did I know that one day, I’d be a part of Housefull 5 and it is very exciting.

What has it been like collaborating with Akshay Kumar?

It’s very motivating and I feel that Akshay sir is my lucky charm, because I had done a film back in 2018.

He had come to see the trailer of the film. I was very new to the industry.

I recently did an advert with Akshay sir, but this is my first film with him. 

It feels amazing. This movie is Housefull 5 so it’s mega, humongous and big. 

I’m on top of the world, and he’s so humble and real. He motivates everyone on the set.

There’s a different energy altogether the moment he steps onto the set.

We’ve grown up watching his films, and it feels amazing to be a heroine in his film.

What inspired you to become an actress?

I think I’m a rebel, and I always dreamt big.

I surely knew that I wanted to be famous, play characters, and be someone whom I couldn’t be in my day-to-day life.

That was the actual idea when I was a kid because I didn’t know what acting was.

It’s always in the genes – my mother always wanted to be an actor.

She was always very culturally different. I’m a dancer, and I play a lot of instruments.

In some ways, I feel that I’ve driven this from my mother.

When I saw Titanic (1997) and Kate Winslet’s character Rose, that was so breathtaking.

Sometimes, you get so moved by other people, and I surely knew then that I wanted to be an actress. 

I’m a huge Shah Rukh Khan fan, and that drew me the most towards Bollywood.

Can you tell us about your passion for classical dance? What paved the way for it?

I think passion and creativity are things which either are inside you or are not.

Singing and dancing make me more peaceful and passionate about my life.

I would prefer to use the terms ‘trained dancer’ and classical vocalist’ because I’m trained in that form of dance.

That’s a way of expressing myself as a person, and I’ve always worked towards honing my craft.

I went to The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in Los Angeles to study acting.

I believe that nobody can make you a dancer. You can only polish your skills. 

What do you love about theatre?

Theatre is a very magnanimous form of expression, stories, life, and somebody’s persona.

Everything is out there because you have to be so expressive to even the last person sitting in the audience.

That breaks your inhibition as an actor and as a performer.

If you’re able to do it there, you can do it anywhere else in the world. 

That’s what I love about theatre. It just makes you an uninhibited person.

Also, you learn so much about literature, craft, and stories.

How did appearing in Bigg Boss change your life and career?

I would definitely say that Bigg Boss was life-changing and challenging. 

I’m not cut out for reality shows, but what you’re destined for often finds you.

That’s what happened with Bigg Boss 16. I thought I’d just go for three or four weeks because I can’t fight or fake.

I can’t fight for food, but I ended up until the final.

Now, people are clicking pictures with me, and I think people loved me because I stayed true to myself. 

When I was evicted, my parents were so proud of me. They said that I remained true to myself as a person. 

I couldn’t have faced them being fake, and I also met the producer of Housefull 5.

We were friends, and they loved me in Bigg Boss. They had seen my advert, and that’s how I got the film.

Bigg Boss was a great experience. It taught me different shades of people – not that I have changed at all!

What advice would you give to budding actresses?

Be truthful to yourself and your passion. If you want to become an actress as badly as you need to breathe, then you should definitely enter this industry.

Otherwise, it’s full of challenges because you may get confused. You start to make money and offered brands.

I feel personally that too much of that makes the passion fade.

Never say never because these mediums can help you get a bigger film and bigger role.

As far as I am concerned, fight with the world and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it.

Don’t ever feel low, and believe in yourself. I originally come from the medical industry, so if I can do it, anyone can do it.

My journey has just begun. The eternal faith in yourself will always help you, and you have to be patient.

What do you hope the audience will take away from Housefull 5?

Fun, fun, and more fun! I am hoping that it does well in terms of box office, but I am also hoping people are thoroughly entertained.

It’s very out-of-the-box and larger than life.

Soundarya Sharma is an inspiring and versatile performer. 

Her presence in Housefull 5 is sure to brighten the film with finesse and fun.

Her words, experiences, and attitude towards her craft will be influential for millions of fans. 

She has signed a three-film deal and is hoping to pursue projects in Los Angeles.

As she continues to thrive and explore new horizons, we wish her all the best!