Bigg Boss Alum Soundarya Sharma Takes on Nepotism in Bollywood

The fifth installment of the much-loved Housefull franchise has hit the screens, and as expected, its star-studded cast is making waves. Directed by Tarun Mansukhani, Housefull 5 features prominent names such as Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Abhishek Bachchan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sonam Bajwa, Nargis Fakhri, Sanjay Dutt, Jackie Shroff, and Nana Patekar. But among these familiar faces, one name that has particularly grabbed the audience’s attention is Soundarya Sharma, who plays the character ‘Lucy’.

While the ensemble cast adds weight to the film, it is Soundarya’s compelling performance and unique journey that is garnering headlines. A certified dentist by profession, Soundarya made a bold transition from medicine to movies — a move that was driven purely by her passion for acting.

From Dental Clinics to Film Sets

Born and raised in Delhi, Soundarya Sharma holds a Bachelor's degree in Dental Studies. During her medical residency, she began developing an interest in performing arts, eventually becoming a finalist in the Miss India pageant. Determined to pursue her dream, she trained at the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD) and later at the New York Film Academy.

Soundarya made her film debut in 2017 with Ranchi Diaries, a performance that earned her praise and a nomination for Best Female Debut. She continued to explore the industry, appearing in the web series Raktanchal 2 in 2022, and gaining wider recognition as a contestant in Bigg Boss 16.

Controversy Over Pan Masala Ad

Despite her growing popularity, Soundarya has not been without controversy. She faced criticism for appearing in a pan masala advertisement alongside Bollywood megastars Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Akshay Kumar. Addressing the backlash in an interview with Bollywood Bubble, she said:

“No, I don’t regret it. Because I think my choices as an actor are very different from the choices as a dentist or as a normal person. Why would I say no to something where I can be a part of and share the screen with the biggest megastars of the country? Everyone is saying pan masala, gutka… agar aap itna moral policing kar rahe hai toh un logo ko rokiye na jo kha rahe hai. So how only actors are responsible? Audience ko malum hai – they are very smart.”

Speaking Out Against Nepotism and the Casting Couch

Known for her candid nature, Soundarya Sharma has often spoken about the challenges faced by outsiders in the industry. In an interview with India.com, she addressed the issue of the casting couch, stating that while she has never experienced it personally, she believes it’s a matter of individual choice — not coercion.

However, her journey has not been free of struggles. Speaking to The Times of India, Soundarya shared a disheartening encounter with a well-known casting agent early in her career.

“I was told the very first day — and I knew that person is a very good casting agent — he said, ‘You’re not dating an actor, a producer, or a star kid. What makes you think that you are pretty, talented, and that will make you a star?’ I had no clue. I came back and I cried. But that day gave me a reality check.”

Rising Despite the Odds

Soundarya Sharma's journey from dentistry to Bollywood is a testament to resilience and determination. In an industry often criticized for favouring insiders, she has managed to carve out her space through sheer grit and talent. With her role in Housefull 5, Soundarya not only showcases her acting chops but also symbolizes the emerging wave of self-made artists who are changing the face of Indian cinema.