EXCLUSIVE: Soundarya Sharma reveals that she is the “SURPRISE package” of Housefull 5: “Akshay Kumar is very GOOFY; I was treated like a superstar on the sets…”

The beautiful Soundarya Sharma got national attention thanks to her stint in Bigg Boss 16 and also her appearance in the Vimal ad with Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Akshay Kumar. Right now, she’s on cloud nine as she has bagged the multi-starrer comedy, Housefull 5, co-starring Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Abhishek Bachchan and others. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Soundarya spoke about it and a lot more.

How has been the year for you? It’s been very overwhelming and very thrilling. It’s exciting to be a part of such a mega-franchise and to be featured alongside Akshay sir, Riteish sir and Abhishek sir. It has a humongous cast. As kids, we used to dance to the songs of multi-starrers and today, I am a part of one such film (smiles).

How did you bag the film? Did the Vimal ad help in any way? Yes, but I would say that everything is connected and helps you in some way. The ad played a major role in it. People have Godfathers in the industry. I have a God sister - Warda Nadiadwala (smiles). We were always good friends and they had seen me in Bigg Boss. Then the ad came out and it became the most controversial one. Also, Warda happened to see one of my showreels. One fine day, she called me up and asked to come over for tea. That’s when she told me that I am a part of Housefull 5. It was a surprise for me and I was overwhelmed.

It was a controversial ad but it grabbed eyeballs among the people and also the industry… Absolutely. There couldn’t have been a better opportunity for a newcomer like me who was trying for a foothold in the industry. Who would say ‘No’ to an ad like that? Also, not every big ad necessarily translates into bigger work. So many people are also doing such big ads. But this was an unprecedented one. I don’t remember anything of this sort happening to any actress or any newcomer. But translating into bigger work is always commendable.

Housefull 5 went on floors in mid-September. Hence, did you have a working birthday, on September 20? (Smiles) Oh yes, I did. I celebrated on the cruise and I had a great time. It was the kind of birthday I was always looking forward to in my life (laughs).

How was it to be on a cruise and shooting for this film? It was fantastic and more like a picnic. Everyone was so good. Akshay sir is so goofy. Riteish sir, too, is goofy and also very cute. I was treated like a superstar. I don’t remember anyone making me feel like a junior, except when they wanted to troll me and play pranks on me (laughs)!

Did you get to see the punctual side of Akshay Kumar and did that add any pressure? I am also punctual. Sometimes, I come and start the generator on the sets! Hence, for me, it was not a problem. And yes, he’s very punctual and there are so many things from him to learn from. There’s a reason why he's been a superstar for so many years.

Did your stay in the USA help you develop a sense of punctuality? No. It’s in my genes. I come from a family of teachers and IAS. I, myself, am a doctor. Toh humko time pe pahuchna hi hota hai. Hence, I am the first one in my team to reach anywhere. At times, I have even been told, ‘Aap thoda late aa jao’!

You were shortlisted for Wonder Woman 1984 (2020). Any plans to try for a role in a Hollywood project? Regarding Wonder Woman, I guess let bygones be bygones. But definitely, something is on the cards. I am flying to Los Angeles and France in January.

You said in an interview that you were also one of the shortlisted actors for a film that went to the Oscars. Was it Laapataa Ladies or All We Imagine As Light? I don’t want to name the film as it won’t be right on the part of the actor who got the role. I had actually thought that I’d be out of the Bigg Boss house in 4 weeks. But I never ever thought in my wildest dreams that I’d be there until the finale. So, God had His plans. Nevertheless, I went through a tough time as things were sorted for me then. But now I feel Housefull 5 is the best thing that has happened to me.

Can we expect a madcap entertainer from Housefull 5? Definitely. We are having a lot of fun while shooting. And I am the surprise package of Housefull 5 (smiles).

Is the shoot complete? No. We are still shooting.

What next apart from the project that you will begin shooting for in January 2025? I may have something in December. I may have signed a three-film deal; you never know! When things happen, people will get to know. Warna nazar bhi lag sakti hai. I am a little superstitious about it. Hence, when I start shooting, I talk about it.

Any final thoughts on your journey? I have worked hard. Difficult is an understatement coming this far. But my journey has just begun. You need that one person who holds your hand and gives you the platform. I am so grateful to Warda for doing that, especially in an industry where there are so many talented people.

Also Read: Soundarya Sharma speaks on featuring in Vimal ad featuring Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Akshay Kumar; calls it “unprecedented”