On the birth anniversary of actress Soundarya, born as Sowmya Sathyanarayana, fans across the country continue to remember one of Indian cinema’s most graceful performers. Though her career lasted only about a decade, she made history by acting in more than 100 films across Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, Malayalam and Hindi cinema, leaving behind performances that are still cherished today.
While she appeared in only one Hindi film Sooryavansham (1999), the movie went on to become one of the most frequently telecast films on Indian television. however, beyond her acting it was her simple outlook towards cinema and life that made her stand apart!
She Never Chased Stardom
Looking back at an exclusive throwback interview with Lehren during the shooting of Sooryavansham, Soundarya spoke honestly about her dreams as an actor.
Talking about the kind of career she wanted, she said, “Always down South, I thought, ‘I should become a versatile actor.’ I don’t like to be typecast that ‘this girl can only do this role.’ So down South, I’m doing all different roles in Tamil, Telugu and Kannada, and concentrating on versatile roles. So I’d like to take the name as a versatile actress, whether it’s in Hindi.”
She further explained that fame was never her biggest goal but being a great artist is the aim. “My only ambition in Hindi… I’m not aiming to become any star or like that. I’d like to take the name as an artist. I don’t want to get into this number game. I’d like to do good roles which will get me recognition,” the actress added.
Actress Soundarya Thoughts On South And Bollywood Were Ahead Of Time
At a time when discussions around South cinema and Bollywood already existed, actress Soundarya shared a balanced perspective that still feels relevant today.
When asked about actors working across different industries, she replied, “I strongly believe that art has no language bar. Wherever you go, it’s only acting. There’s not much difference in Bombay and the South. The language differs, but the acting is the same. The lights, the camera, everything is the same, so I don’t find much difference. I feel comfortable anywhere.”
When asked if she welcomed such collaborations, she simply answered, “Yes.”
Her words reflected a belief that artists should not be limited by language or region but should embrace every opportunity to grow.
A Vision That Lives On
Today, Indian cinema celebrates films and actors crossing language barriers more than ever. And looking back at legendary Soundarya’s thoughts seem remarkably relevant. She believed that good performances matter more than labels, industries or stardom.
Even after more than two decades since her passing, audiences continue to remember her not just for her memorable performances but also for her humility, simplicity and love for meaningful cinema.
Soundarya once said she wanted people to remember her as an artist rather than a star. Looking at the love she continues to receive even today, it is safe to say that her wish came true. Her films remain timeless, and her words continue to inspire generations of actors and cinema lovers alike.
To catch this great conversation in full length, here’s the full interview below:
