Soundarya Sharma, who made her acting debut with Ranchi Diaries in 2017, is one of the 16 participants of Salman Khan's Bigg Boss 16. A dentist by profession, the reality show is her second project in showbiz. 

In an exclusive interview with PeepingMoon.com, Soundarya spoke about her expectations from Bigg Boss 16. She also expressed her desire to reach out to a wider audience through the show and state the fact that she's still a part of the industry. Excerpts from the interview: 

What’s your expectation from Bigg Boss 16?

It is a new experience altogether. It's like an exam; I don’t know how to put it in words. I am excited, nervous etc. It is a mixed feeling. 

Were you approached for any previous season?

Indirectly yes, legitimately the first time.  

You’ve done a film in the past. Why did you choose a reality show?

Ranchi Diaries released in 2018 and after that, I received many offers from the South. Since I was a medical-dental student, I wanted my second to be better than the first. You don’t become a star overnight especially when you are an outsider. In the meantime, I decided to work on my skills and went to Los Angeles to learn acting. By then, the OTT started booming and I did Raktanchal 1 & 2; we'll start shooting for season 3 soon and my other show is also coming up. Bigg Boss 16 will also give me a chance to show people that even I am there. I want to be loved by all. Also, I wanted to see how people live for months without phones.  

In the past, actors have benefitted from Bigg Boss, personally and professionally too. Are you expecting the same?

Everybody’s journey is different. Kehte hai na karm karo phal ki chinta mat karo. I am here to enjoy my journey, karm toh hota rahega. 

It is often said that actors do Bigg Boss either due to lack of income or unemployment. Some are often shamed for it too. Do such notions affect you too?

I don’t think there is this notion anymore. More so, I never watched Bigg Boss. There are two kinds of people who come to Bigg Boss. One who want work and one who really wants to be loved by the audience. 

Are you open to finding love on the show?

Let’s see how it goes.