SHE may not be a singer like her celebrated singer father or her younger sister who continues the family legacy. Rather Sofia Alam is the confident and talented actor who has made her own place in the TV industry and continues to mesmerise the Oriya viewers. More than eight years in the serial world, Sofia has achieved what she dreamt of. But now, she believes its time for new challenges.
Being the elder daughter of Sikandar Alam, Sofia just like her younger sister grew up with singing lessons. But her secret undisclosed dream was the screen. Acting was what she was always attracted to but it was singing that she was always picked for at school. “I was not a brilliant singer though not a bad one. But it was Nazia who had that spark since childhood. My dream was acting,” declares Sofia. Though she had an experience of camera in her childhood and teens, it was never a serious choice for this BJB Commerce graduate who had almost become a banker. Spotted by director Subrat Nayak in 2001 during a wedding party, she was offered Bidhata Ra Khela on the spot. “The next day I had to make a choice - either join a banking job or get set for a shoot. But I chose my first love and here I am today,” Sofia says.
The serial world was undergoing a renovation as the elite audience were targeted at and Sofia finally got assured of making a career in the industry. Mega serials poured in one after another offering roles that were immensely challenging and seldom dared for. Duhita, the superhit serial, for example, featured her as a semi-retarded daughter of a reputed family while she played a traditional Oriya bahu in Mahayagyan. Bhagyabidhata and the on-going popular serial Sanskar soon followed. She also hosted few popular shows. Sofia proved her ability to everyone by winning the most coveted awards that she very well deserved within the first year of her career.
Today, when not busy shooting, she spends her time at home doing what she loves most, cooking and listening to music. When asked if marriage is on the cards, the diplomatic Sofia dismisses the thought immediately. “Come on, this is the time to concentrate on making a strong career,” she answers. A caring elder sister, Nazia is her best friend she says.
Coming back to the industry and its atmosphere, “It could be more happening but everyone’s efforts are needed,” says Sofia. As her flair for acting demands, she is now set to make a bigger entry to filmdom after having performed a couple of short roles in recent movies. “I wish I was given a role like Sridevi’s in Sadma. Selective that I am, I have to confess I’m still waiting for good offers,” she says. So, will she prefer films to serials? “I would never pick one and disown the other. Both can continue together,” states Sofia in her impeccable English.
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