Actor Sezal Sharma is widening her focus to production after working across films, short films, web projects and music videos. The Jalandhar-born actor plans to produce independent films and launch a digital platform for original content under her production banner, Sez Creation.
Sharma says her career has progressed gradually, with each project contributing to her development as an actor.
“My journey has been about growth, patience and continuous learning,” she says. “Every film, web series, short film and music video has shaped me as an actor.”
“At this stage, I want to focus on performance-oriented roles that challenge me emotionally and creatively. Along with acting, I’m also building Sez Creation to produce meaningful content that can connect with audiences not just in India but globally.”
A career-defining film
Of the projects she has worked on, Sharma considers 31st October the most significant. The critically acclaimed film, based on the aftermath of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, gave her a demanding role and brought her wider recognition.
“31st October was definitely a turning point in my career,” she says. “It gave me recognition as a serious actor and proved that I could handle emotionally demanding roles.”
“The film opened doors to more diverse opportunities and gave me confidence that meaningful cinema leaves a lasting impact on both audiences and artists.”
The experience also strengthened her interest in independent cinema.
“Independent films focus more on storytelling and character depth,” she says. “As an actor, that’s very exciting because you get the opportunity to explore complex emotions without being restricted by commercial formulas.”
Her interest in independent cinema also extends to production.
“That’s one of the reasons I enjoy working on independent projects and producing them as well,” she adds.
Recognition at Cannes
Sharma’s short films Parchaaiyaan and Being Alive received recognition at Cannes. She believes such platforms can help independent Indian films find audiences outside the country.
“International platforms like Cannes are extremely important because they give Indian independent cinema the visibility it deserves,” she says. “They prove that good storytelling has no language barriers.”
“Recognition at such festivals encourages filmmakers and actors to create honest, meaningful cinema that can reach audiences across the world.”
Sharma also walked the Cannes red carpet, an experience she says offered more than glamour.
“Walking the Cannes red carpet was a dream come true, but what inspired me the most was watching filmmakers from around the world come together with unique stories,” she recalls.
“It taught me that authenticity is the biggest strength of any film. No matter where you come from, if your story is honest, it will connect with people everywhere.”
A changing industry
Sharma regards the rise of over-the-top (OTT) platforms as one of the most significant changes in the film industry.
“OTT has changed the industry in a very positive way,” she says. “Today, talent matters more than ever because audiences are looking for good performances and fresh stories.”
“Actors now have the opportunity to play diverse characters that may not have been possible in traditional cinema. It’s an exciting time for performers.”
Her own entry into Bollywood, however, came without connections or a film-industry background.
“There were no connections or shortcuts,” she says. “I had to earn every audition and every opportunity through hard work and persistence.”
Rejections were frequent, but Sharma says they strengthened her resolve.
“There were many moments of rejection, but I never allowed them to define me,” she says. “Instead, they made me stronger and more determined to prove myself.”
Her experiences have also informed her views on nepotism, beauty standards and typecasting in the industry.
“I think every actor faces some form of these challenges,” she says. “As an outsider, there are moments when you have to work twice as hard to be noticed.”
“But I’ve always believed that talent, discipline and consistency eventually speak louder than stereotypes.”
Choosing roles carefully
Having worked across films, music videos and brand collaborations, Sharma says she has become increasingly selective about projects.
“For me, it’s always about the quality of the project rather than the quantity,” she says. “I ask myself whether the role or collaboration adds value to my journey, challenges me creatively and reflects who I am as an artist.”
“If the answer is yes, I’m happy to be a part of it.”
She is particularly interested in biopics, psychological thrillers and emotionally layered dramas.
“I’m looking for strong, performance-driven characters that have emotional depth,” she says. “I also dream of playing a powerful woman inspired by real life, someone whose journey can inspire others.”
Asked whether she considers social media an opportunity, a responsibility or a source of pressure, Sharma says it combines all three.
“I see it as all three,” she says. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect directly with people who support my work. At the same time, it comes with responsibility because whatever we share can influence others.”
“I try not to let it become a pressure and instead use it to share authentic moments from my journey.”
For newcomers hoping to enter the industry, Sharma emphasises patience and continued training.
“My advice is simple: Be patient, keep learning and never lose faith in yourself,” she says. “Success doesn’t happen overnight.”
“Keep training, keep auditioning and don’t compare your journey with anyone else’s.”
She also cautions aspiring actors against treating rejection as failure.
“Every rejection teaches you something, and if you’re consistent, the right opportunity will come.”
Plans for Sez Creation
Sharma has several films, web series and music videos awaiting release, besides acting projects that have yet to be announced.
“I have a few films, web series and music videos that are set to release soon, and I’m also working on a couple of new acting projects that I’ll be able to announce shortly,” she says.
She is simultaneously developing independent films and a digital platform through Sez Creation.
“As a producer under Sez Creation, I’m developing independent films and planning to launch my own digital platform with vertical series,” she says. “It’s an exciting phase, and I can’t wait to share these projects with everyone.”
Sanjay Leela Bhansali is at the top of her list of filmmakers she hopes to work with.
“I would love to work with Sanjay Leela Bhansali because of the grandeur, emotions and beauty he brings to every film,” she says.
Sharma also admires filmmakers Rajkumar Hirani and Imtiaz Ali. Her preferred co-stars include Shah Rukh Khan, Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra, whom she describes as artists who continue to reinvent themselves and inspire generations.
The actor added, “As an actor, Priyanka
Chopra inspires me the most.”
Over the next five years, Sharma hopes to balance acting with production while creating opportunities for emerging talent.
“I want to be known as an actor who takes on memorable roles and as a producer who creates meaningful stories through Sez Creation,” she says. “I also hope my digital platform becomes a space where fresh talent and unique stories get the opportunity they deserve.”
“My biggest goal,” she says, “is to make Indian stories reach audiences across the world.”
