Odia Actress Sonalli Sharmisstha Shares Experience of Working in YRF’s ‘Akka’

Bhubaneswar: Odia actress Sonalli Sharmisstha is excited about being part of the recently released Hindi web series Akka, which features acclaimed actors Radhika Apte and Keerthy Suresh in lead roles.

Sharing her experience of working in the Yash Raj Films production, Sonalli said that even a small role can open doors to bigger opportunities, emphasising the importance of dedication, patience and perseverance.

Taking to social media, Sonalli shared a glimpse of her look from the series along with a photograph from the sets. Reflecting on her journey, she wrote, “The character may be small, but you never know when a big opportunity will come your way. Just believe in the process and keep going. Nothing is ever small when you give it your heart and dedication.”

Directed by Dharmaraj Shetty, Akka is a crime thriller set in the 1980s in the fictional South Indian kingdom of Perunuru, a society dominated by a powerful sisterhood. The series revolves around the power struggle between Bhavani, played by Keerthy Suresh, and Rudra, portrayed by Radhika Apte, as the latter challenges the established matriarchal order.

The series also features Tanvi Azmi, Poornima Indrajith and Mahesh Manjrekar in significant roles. It premiered on Netflix on October 30, 2026.

For Sonalli, being associated with a prestigious production house like Yash Raj Films and sharing screen space with established performers marks another significant step in her acting journey.

Hailing from Jajpur district of Odisha, Sonalli’s tryst with acting began at the age of seven when she participated in street plays in her village under the guidance of her aunt. An engineering graduate from Centurion University in Bhubaneswar, she moved to Mumbai in 2017 to pursue her passion for acting.

Her initial years in Mumbai involved working in private jobs while simultaneously attending auditions and acting workshops. She eventually got a breakthrough with filmmaker Nila Madhab Panda’s critically acclaimed film Kalira Atita (Yesterday’s Past), which brought her recognition and gave her career a significant boost.

Since then, Sonalli has worked across different languages and genres, building a diverse portfolio in films and digital entertainment. Her notable projects include Netflix’s Delhi Crime, Tribhanga, The Jengaburu Curse, Paani, The Face of the Faceless, Shamshera and Baby John, among others.

She has also maintained her association with Odia cinema. One of her notable performances was in Abhishek Swain’s Jajabara 2.0, where she portrayed Manini, a bar singer who aspires to leave behind her troubled circumstances and begin a new life. The film received appreciation for its unconventional storytelling and performances.

Having explored projects in Odia, Hindi, Malayalam, Maithili and Rajasthani, Sonalli has established herself as an actor willing to experiment with diverse characters. From independent and art-house cinema to mainstream films and OTT productions, she continues to explore new opportunities.

Her latest association with Akka adds another notable project to her growing portfolio, reflecting her belief in the importance of learning, dedication and staying committed to the craft.