Sony SAB artists reveal the icons who ignited their love for acting

Mumbai: Behind every actor is a guiding light that inspired them to dream. For the beloved artists of Sony SAB’s show, the journey into acting wasn’t just about fame or fortune; it was about following the footsteps of legends who moved them, taught them, and shaped their aspirations. In this heartfelt tribute, Sony SAB actors open up about the iconic figures who influenced their craft and the deep-rooted admiration that still fuels their love for storytelling today.

Aditya Redij playing the role of King Krishnadevaraya in Tenali Rama: “Acting found me before I found it. I was always drawn to storytelling—whether on stage or in front of the camera. What cemented my decision was the joy I felt every time I slipped into a new character. Shah Rukh Khan’s journey has always inspired me. He came from a non-filmy background, faced struggles, yet carved a place for himself with sheer talent and hard work. His transition from TV to films was proof that dreams can come true if you stay focused and believe in yourself. Watching him succeed gave hope to many of us who started on similar paths.”

Karuna Pandey playing the role of Pushpa in Pushpa Impossible: “Bachchan saab in Agneepath was amazing —in all his films, he’s just incredible. Then there’s Dilip Kumar, Ashok Kumar, and Guru Dutt! So many legends have inspired me. When it comes to actresses, both in India and abroad, I admire so many. From Hollywood, Meryl Streep is one of my absolute favorites, along with Julia Roberts. In Hindi and Marathi cinema, it depends on the project — every actor brings something unique, and different roles have inspired me in different ways.” 

Krishna Bharadwaj playing the role of Tenali Rama in Tenali Rama: “My biggest inspiration has always been my father, Aditya Bharadwaj. He’s not just my parent but also an incredible actor and director. Watching him perform and create magic on stage and screen sparked my passion for acting. His dedication to the craft taught me everything — from discipline to the importance of staying grounded. Playing Rama in Tenali Rama was a dream come true, but the seed of that dream was planted by him."

Indraxi Kanjilal, playing the role of Prarthana in Pushpa Impossible: “I’ve always been deeply inspired by the actors and actresses from the 70s and 80s era of Bollywood, there was a certain grace and intensity in their performances that still moves me. I also absolutely love Preity Zinta, especially from her 2000s films. Her energy, charm, and expressive acting left an impression on me while growing up. These artists shaped my understanding of performance and continue to influence the way I approach my role as Prarthana in Pushpa Impossible.”