Exclusive interview with Ritika Sharma, Indian Actress, Model and Singer

By Jean-Paul Eliard
The 02 September 2025

Hi Ritika, I am very happy to do this interview.

Could you introduce yourself to the visitors of cinema-movietheater.com?

Hi, my name is Rithika Sharma.

I’m an indian actor, model and singer with a passion for storytelling that found its stage when I landed my first paid gig at 16.
I also hold a master's degree in dramatic arts and my artistic journey also led me to Shanghai, where I earned a scholarship in Beijing Opera from the Shanghai Theatre Academy.

Since my early start, I’ve actively performed in theatre and on screen, always seeking roles that challenge me. In 2022, I received recognition for a distinctive character I played in the series “Campus Diaries,” available on MX Player and Amazon Prime.

Most recently, I acted in “Saare Jahan Se Accha,” a Bombay Fables production that premiered on Netflix on August 13th, where I played the character of Sufiya.
 
What do you like when you read the script?

What I liked most about the script of Saare Jahan Se Accha was its intelligence and authenticity.
The screenplay dives deep into the shadowy world of espionage but stays grounded in reality, rather than veering into glamour or spectacle.
The plot blends historical events, especially the nuclear race between India and Pakistan in the 1970s, with fictional drama to create real tension, showing how political intrigue and personal sacrifice shape each character’s choices.
I absolutely loved the script when I first read it and I appreciated how the script demanded I engage deeply, both as an actor and as a reader; the complex characters and careful balance between suspense and emotion made it genuinely compelling.

And what did you think when you discovered your character Sufiya (Murtaza's Sister)?

When I discovered the character of Sufiya (Murtaza's sister) in Saare Jahan Se Accha, I was immediately intrigued by her emotional complexity.
Sufiya for me represents the vulnerability and humanity behind the grand machinery of espionage, offering a unique female perspective in a narrative saturated with strategic conflict and male ambition.
As an actress, I appreciated how Sufiya’s arc revealed layers of loyalty, internal struggle, and resilience.
She is caught between the familial love for her brother and the harsh realities of political discord, which made her motivations nuanced and also extremely relatable.
Her presence in the story is not just emotional ballast; she amplifies the cost of secrecy and sacrifice, reminding the audience that the outcomes of spy games ripple deeply into personal lives.
Navigating my path in the industry, I value characters like Sufiya because they challenge typecasting and allow me to portray authentic emotion in heightened circumstances.
Playing Sufiya was a golden chance for me to embody strength, empathy, and quiet courage, proving that sometimes the most gripping stories are those told from the shadows. 
 
Can you tell us how you got your role?

I got the role through a rather unexpected and exciting audition process.
I wasn’t told anything about the project itself, just that the director would be Sumit Purohit, which immediately piqued my interest and raised the stakes for me professionally.
Having long admired his work, I knew that if Sumit Sir is directing, the project is bound to be meaningful so I was determined to give it my absolute best.
So I was asked by my agent to submit a self tape, this was post third wave of COVID.
Interestingly, the script they sent wasn’t for my actual character but was a scene from a completely different film. I recorded the self tape, sent it in, and then moved on without dwelling on it.
A couple of months later, my casting agent called to say that someone from the production would be reaching out, that my audition had been selected for a Netflix series, and that they loved my tape.
It was one of those surreal moments; I was out grocery shopping when I got the news and I was genuinely overwhelmed.
I was then asked to block my dates for the shoot in Delhi, which was scheduled for February the following year.
That day is still vivid in my memory; the mix of excitement, gratitude, and disbelief reminded me why I love this industry and cherish every opportunity to be part of such powerful storytelling. 

How was the shooting with Sunny Hinduja, Kunal Thakur, Anoop Singh,..........?
 I truly cherished my time on the sets of Saare Jahan Se Accha, especially because I got to work alongside such remarkable talents like Sunny Hinduja, Anup Soni, and Nakul Sahdev.
From the very beginning, the atmosphere was warm and collaborative.
I first met Sunny Hinduja Sir, and we spent some time chatting casually before he graciously invited me into his vanity area to rehearse our scenes together with the dialect coach.
We made it a point to rehearse before every scene, Sunny Sir was incredibly kind, attentive, and chivalrous, he even asked about my background, and also whether I had lunch or not, always making sure I was comfortable and cared for.
His considerate nature made the entire experience really enjoyable.
Our dialect coach then introduced me to Nakul,  who played my on-screen husband. I was a bit flustered and in a rush because I’d misplaced my phone and was busy searching for it.
When I mentioned I needed to leave, the coach jokingly refused to let me go, only for Nakul to kindly say I should absolutely find my phone first.
Nakul was genuinely kind and easy to connect with. During the shoot of our wedding day scenes, I found myself blushing every time I saw him.
I remember at one point, I asked for a black coffee, and Nakul, having overheard, graciously offered me some from his own mug with a smile, saying I’d like it.
Though I’m naturally shy, but from the inside I was filled with butterflies and quietly enjoying every moment.
So ya, working with such talented and considerate co-actors made the shoot a truly memorable and delightful experience for me.

Where is this TV serie shot?  
My scenes were shot in Delhi, India. Although the filming took place in various locations across the country and overseas as well to capture the essence and period setting of the 70s, and most of the scenes were shot at real locations.

Do you watch yourself during the broadcast?

Like many actors, I am often more passionate about the process of acting itself than the end result on screen.
Sometimes, the act of performing is where the true joy lies, and the final viewing is just a reflection of that hard work in my opinion.
So, while I do watch occasionally, but I do so with a critical eye and a deep respect for the collaborative art form it represents.

 
When and why did you choose to become an actress? Is it a film, an actress.........? 
I believe my journey to becoming an actress began when I was very little around five or six years old.
Growing up, my childhood was filled with the magic of cinema, especially the classic 70s and 80s films that my grandparents loved to watch.
I spent countless hours sitting with them, mesmerized by the timeless songs and stories from the films of legends like Manoj Kumar, Rajesh Khanna, Dilip Kumar, Waheeda Rehman, and Madhubala.
My grandfather was a wonderful storyteller, often sharing tales about the superstars of Indian cinema and the golden era that shaped so much of our cultural narrative.
It wasn’t just one film or a single actress that inspired me; rather, it was this deep-rooted love and curiosity for storytelling and the rich heritage of Indian cinema that quietly took hold of my heart.
That early connection to the power of stories and performances planted the seed for my passion to become an actress, a path where I could immerse myself in bringing stories to life and connecting with audiences on a profound level. 

What is your next challenge / project? 
At present, I do not have any film projects lined up, but I am actively auditioning for substantial and meaningful roles.
In parallel, I am dedicating my time to rehearsing for a solo theatre production, which is scheduled to be performed next month in Delhi.
I am excited about the opportunity to bring this production to life on stage and am hopeful to take it to other cities and potentially international audiences as well.
I have also recently auditioned for a significant role in a film produced by a major banner, so I am very hopeful about that opportunity. Wish me luck!
 

Do you have anything else you'd like to add?

Yes, I would like to add something personal, so when I started out, I never thought I’d be able to crack this industry without any guidance or an influential background.
Yet, here I am, continuously growing and achieving my dreams through sheer determination and hard work. So, I am 1000% sure that if I could do it, you absolutely can too. Never stop dreaming, keep manifesting, and keep putting in the effort.
Trust me one day, you’ll not only achieve your goals but often surpass even your own expectations.
Believe in yourself and trust the journey; your dreams are closer than you think.

Thank you very much for your interview Rikita, I wish you the best.
 

More information about Rikita on Instagram, on Facebook and on IMDb.

My preview :

Saare Jahan Se Accha (Netflix) is a captivating Indian spy series set in the 1970s.
All the actors are excellent, with a special mention for Pratik Gandhi, who plays a spy with remarkable finesse.

Saare Jahan Se Accha is a true lesson in creating a compelling yet deeply human spy drama. Set against the tense backdrop of Indo-Pakistani intelligence operations, this serie offers a captivating experience.

My mark :
09 / 10