Rashmi Rekha Das, OP
Sonam Joholy Khilar is a pocket-sized powerhouse of talent and aims to make it big in the Oriya film industry one day
Between the ‘saas-bahu’ dramas and reality shows on the small screen, the television industry is making way for some child artistes. From portraying historical characters to playing rivetting roles, these young guns are making a name for themselves and are fast becoming household names. Bhadrak-based Sonam Joholy Khilar is one of them who is all set to make waves in the regional film industry. She recently made her debut in the television industry and won kudos for her acting prowess in the tele soap ‘Aagya mind kale ki’. Orissa Post talks to the budding and promising actor about her future plans.
Daughter of businessman Pabitra Mohan and poetess Chaitali Khilar, Sonam started dancing when she was just two. Be it dance competitions or fancy dress competitions, she bags the first prize for sure. The Standard I student of SBD International school has received awards from eminent personalities like Anu Choudhury, Kuna Tripathy, Debjani, Hari and Daitari Panda. “When she was just two, she could not take her eyes off the television set when any dance prgramme was being telecast. Seeing her growing interest in dance, we decided to hone her skills. She has been learning modern dance under the tutelage of Pitambar Reddy since then.”
Sonam is also a popular face in advertisements telecast by local channels in Bhadrak. She was conferred with Kuni Raja pari award organised by a voluntary organisation in Bhadrak.
About a most cherished moment, her mother says:?“She was in kindergarten when she participated in a district level fancy dress competition and won the first prize. She had received a cash prize of Rs 1,500. That apart, she has recently participated in fancy dress competitions. Despite being a girl, she expressed her desire to dress up as Lord Srikrishna instead of Radha. None from the audience could discover that she was a girl. Around 180 participants were there and my daughter came first.”
“Khusi (her nickname) was so passionate about dance that once she was performing to the song ‘Dafli Wale Dafli Baja’ at Bhadrak Town Hall when her saree got undraped in the middle of the performance. But she did not run away from stage and performed till the end of the show. She wowed the audience and judges,” says the proud mother, adding that “I will be happy when my little angel will carve a niche for herself in Oriya filmdom. If all goes well, she will be seen in the movie ‘Mu Bajigara’ soon.”
About her memorable moment, Sonam says “I was in KG when I participated in a fancy dress competition. We were told to dress as angels. All of my friends and seniors had come in the attire of an angel. But I bagged the first prize. I loved the moment when I was given the angel award.”
About her inspiration, Sonam says: “My mother is my BFF, guide and inspiration. She always encourages me and supports me. Be it Bhubaneswar, Puri, Balasore or Bhadrak, she takes me everywhere to participate in stage shows.”
