Soundarya Sharma Reacts To Objectification Claims In Housefull 5: ‘I Don't See Any Of It'

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Housefull 5 actress Soundarya Sharma responds to criticism about female objectification in the film, saying she doesn't see it and was surprised by the backlash.
Actor Soundarya Sharma, who appeared in Housefull 5, has finally responded to criticism surrounding the portrayal of female characters in the recently released film. In a conversation with DNA India, the Bigg Boss 16 alum seemed caught off guard when asked about the objectification of women and the focus on looks over substance in the slapstick comedy.
'I don't see that, I don't see any of it," she replied, visibly surprised. 'Pata nahi, aap bol rahe ho toh… Honestly, I haven't gotten time to sit and read all of these because I've been busy counting numbers and celebrating. I think the makers would be the right people to answer this, because an actor is just part of someone else's vision. It's made in a very light way and with heart. I don't know kaun hai yeh log jo iss tarah baat kar rahe hai," she added, deflecting the criticism.
Touching upon the criticism of the outfits worn by female actors in the film, Soundarya reasoned, 'I feel it's not the first time someone has worn something like that. It's also a reflection of society, not that they've forced anything. Actors have worn everything from bikinis to sarees before. Aisa kuch samajh mein mere ko nahi aa raha hai."
Despite her defense, the internet didn't hold back. A clip of the interview surfaced on Reddit, with users debating whether she was downplaying the issue or simply toeing the industry line. One comment read, 'Poor girl's entire existence in the film was reduced to just being there for the male gaze and she thinks there wasn't any objectification?" Another added, 'This is her relaunch movie and she's happy to be a part of it, what else do people want her to say?"
A more sympathetic user pointed out, 'She's not a nepo kid. It's a big deal for her to be in a star-studded movie. Speaking against the film could mean losing future opportunities."
Directed by Tarun Mansukhani, Housefull 5 marks the fifth chapter in the blockbuster franchise that began in 2010. The film boasts a massive ensemble including Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sonam Bajwa, Nargis Fakhri, and veterans like Jackie Shroff, Nana Patekar, Johny Lever, and Sanjay Dutt. It hit theatres on June 6 under the Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment banner.
Outside of Housefull 5, Soundarya Sharma has appeared in films like Ranchi Diaries and web series such as Raktanchal 2, Country Mafia, and Karm Yuddh. Whether or not Housefull 5 elevates her to the next level remains to be seen—but for now, she's standing by the film that relaunched her in the Bollywood mainstream.
First Published:
June 15, 2025, 15:06 IST