In an exclusive chat with The Pioneer, Sophie Choudry delves into the deep connection between her dual passions for music and acting. The versatile artist reveals how acting enhances her emotional delivery in live performances, while music shapes her on-screen roles. Sophie also opens up about her embrace of technology, from remote recording setups to exploring AI tools, noting that while tech can refine precision, it can never replace the raw emotion that fuels her art
Tejal Sinha
tejal.sinha30@gmail.com
Sophie Choudry is a name that rings synonymous with versatility—whether it’s through her powerful vocals, her dynamic acting roles, or her ability to seamlessly merge both art forms. But what happens when you throw technology into the mix? In an exclusive conversation, Sophie opened up about how acting and music fuel each other, how she’s embracing digital platforms to enhance her career and her future vision for immersive performances.
Though Sophie has been deeply invested in music in latest years, she believes both music and acting are intricately connected. “Music and acting are both about storytelling,” she says with a sparkle in her eye, leaning into her years of experience as an artist who’s lived both sides. “Acting helps me tap into deeper emotions, which brings more authenticity to my singing. And music sharpens my rhythm, voice modulation and emotional timing, which naturally enriches my acting.”
Her love for storytelling through both art forms isn’t just theoretical; it’s a personal truth. Sophie reveals that acting enhances her singing, especially on stage, where her emotions run wild. “Acting teaches you to be uninhibited, and that’s what we need as performers,” she notes, talking about the emotional freedom she gains from portraying characters. That same freedom spills over into her music, enriching her live performances. For the Once Upon ay Time in Mumbai Dobaara! fame, acting is a fuel for a more passionate, authentic delivery on stage.
Her musical journey began long before her first acting role. “Ironically, I used to write more lyrics when I was younger, even before I started acting,” she admits, a subtle hint of nostalgia in her voice. Despite her early start in music, she confesses that acting has shaped her performances in ways she couldn’t have imagined. “I think acting has undeniably enriched my musical performances, especially when it comes to live shows. It’s all about connecting with the audience, right? And acting gives you that confidence to be raw and uninhibited on stage,” she says.
But it’s not just the music that has benefitted from her acting experiences. The ability to step into different roles has translated into her live performances, making each song feel like a narrative. “Being an actor helps me fully express my emotions when performing. It’s all about tapping into the right feelings—whether on-screen or on stage.”
While she thrives in the realm of traditional artistry, she’s also fully aware of the digital revolution shaping the entertainment landscape. Technology, she says, has been crucial in balancing her careers as a musician and an actor. “Technology lets us all work smarter—remote recordings, self-tape auditions, mobile production tools—these make it possible to stay active without being tied to one physical space,” she points out. The ability to work remotely has allowed her to continue her creative journey without geographical limitations.
For her, online learning is one of the most exciting aspects of this new era. “During the lockdown, I got the chance to take online classes with vocal coaches from different countries, giving live feedback to each other. That was a game-changer,” she shares, clearly enthusiastic about the doors technology has opened for global collaboration.
As digital platforms like YouTube and Instagram have exploded in popularity, she has found new ways to showcase her music and acting, blending both in innovative ways. “I’ve always expressed myself through music videos… it’s what I’ve been known for even before digital platforms took off,” she explains. But now, with the advent of shorter formats like reels, she’s learned how to make the most of limited attention spans. “Nowadays, we use reels and shorter videos as tools to blend both worlds—acting and music,” she adds, reflecting on a special project she worked on with Meta. “I was part of the ‘1-Minute Music Video’ experiment and it was eye-opening to realise just how important it is to mix both worlds in a meaningful way.”
She also recognises that the digital age requires artists to rethink how they engage with their audience. “People’s attention spans have become much shorter, so we have to find innovative ways to communicate and promote our music,” the Aa Dekhen Zara actress says, emphasizing how these new tools push artists to think outside the box. As a modern artist, Sophie has explored tech tools like AI voice processors to refine her work. But she’s clear about one thing—technology can never replace raw human emotion. “I’ve been introduced to AI tools, including voice processors that can alter vocal characteristics,” she reveals, but with a smile, she adds, “However, true expression and passion come from the heart, not technology. While AI can enhance precision, it can never replicate the authenticity of a performance filled with emotion.”
While she’s open to exploring tech tools, she is quick to remind us that nothing compares to the true artistry that comes from within. “The ‘masala’ that I need in my songs is something only a human heart can provide,” she says, firmly grounded in her belief that emotion trumps precision.
Streaming platforms have been a revelation for her, giving her the chance to directly connect with audiences around the globe. “Streaming has democratized content distribution. Now, artists like me have the power to reach wider audiences without gatekeepers.” Looking back on her early YouTube ventures, she recalls, “When YouTube launched in India, I was the first celebrity they partnered with for an official channel. I released a music video and various content and it did quite well, but it was ahead of its time. No one was regularly creating content then. I had to shoot, edit, and produce everything myself, and it became overwhelming. I wish I had stuck with it,” she says, laughing at her past self.
The rise of OTT platforms has blurred the lines between music, acting, and storytelling, creating fresh opportunities for artists like Sophie to explore their creative range. “You see shows and films now where music is more than just a background track. It’s part of the narrative,” she explains. This evolution excites her because it allows her to bring both her acting and musical skills to the forefront in a more integrated way. “OTT has opened up exciting opportunities for artists to explore different sides of ourselves—acting, singing and even both in the same project.”
Her approach to technology is refreshingly humble. “I haven’t set up a full home studio yet like a lot of artists, but the small tech upgrades have been game-changers,” she says. She invested in a professional mic that connects to her iPhone, allowing her to record vocals from home. “I recorded vocals for a track, sent them to a producer and it was used in a song. That was pretty wild!” she exclaims. She also used this setup to cover Gehraiyaan, proving that with the right tools, anyone can create music without needing a huge studio setup. Sophie’s acting roles also find their way into her music. “I think the closest character to who and what I am was Tanya in Pyar Ke Side Effects. She was the kind of character who would relate to the music I make as an artist and vice versa,” she shares, revealing how the essence of her on-screen characters seeps into her music.
Looking to the future, Sophie has a vision for blending music, acting, and technology in exciting new ways. “I’d love to create immersive experiences where the audience doesn’t just watch—they become part of the story,” she says. With immersive technology like VR and virtual concerts gaining ground, Sophie is enthusiastic about the possibilities for creating interactive performances. “We’re headed towards a future where you can experience music-driven narratives and virtual sets, but I also believe in maintaining the live, real connection with the audience,” she says.
For her, the most thrilling experience remains performing live. “Nothing compares to the high of a live audience,” she says, eyes sparkling with excitement. “Online concerts are incredible, but the real magic happens when you’re standing in front of a crowd, feeling that energy.” It’s clear that no matter how much technology advances, Sophie’s heart will always beat for the live connection with her audience.
