An airforce background, a law degree from Chandigarh College and a stint with Zee News as an anchor. Such academic and work history looks too good to be true for a television actress. But Sonia Rakkar is indeed a genuine talent.

Since she auditioned for "The Great Indian Comedy Show" on Star One, there's been no looking back for her.

She also did a negative role in "Woh Rehne Wali Mehlon Ki" on Sahara One and played an alien in "Agadam Bagdam Tigdam" on Disney. Currently seen in "Sab Ka Bheja Fry" on Sab TV, Sonia enacts different characters in the sitcoms.

Interestingly, despite her acting skills, Sonia says she quit her job with Zee News just because she "couldn't keep a straight face and would end up laughing every now and then".

Sonia's first appearance in "Sab Ka Bheja Fry" was as Laila, a beautiful Punjabi girl who is struggling to find her lover. She says: "Laila is very pretty and feminine but her husky voice drives all men away. The concept was innovative and the chance to play different characters in the show was too good to pass up."

But the actress doesn't want to restrict to comedy only. "I'd rather do all kinds of roles. Although, I must admit it's difficult doing a daily soap because one has to keep a poker straight face all the time. Besides, comedy comes naturally to me. I was born mad." Then there was also the need for leisure which the dailies wouldn't have allowed.

Sonia is also open to films though she is comfortable with the small screen. "Television is a big industry. I'm fine here. I'm not approaching anyone for films, but it will be a bonus if I get one that satisfies my creative instincts," she smiles. Who knows? Such an offer may be on its way already. -Usha Thomas