Sharon Johal the first Punjabi Sikh actor to score a role on Neighbours

Sharon Johal’s conservative parents wanted her to be a lawyer, but she had plans on being an actress. Now she has found herself starring in one of Australia’s longest running soaps.

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If her parents had their way, Neighbours actor Sharon Johal might never have arrived on Ramsay St.

Having laid down the law on their employment aspirations for their daughter, Johal had her heart set on an acting career.

Sharon Johal has always dreamt of a career in the acting industry. Picture: Mark Stewart

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“My parents weren’t on board at the start, they were very conservative and wanted me to be a lawyer forever,” Johal told The Daily Telegraph.

“My mum used to follow me to acting class at night because she didn’t want me to do it — they wanted me to be at home and study. Now, she’s doing acting classes herself.”

She is part of a new family that will join the Neighbours cast. Picture: Supplied

She has given Neighbours credit for casting more diversity to their show. Picture: Mark Stewart

The 31-year-old said she is proud to be the first Punjabi-Sikh actor to land a role on Australian mainstream television.

“I think audiences need to be given more credit because they can adapt to change. It’s a bit of a chicken or egg situation and I’m proud that Neighbours took the plunge and introduced our characters and they’ve been really well received.”