IFFM Guests

Sharon Johal

Sharon Johal is an accomplished Australian actress, lawyer, and advocate who has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry, legal field and social justice arena.

Sharon grew up in a traditional Punjabi-Sikh family, which instilled in her a strong sense of cultural heritage and values. She pursued her education with dedication, earning a double degree in Law and Commerce from the University of Adelaide, all whilst studying acting.

Sharon Johal made her mark in the entertainment industry with her breakthrough role as Dipi Rebecchi on the longest-running Australian soap opera "Neighbours." She joined the cast in 2017 and quickly became a fan favorite for her compelling performances and charismatic presence. Her portrayal of Dipi, a strong and independent woman, resonated with audiences and earned her critical acclaim. She was the first Punjabi Sikh to be cast in a leading role on the show, breaking barriers and promoting diversity in Australian television. Since then Sharon has been cast in various high level local and international television and film roles including Apple TV's Shantaram, Amazon's Ricky Stanicky, Girl At The Window and most recently Warner Brothers "The Twelve" with Sam Neill, once again making history as the first person to portray a Khalsa woman in a leading role on Australian screens.

Outside of her acting career, Sharon is a passionate advocate for social justice and equality cemented in her human rights law expertise. She has been vocal about the experience and need for greater representation of people of color and women in the entertainment industry. Sharon uses her platform to promote inclusivity and to raise awareness/support various charitable causes promoting equality and fairness, including mental health awareness, refugee/asylum seeker issues, animal rights and women's rights including health, pay-gap and domestic violence against women.

A testament to her versatility, determination and relieve, Sharon Johal continues to inspire many with her multifaceted career and her unwavering dedication to her craft and advocacy for positive change and social justice. Her contributions to both the entertainment industry and the broader community underscore her legacy as a trailblazer for future generations.