Soundarya (born Sowmya Sathyanarayana on July 18, 1972 — died April 17, 2004) was a celebrated Indian actress whose work primarily spanned Telugu, Kannada, Tamil and Malayalam cinema. Best remembered for her expressive performances, natural screen presence, and versatility across genres, Soundarya left an enduring legacy despite her tragically short life and career.

As both lead actress and producer, she received the National Film Award for Best Feature Film.

She acted in over 80 films across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam. Her notable hits include Pavitra Bandham , Anthapuram , Raja , and Arunachalam (opposite Rajinikanth). Her on-screen persona was defined by a strong moral compass. She played devoted sisters, sacrificing wives, and righteous daughters. She won numerous state Nandi Awards and Filmfare Awards for her dramatic, emotional depth.