Sunita on faith, family and forging her path
In a rare and honest conversation on the FWhy Podcast with Frieha Altaf, actor and former supermodel Sunita Marshall opened up about love, identity, and what it means to live authentically in Pakistan's deeply divided cultural landscape.
Born into a Christian family, Sunita's name has often drawn confused stares. "Sunita is a Hindu name, and Marshall is a Christian name. And now I've added Ahmed," she laughed, recounting a moment when a driver in Dubai mistook her name for three different people. "He asked me, 'Madam, who are you?' I think that's a beautiful question."
Sunita met actor Hassan Ahmed in 2003, and after five years of quietly dating, decided to marry him despite religious differences and familial reservations. "Everyone said I had to marry within my community. But I live in Pakistan, and I love living in Pakistan. I didn't want to leave modelling or acting. And I knew Hassan. I knew his family. They loved me."
After her entire family had moved to the UK, Sunita was living in Pakistan with her younger brother. When he suddenly received his immigration letter to Canada, her family was reluctant to let her live alone. That was when Sunita and her long-time partner, Hassan, decided to fast-track their wedding.
Though there were many reservations, once Hassan was introduced to her Uncle Kenny, everyone was brought on board. The Christian wedding ceremony was held privately in case any of his extended relatives objected. Sunita recalls that while Hassan's family never pressured her to convert, her family had to manage some expectations regarding the interfaith marriage. What followed were chaotic, last-minute wedding preparations.
Even now, Sunita faces criticism. "The funniest comment I get is, 'You're so beautiful, if only you were Muslim!'" she shared, unbothered.
Living in a joint family system today, the actor credits her husband and in-laws for supporting her career. "I never left my career, never felt restricted. Of course, you have to be mindful. 'When in Rome, live like Romans' kind of thing."
Sunita, who has two children with Hassan, has also been vocal about parenthood. In an interview with Nida Yasir, the Baby Baji actor maintained that both parents and teachers shape a child's mindset, and it is important to take a step back when needed. "We need not get involved in everything," she said, maintaining that gratification has a pleasant bearing on a child's upbringing."
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