Latest news with #SonyaHussaiyn
Express Tribune
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Hussaiyn behind the camera
At a recent promotional event for the upcoming horror film Deemak held in Lahore, actor Sonya Hussaiyn surprised fans and industry insiders alike by announcing a significant shift in her career trajectory. The celebrated star revealed that she is increasingly moving away from acting to focus on film production and, potentially, direction. "I've gotten into production now," Hussaiyn shared during a media interaction at the event. A video clip of her statement, posted on Tuesday, has since gone viral across social media platforms. "I'm in the directorial team of Shaan, which is a very emotional film," she added. Hussaiyn also disclosed that she's producing another film in the action genre. "I want to do a lot of production and create films that have substance," she said, indicating a desire not just to participate in storytelling but to shape it from the ground up. With this shift comes a noticeable change in how often fans can expect to see her on screen. "I'm probably going to be onscreen a lot less," Hussaiyn stated. However, audiences can still look forward to her lead role in Deemak, the horror-family drama directed by Rafay Rashdi. Speaking about the film, which is slated for release this Eidul Azha, Hussaiyn expressed enthusiasm for both the script and the cast. "Having our industry's biggest stars in the film, like Javed Sheikh, Bushra Ansari, Samina Peerzada, and Faysal Quraishi, encouraged me to sign this film," she said. "If they're in it, to me, it means that the story has substance." Hussaiyn also discussed the challenge of portraying a character under supernatural possession while maintaining a clear distinction from mental illness. "There's a difference between having a mental illness and being possessed that I had to get across to my audience," she explained. One particular scene left a lasting impression on everyone involved. "There is a scene in the film where I am having fits as a jinn possesses me," she recalled. "When I filmed that scene, there was pin-drop silence on set." The crew's reaction confirmed the scene's eerie impact. "I guess even everyone on set was slightly unsettled by it," she added. This turn toward more meaningful storytelling aligns with Hussaiyn's growing interest in production. Last November, she produced her first film, Babli/Babar, a bold project directed by Kamran Faiq and written by Qurbe Abbas.
Express Tribune
26-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Sonya warns girls about tolerating disrespect
Sonya Hussaiyn took to Instagram Stories to drop some words of wisdom in the spirit of sisterhood. "Dear girls, never — I repeat, never — tolerate disrespect in a relationship, no matter how much you love someone. If you experience verbal abuse or disrespect, walk away!" Sonya wrote. Advocating for self-love over making compromises in relationships, she added, "Your self-worth is worth more than any relationship that doesn't treat you with the love and respect you deserve." Sonya's note was pinned to a reel displaying a short scene from Jab We Met, in which Geet cries over the man who turns her away after she leaves everything behind for him. "Suddenly, you realise how much disrespect you accepted just because you wanted love," read the caption on the reel. The Azaadi actor's words are a reminder that she prioritises self-love over romantic love and embraces life with her head held high. In February, she dedicated a post to her "girlies" on 'Galentine's Day'. Quoting Charlie Chaplin, she wrote, "As I began to love myself, I found that anguish and emotional suffering were only warning signs that I was living against my own truth." In March last year, she penned a letter to herself on Instagram. "Dear me, love yourself a little more each day, for you deserve all the happiness in the world. Let your heart be filled with the warmth of chasing your dreams. Embrace gratitude for the beautiful people and blessings that surround you and be proud of the remarkable person you are." She further wrote, "My dear, you are my shining star. And in this vast universe, you have chosen to be 'Love', painting your own vibrant rainbow. So, remember to always celebrate the remarkable soul that you are." Sonya has championed women's rights at every walk of life. In August, she attended the American Film Showcase as a guest speaker, after which she dedicated a note on Instagram to women in the media industry. "Delving into the 'profound impact of women in the media industry' as a guest speaker at the American Film Showcase, shedding light on their irreplaceable contribution. Our society has long been swayed by toxic relationship portrayals, confining women to appease heroes and tiptoe around them at the expense of their dignity. This outdated narrative must be shattered," she wrote. Calling on creators to spotlight strong female characters, she added, "It's high time for scriptwriters to magnify the stories of women who defy expectations, navigate life with unwavering strength, and reach for the cosmos."
