Magnify stories of women who defy expectations'

Sonya Hussaiyn championed the need for change in media portrayals

Pakistani actor Sonya Hussaiyn took to Instagram to share a milestone in her career, gracing the prestigious American Film Showcase as a guest speaker. In a series of captivating photos, Hussaiyn was seen engaging with attendees, her presence exuding confidence and grace as she addressed a topic close to her heart—the undeniable impact of women in the media industry.

In her post, Hussaiyn penned a powerful caption that echoed the sentiments of many women striving to break free from outdated societal norms. "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 This outdated narrative must be shattered," she wrote.

The Saraab actor championed the need for change in media portrayals, emphasising that women are far more than just "mere beauty." She highlighted their essential roles as "the backbone of families, the pillars of support, and individuals with boundless dreams." Her call to action was clear—it's time for scriptwriters to step up and create narratives that reflect the strength, resilience, and ambition of women.

"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. Let's amplify this empowering narrative through the resolute portrayal of female characters and storylines in the media industry. It's time to share some incredibly inspiring stories with the world," Hussaiyn concluded.

In a recent interview with Independent Urdu, the 28-year-old disclosed that she had been approached for three different projects in Bollywood. "I have received three film offers from India. One was a Shakespeare screen adaptation of Measure for Measure. The other was a sequel to some old Santosh Kumar film - I can't recall its name," she noted.

Among these offers, one stood out particularly—a film with the notorious Bollywood actor Emraan Hashmi. "For that one, I even had a meeting with the relevant people but then the exchange with India stopped altogether," she explained, referencing the halt in collaborations between India and Pakistan following the Uri attack and subsequent ban on Pakistani artists working in India.

As for any immediate wedding bells, the actor set the record straight on her singledom with, "No, nothing at the moment. Everyone tells me that I've finished studying, have worked a lot, built a house, and that I should get married now. Maybe I don't belong to this generation because I feel like men have lost that chivalry and good mannerisms."