Craft over skin colour

Sonya Hussaiyn, a Pakistani actor known for her out-of-the-box performances in notable drama serials such as Aisi Hai Tanhai and Meri Guriya, was invited as a guest on chat show After Hours.

She spoke at length with her dear friend and host Ushna Shah about her artistic origins and the progress of her journey in the entertainment industry. Alongside this, Sonya offered various tidbits from her personal life, sharing information that her fans may or may not be privy to.

Prior to her rise, the 28-year-old actor had no relatives in the industry. She elaborated more on her familial roots by revealing, "We are all based in Karachi. Although my parents are both from this city, my paternal side is from Lucknow, India, and my maternal side is from Delhi."

"I was fifteen or sixteen when I joined the industry. I started my journey with the drama series Dareecha, alongside Yasir Hussain," she said. "We've been together since the start of our careers," she added, fondly looking back on one of her oldest friendships in the industry. Earlier this year, the two actors starred as estranged romantic interests in the comedic telefilm Siwaiyaan.

"My family wanted me to study pre-medical, which is how I became a physiologist," Sonya revealed, diving into the more private details of her life. "That was why I was allowed to continue my pursuits as an actor."

Sonya is lauded for her diverse roles, which she further addressed in the interview with Ushna.

Outlook on acting challenges

"I once did an experimental role in a show at the start of my career, which people advised me against due to the fact that the props made my figure look unflattering," she mentioned. "But those who criticised me started to realise that as an artist, if you can't offer variety to your audiences, you won't be considered a credible actor."

The Mor Moharan actor then listed all the sombre roles that she has taken up as a drama serial actor so far, including characters with mental disorders and victims of abuse. "My grandmother had a big hand in raising me. She would always say, every person should strive to make a change in other people's life. There should be a reason for one's existence in the world," she conveyed.

"The media is such a powerful source of transmission that sometimes even we, as actors, don't realise it," Sonya elaborated. "This job is all about relaying your message to the world. It is part of our responsibilities as human beings."

"I'm grateful to the directors who have helped shoulder my burden to create something special," she said as she spoke about Saraab, in which she played a schizophrenic character. Sonya mentioned visiting rehabilitation centres with director Mohsin Talat in order to truly bring the character to life. "I have encountered directors who don't go the extra mile like that, which then leaves actors with lots to cover on their own."

"It does take a toll on you," the Aangan actor confessed. "You force that melancholy and trauma into yourself even if your body doesn't recognise it, especially if you've been having a good day before work, which then triggers mental health issues within you, such as depression and anxiety." She further added, "I was once in a conversation with Samina Peerzada, who told me that it is very important for actors to unwind."

"There are some things that you simply don't have control over, and that is when you leave it be and submit to God. It is important to stay content with where you are in life," she suggested.

When asked what advice she would like to give aspiring actors, Sonya said, "Often, I see people making excuses like their complexion doesn't allow them to progress, or that this industry has space only for nepotism, but it's not like that at all. I agree that favouritism exists, but if you know your craft and how good you are at it, then no power in the world can deter your efforts."

Giving advice, Sonya added, "Don't be too concerned with what other people are doing or how you can become them. Instead, keep your blinkers on and focus on your work. You can't afford to stay behind."

Up close and personal

On the topic of buying a new home for her family, Sonya excitedly shared, "It was so difficult to keep this a secret. My heart was beating incredibly fast at the registrar office!" She then revealed that she lent the property to her mother.

In reply to a question regarding what most people don't know about her, Sonya said, "I love to cook. It's an art. I love cooking South Asian, Italian, Chinese food, I can make it all when I have the time."

She then hinted at future prospects. "We're working on an action film, which is largely different from what I have done in my career so far. I have dabbled in the action genre, though never properly. But this one has so many stunts that I sprained my foot and couldn't get up for two months!" she expressed.

The details regarding Sonya's upcoming project are yet to be revealed.