Sofia Hayat

06 Dec, 1984 |

Actress

Biography

Sofia Hayat or Sofia Hayat-Khan is a British Asian actress, singer and model. Hayat hails from the UK and is of Pakistani heritage. She has worked on both British and Indian projects. Hayat first came to public attention on Sky Channel, Zee TV, where she hosted her own TV show for 3 years starting in 2000. The show became a cult favourite amongst young British Asians. Later, Hayat was in the UK TV talent show Bollywood Star, in which she lost out on the first prize by about 3 places. Hayat has recently completed feature films The Unforgettable, Cash and Curry, (starring Ameet Chana) and Exitz. (starring Malcolm Mcdowell and Stephen Billington). The Unforgettable premiered at The Venice Film Festival in 2008 to rave reviews. Hayat played the lead role opposite Raji James. In Cash and Curry she plays the gun-toting wife of a gangster. Speaking of the role, Hayat said: I feel like a cross between Uma Thurman in Pulp Fiction and Charlie's Angels. Sofia has since appeared in BBC's "Waterloo Road", and "Jonathan Creek", as well as playing "Lucia", in the BAFTA award winning series, "Fur Tv", aired on MTV world wide.(Translated for different countries) She has also published her autobiography called, "Dishonoured", which was published by Blakes Publishing in October 2009. She also appears on the BBC Asian Network on a regular basis for their popular debate shows, and writes for Asiana magazine, and Asian Woman Magazine. Sofia is asked to regularly contribute to shows and magazines on the issues surrounding the Asian culture, as she is one of the few that does speak out openly and honestly, being affected by many of the issues, like arranged marriage and honor killings in her past. She is also a keen supporter of the charity Ashiana (www.ashiana.org.uk) whom she regularly speaks for, raise money, and help to raise awareness for them. She is a role model to young women affected by violence, abuse, rape and honour killings. Hayat was asked to write the official song for the victims and survivors of the Pakistani and Indian earthquake. The appeal concert was at The Royal Albert Hall in London. The Independent newspaper said of the performance that "the song reminded us why we were all there, and that Sofia's performance and song deserves to top the charts". In 2006, Hayat was in a band that released a song on MTV Base. The song reached #6 in the charts, with all proceeds going to "Mothers Against Guns". This was the second time Hayat had represented a charity and given up all royalty proceeds to the charity. Hayat also entertained UN troops in 2008 and is the official Gurkha sweetheart. Her autobiography was published on September 2009. Hayat also hosted and judged a show for UTV Bindaas' reality TV show Superdude Season 2. Sofia has entered as a new contestant in Bigg Boss season 7.