This is the best time to be an independent artiste - Sonia Hossain

Actress, model, activist, producer, and television personality Sonia Hossain stepped into the limelight with "You Got The Look" in 2003. She was a speaker at the Global SDG Summit 2022 in Delhi this February. We caught up with the multi- talented artiste to find out more about her recent projects.

You were the only representative from Bangladesh at the Global SDG Summit 2022 in Delhi. How was the experience?

I was invited to the summit by Mansi Dholakia, the Founder of Global Mental Health Association (GMHA). I attended the session on 'Reduced Inequality and Gender Equality'.

Besides that, I presented a video titled, "Beyond Bangladesh", in which noted personalities spoke about the different agendas for sustainable development. I am the Director of Photography of the video.

Having my own YouTube channel, Soniac, for which I learned to shoot and edit videos by myself, truly helped in this regard.

I feel privileged to have Education Minister Dipu Moni, Member of Parliament Nahim Razzak, Founder of SBK Tech Ventures Sonia Bashir Kabir, and filmmaker Hridi Huq, among many others, as featured guests on "Beyond Bangladesh".

What are you currently busy with?

I have always been selective about the kind of projects that I commit to. I lost my father last year, and subsequently, put my work on hold for a while. I did not want to rush anything.

For now, I am excited to showcase the 17 Sustainable Development Goals through "Beyond Bangladesh" on the social media channels of UNDP Bangladesh. I also have a few collaborations lined up with GMHA this year.

Will we see you in a new film anytime soon?

I have done a song for Hridi Huq's government grant-winning film, "1971". We wrapped up the shoot last August, and I am grateful to Hridi Apu for giving me the necessary push to be a part of the film.

Composed by noted Indian music director Debojyoti Mishra, the song is in Urdu, and I portray a Pakistani character in it.

It was a welcome change from the kind of work that I have been doing for the last one and a half years. I had completely forgotten what it was like to look glamorous in front of the camera, as I have been behind the scenes for a while.

That being said, whether it is behind or in front of the camera, I want to be a part of projects that are impactful.

You have been working independently as a content creator for a while. What do you think about the scope for independent artistes today?

I think it is the best time to be an independent artiste. Many of our filmmakers are doing exceptionally well not just in the local landscape, but also internationally.

Take Abdullah Mohammad Saad for example. When his film, "Rehana Maryam Noor", made it to the Cannes Film Festival, it was an inspiration for all of us. If anyone has a passion for filmmaking and storytelling, now is a great time to pursue it.