Industry pays tribute to Sophiya Haque

“The world is a lesser place in the sadness of losing the beauty and natural talent that was Sophiya,” said Gary Davey, the former CEO of Star TV.

“Sophiya was an absolute natural and a star from day one,” said Donald Ateyo, former head for Channel [V]. “It is impossible to overestimate the impact she had on young people—through her, a generation of young women finally found a voice.”

The Portsmouth-born Haque. whose last performance was in a theater production, Privates on Parade, in December, died of cancer at the age of 41 on 17 January.

The youngest daughter of a divorced schoolteacher mother, Haque caught the attention of MTV Asia more than 20 years ago when she appeared in a music video for her band, Akasa. Shortly after, she joined Star TV in Hong Kong and in 1997 moved to Channel V India, where she became a household name.

“The mid '90s were a time and a place when some incredibly talented, creative people at Channel [V] were creating a new generation of Asian musical youth,” said Jasper Donat, co-founder & CEO of Branded Ltd, who worked closely with Haque at the time as head of sales and marketing at Channel V. “Sophiya was a star at the heart of it all whether she was in Hong Kong or Mumbai. I’m proud to have had her as a true mate, and I think I’m right in saying she was the first StarTV talent to make it outside Asia.”

“Sophiya was a very special person and lit up Channel [V] in India as well as the lives of all those that knew her with charm, wit and talent,” said Peter Mukerjea, the fomer CEO of Star India.

Her movie career began in 2005 when she starred opposite Bollywood bigwigs like Aamir Khan and Sanjay Dutt in The Rising and Khoobsurat, respectively. She also acted alongside Angelina Jolie in the 2008 movie Wanted.

She moved back to the UK in 2002, where she appeared on stage as the lead in the theatrical extravaganza Bombay Dreams. She also acted in Coronation Street in 2008 and more recently in Gandhi and Coconuts and Wah! Wah! Girls.

Haque is survived by her music director partner David White and two sisters.