HALF HOUR WITH... HUMA SYED Chance Meets Destiny...

Hi Huma, it’s great to have you here. Acting is often seen as a demanding field. Was acting something you’ve always been passionate about, or did you stumble upon it later in life?

Thank you for having me! You know, I’ve always had this quiet confidence that I could act—like, give me a script, and I’ll give you a scene. But I never really pursued it. Acting just sort of found me when the timing was right.

How did you land the role in DuniyaPur? Can you share the story behind how this opportunity came to you?

I heard some auditions were happening for a project in Islamabad. I had no backstage connections in the industry, so I did what anyone would do: woke up, went to the audition, and forgot about it afterward. It’s surreal to think that DuniyaPur was my first-ever audition for the television industry, and somehow, it turned into my debut project too.

 What was the most exciting part about stepping onto the set of DuniyaPur as a debutant?

The perfect setting and the amazing cast and crew. The outdoor shoots really made the whole experience special.

 What’s something you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t had the chance to pursue yet?

The idea of writing a script fascinates me—dreaming up characters, imagining their lives, and then seeing them brought to life on screen. I’m not there yet, but it’s definitely something I’d love to pursue in the future.

How was your experience working with seasoned actors like Naumaan Ijaz, Khushhal Khan, and Ramsha Khan? What did you learn from them?

Working with them was incredible! They not only know their craft but also bring so much passion to what they do. What I learned from them is to have fun as much as you can—every chance you get (laughs). Enjoying the process is the key.

How do you balance your creative writing with acting, and do you find that one art form influences the other?

I don’t see it as a balance—writing and acting are always blending together. Both are a form of expression, each peeling back a layer of my worldview. Being both a poet and an actor allows me to feel and experience a depth I wouldn’t get otherwise.

As a newcomer in the industry, what’s something you’d like people to know about you that they might not see on screen?

I’m someone who deeply values solitude. I can go days without speaking to anyone. The quiet allows me to reflect, reset, and stay connected to what really matters.

Now that you’ve stepped into the world of television, do you see yourself pursuing more roles, or are there any other creative projects you’d like to focus on in the future?

Acting excites me, but it’s more about contributing to stories that leave an impact—ones that people feel in their core. If I can do that in any creative way, I’m happy.

Huma Syed in three words?

As Oscar Wilde said, “To define is to limit.”

As you look ahead to the new year, what are three major goals you hope to achieve?

Goals can be limiting—constantly chasing future rewards makes us miss the present’s potential. I focus on evolving without fixating on a future that may not align with the path God has set for me. What’s meant for me will come when it’s time.