The Asian Media Awards will be paying a tribute to one of the UK’s best loved stage and screen actresses who sadly died of Cancer earlier this year.
The Services to British Television will be renamed the Sophiya Haque Services to British Television Award. The announcement was made at the Finalists Launch at City Hall, where Sophiya’s sisters, Ayesha and Sayera and mum Thelma were in attendance.
The family said, “We are sure she would have been very honoured to have this award named after her.
“This year and future years one person’s achievements in British Television will be recognised and celebrated.
“When Sophiya started her acting career she had little idea that her image and persona would become symbolic of something greater.
“Sophiya was a beacon of joy and light that beat a path along which others would follow and what started as a trickle has now become part of her legacy.
“This award means that Sophiya will not be forgotten and her memory will go on each year when people are presented with this award.”
“Thank you to everyone for their kindness and support.”
Sophiya initially worked for a number of digital channels, including MTV Asia before making a leap into Bollywood films. She went on to appear in several films opposite some of the world’s most famous actors.
In 2002, Sophiya starred as Rani in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Bombay Dreams.’ The theatre remained close to her heart and in 2005, she starred as Kabir Bedi in the West End theatre musical production of ‘The Far Pavilions.’
She will, however, be best remembered by some for playing ‘Poppy Morales’ on ‘Coronation Street.’ She also appeared in BBC’s ‘Fairy Tales’ series and in episodes of ‘House of Anubis.’
