VJ Sumaiya; in recent times it’s a very popular name right, yes exactly! Sumaiya Kouser is a famous TV anchor and VJ who was born and brought up in Mannady – Chennai, Tamil Nadu – India. She completed her engineering degree in B.Tech IT at Arignar Anna Engineering College and took up a nine to five job as Call centre Executive in Parrys corner Chennai. But that’s not satisfied her. In her heart, she always wanted to do something in the entertainment industry. “I come from a conservative background. I wasn’t even allowed to take up night shift jobs or jobs out of the Chennai city. I was allowed to work nearby my home only.” VJ Sumaiya Said.
She did take up a corporate job for a while got a first salary of 5500 in 2011, but soon she told her parents that she wanted to pursue television anchoring. The thing is VJ Sumaiya is a completely topper while she was in school meanwhile good at sports, dance and cultural. She was the class Leader and School Sports leader also.
Given that she is a Muslim, her parents were concerned about her admission into the entertainment industry. In any case, she began pounding on TV stations’ doors in an attempt to get VJ try outs, including Captain TV, Makkal TV, and Pothigai TV. Through her research, Sumaiya learned that she can work as a freelance VJ. Her first industry compensation is 1500 Rupees. Life in the entertainment industry starts there.
While interviewing ……
Naveen Kumar: Considering that you were the top student in school and college, where did you get the motivation to become a VJ or anchor?
Sumaiya Kouser: “Basically, I’m interested in movies and the entertainment industry. I really enjoy the Sun music that was popular at the time. One of my friends works in the entertainment industry—sorry, it’s not one of my friends—but we are very close. After a while, though, he won’t meet or talk to me because he believes it’s a waste of time. At that point, I decided that I would one day surpass him. It was unquestionably self-motivated.”
“I was always chasing after struggles because my Islamic family background did not support me in continuing as a VJ. Once more looking for a Muslim station, I eventually discovered moon TV and began working there for a while as a VJ. I also received offers for other channels from there. Speaking of, I was trying to do land promotion advertisings, that didn’t work out but through the contact I had the opportunity to work on the Isai Aruvi channel. The actor Arya’s Settai movie was the subject of MY FIRST movie interview on TV.”
She joined as a part-time VJ on tbhe recently launched (on that time) TV station Vaanavil after completing her two years at Isai Aruvi. She made more money there than she needed to, spent a lot on pals, and relished every moment of it. She established boundaries and doesn’t look back on the past with regret.
When everything was going well, all of a sudden there was a crisis, Covid; the Vaanavil channel closed; she attempted to perform on TikTok but it was then prohibited; then she launched an Instagram page; and Sumaiya tried her hand at acting before being given the opportunity to star in Bommai Naayagi. When the movie was out in 2023, it received great reviews everywhere. It was indeed a teaching role.
“Life is full of surprises and miracles right, yes miracle happened, my first movie audition went well, and I received a call from the casting team, but I didn’t understand that the director had asked me to be “Kalyanam Pannikalama.” I was taken aback; why me? There are a thousand things on my mind. Even though I don’t know who he is, we were married in less than six months. His name is Shan. From Cudalore, he is. He is the Director of Bommai Nayagi Movie Lead Role by Yogi Babu, “Sumaiya Kouser talking……
“I have an amazing family. My mother-in-law is my biggest supporter and has given me encouragement at every turn. I now have a son, I’ve successfully balanced my personal and professional lives, and I’ve closed the lips of those who have spoken behind my back. I have to mention a very important person, now as a VJ I have 10 Years of experience, but there was a women she was my very first fan and support me in every stage, yes she is my mom.”
“When we are moving forward to something the universe will bring that forward to us. This is the universal truth I Believe.”
Do you know one thing, all of this minutes we are talking about the Senior Program producer of Kalaignar News. Yes, She is Sumaiya Kouser. If you chase about your dreams it will definitely give you back more than you expected.
By Naveen Kumar & Vazim Athnu
