Ayesha Hussain, born to a Rajput mother and Omani father, accidentally discovered her path as a stunt performer after years as a professional knife thrower. At 27, she delved into her Indian Rajput heritage, feeling a strong connection to Talvar Bazi (sword fighting), a key aspect of Rajput culture. This newfound passion led her to act in action films and eventually pursue a career as a stuntwoman. Ayesha now aims to be a role model for young women from Asian and Arab backgrounds, especially those not typically encouraged to pursue athletics. She recently appeared in the Marvel film ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’.
In an interview with Ayesha discusses challenges she faced in the industry, journey as both an actor and a stunt woman shaped you as a person and more.
Women in a field traditionally dominated by men, what challenges have you faced in your industry and have you seen a shift in how women are viewed in this profession?
We’re definitely in a time of change, but there’s still a lot of work to be done. Pioneers like Angelina Jolie and Halle Berry have made incredible strides in representing women in action, but often female roles still fall short. For instance, in many action films, women are reduced to just being "the hot woman with a knife," like in the Bond films. While the industry is shifting, there’s still a long way to go, especially for women of color. It’s traditionally a male-dominated field, and as a woman of color, you constantly face doubts and challenges.
That’s why visibility is so important. My film collective, ‘Babes with Blades’, was created to address this gap, particularly for Asian women in action. The name was a playful jab at how women in action films are often sidelined, with no significant narrative role. Alongside my co-founder Jade Ang Jackman, we wanted to create a platform for women of color in action, film, sport, and fashion. For example, we created a short film, ‘Split’, which explores the physicality of two women fighting over a bill—something inspired by our personal experiences growing up as Asian women.
Our work has been covered by many major platforms. We’re also hosting the London Short Film Festival in January, featuring films like Nida Manzoor’s ‘Polite Society’, which further highlights the rising voices of women in the action genre. While there’s still opposition, women are coming together, pushing boundaries, and changing the narrative in this traditionally male-dominated space. It’s exciting, but there’s more work ahead.
Could you share some of the toughest stunts you had to perform and how you prepared for them?
One of my favorite stunts isn’t necessarily the biggest, like an 18-meter fall, but more about the challenges that come with constant changes on set. For example, on ‘Deadpool’, we’d choreograph a complex 16-beat fight sequence, but once on set, it would often change, and we’d need to adjust five of the beats. Those moments are tough because it requires quick thinking and adaptability. My strength is in weapons and combat, so I’m always training—whether it’s screen fighting, traditional fighting, or working with horses. The key to handling last-minute changes is staying sharp and ready. On a big set like a Marvel film, you're a small part of a massive operation, and you have to be able to pivot and work seamlessly with others. Continuous training helps me stay prepared and confident, even when things change unexpectedly.
Are there any actors turn performers or filmmakers who inspire you in your work?
There are so many actors who inspire me, but Keanu Reeves stands out. Not only is he an incredible actor, but he also gives credit to his stunt performers, which is rare in the industry. He’s a great person, and you never hear a bad word about him. Another huge inspiration for me is Nikki Berwick, an amazing female stunt coordinator known for her work on ‘Gladiator II’, ‘Napoleon’, and ‘Citadel’. Nikki was instrumental in my early career, especially on ‘Citadel’, where she guided me through the challenges of being a new performer. In an industry that’s often tough for women, Nikki has always supported me and shown me how to be a better performer and team leader. I hope to one day do for others what she did for me.
How has your journey as both an actor and a stunt woman shaped you as a person? Have you learned anything about yourself through this unique career path?
Every day, I learn something new about myself, especially humility. I didn’t come from an athletic background, but in just a few years, I’ve achieved things like becoming a scuba dive master, a competitive horse rider, and almost a brown belt in kickboxing. I’m now training to become a rock climbing instructor, and I’ve done all of this after starting in my 30s. It’s shown me that nothing is impossible if you’re truly passionate, and that the only barrier to success is yourself. Learning to be a beginner again and again has been one of the most valuable life skills I’ve gained. It’s taught me that success isn’t linear, and being comfortable with discomfort is key to growth. Ironically, this high-intensity lifestyle has brought me the most peace I’ve ever had.
What advice would you give to young girls aspiring to be actors or stunt performers in this challenging field?
The best advice I could give is that failure is never failure; it’s simply a redirection. Pursuing your passion means facing constant rejection— for every "yes," there will be ten "no"s. You must persevere and dig deep to understand your true motivation. For me, it’s about inspiring young women and proving to my younger self that anything is possible. If you’re chasing fame or glory, you’ll never be grounded enough to appreciate the successes that come. Ask yourself why you’re doing it, and stay true to that purpose. When I faced rejection early on, I almost gave up. But Nikki Berwick reminded me to keep going. Many people told me I wasn’t cut out for it, but if I had listened to them, I wouldn't be the first South Asian X-Men in the Marvel Universe today. Stay focused on your purpose and never let others' opinions stop you.
