To My Daughter Sophia — This Is What I Leave Behind
My beautiful daughter, Sophia Fazli,
One day, when I am no longer here to tell you these stories myself, I want you to open these books and remember your father—not because of the movies I acted in, the books I wrote, or anything I ever owned, but because of the journey I lived.
I was born in Afghanistan. That country gave me my roots, my language, my culture, my strength, and the memories that shaped the man I became. Life was not always easy. I experienced war, separation, uncertainty, and the difficult journey of becoming a refugee. Eventually, America became my adopted home—the country where I found freedom, opportunity, and another chance to build a life.
I became a U.S. Marine language and cultural advisor, using my knowledge of Afghanistan and its languages to help Americans understand a country and people I knew personally. I became an actor and storyteller, working in Hollywood and telling stories through film and television. I became an author because I learned that stories can survive generations when people write them down.
But Sophia, those accomplishments are not the most important part of my legacy.
You are.
I want you to inherit something greater than money. I want you to inherit knowledge. I want you to inherit courage. I want you to understand our culture without being trapped by the past, and to embrace America without forgetting where our family came from.
Get your education. Think for yourself. Stand up for what is right. Protect women, children, animals, and people who cannot protect themselves. Treat people with dignity regardless of their background. Never allow hatred to make you forget your humanity.
Learn from my successes, but also learn from my mistakes. I will not pretend that I lived a perfect life. I made mistakes, I struggled, I fell down, and I had to get back up. That is part of being human. If my experiences can help you avoid some of my mistakes and become a stronger and kinder person, then those experiences were worth something.
Keep our family stories alive. Remember Afghanistan. Remember the sacrifices of those who came before us. Remember the people who helped us along the way. Remember that being an American and remembering your Afghan heritage can both be part of who you are.
My books are not simply books. They are pieces of me.
My photographs are not simply photographs. They are pieces of our family history.
My stories are not simply entertainment. They are memories that I am trusting you to carry forward.
And my greatest hope is that someday your children will open these pages and ask,
“Who was Fahim Fazli?”
I want you to tell them:
“He was my father. He came from Afghanistan. He became a refugee, found a home in America, served alongside the U.S. Marines, became an actor, became an author, and spent his life telling stories. But most importantly, he taught me that our greatest wealth is not what we own—it is what we leave in the hearts and minds of the people who come after us.”
Sophia, take this legacy and make it greater than I ever could.
Write your own story.
Live with courage.
Serve others.
Protect those who need you.
Never forget where you came from.
And always remember how deeply your father loves you.
This is my legacy to you.
My history.
My culture.
My service.
My stories.
My lessons.
My love.
From your father, Fahim Fazli, to his daughter, Sophia Fazli.
From Afghanistan to the United States of America.
One family. One story. One legacy.
My beautiful daughter, Sophia Fazli,
One day, when I am no longer here to tell you these stories myself, I want you to open these books and remember your father—not because of the movies I acted in, the books I wrote, or anything I ever owned, but because of the journey I lived.
I was born in Afghanistan. That country gave me my roots, my language, my culture, my strength, and the memories that shaped the man I became. Life was not always easy. I experienced war, separation, uncertainty, and the difficult journey of becoming a refugee. Eventually, America became my adopted home—the country where I found freedom, opportunity, and another chance to build a life.
I became a U.S. Marine language and cultural advisor, using my knowledge of Afghanistan and its languages to help Americans understand a country and people I knew personally. I became an actor and storyteller, working in Hollywood and telling stories through film and television. I became an author because I learned that stories can survive generations when people write them down.
But Sophia, those accomplishments are not the most important part of my legacy.
You are.
I want you to inherit something greater than money. I want you to inherit knowledge. I want you to inherit courage. I want you to understand our culture without being trapped by the past, and to embrace America without forgetting where our family came from.
Get your education. Think for yourself. Stand up for what is right. Protect women, children, animals, and people who cannot protect themselves. Treat people with dignity regardless of their background. Never allow hatred to make you forget your humanity.
Learn from my successes, but also learn from my mistakes. I will not pretend that I lived a perfect life. I made mistakes, I struggled, I fell down, and I had to get back up. That is part of being human. If my experiences can help you avoid some of my mistakes and become a stronger and kinder person, then those experiences were worth something.
Keep our family stories alive. Remember Afghanistan. Remember the sacrifices of those who came before us. Remember the people who helped us along the way. Remember that being an American and remembering your Afghan heritage can both be part of who you are.
My books are not simply books. They are pieces of me.
My photographs are not simply photographs. They are pieces of our family history.
My stories are not simply entertainment. They are memories that I am trusting you to carry forward.
And my greatest hope is that someday your children will open these pages and ask,
“Who was Fahim Fazli?”
I want you to tell them:
“He was my father. He came from Afghanistan. He became a refugee, found a home in America, served alongside the U.S. Marines, became an actor, became an author, and spent his life telling stories. But most importantly, he taught me that our greatest wealth is not what we own—it is what we leave in the hearts and minds of the people who come after us.”
Sophia, take this legacy and make it greater than I ever could.
Write your own story.
Live with courage.
Serve others.
Protect those who need you.
Never forget where you came from.
And always remember how deeply your father loves you.
This is my legacy to you.
My history.
My culture.
My service.
My stories.
My lessons.
My love.
From your father, Fahim Fazli, to his daughter, Sophia Fazli.
From Afghanistan to the United States of America.
One family. One story. One legacy.
The First Afghan-American Generation Actress in Hollywood: Sophia Fazli
Fahim Fazli’s greatest achievement is not only the Hollywood career he built after coming to America as a refugee from Afghanistan, but also seeing his daughter, Sophia Fazli, follow the same dream he carried in his heart since childhood. Fahim has built a distinguished career as one of the first Afghan-born American actors in Hollywood, and his journey from Afghanistan to California is a story of courage, perseverance, hard work, and never giving up on a dream. Sophia, born and raised in Dana Point, California, represents the next generation of that journey—the first generation of her family to be born and raised in America and a daughter following her father into the world of acting. Fahim didn’t simply tell Sophia to chase her dreams; he showed her what it means to work hard, believe in yourself, and never give up. Now, Sophia carries that dream forward with her own talent, passion, and identity. A father dreamed in Afghanistan; a daughter is continuing that dream in America. Fahim Fazli and Sophia Fazli—a father and daughter building an Afghan-American Hollywood legacy together.
Fahim Fazli’s greatest achievement is not only the Hollywood career he built after coming to America as a refugee from Afghanistan, but also seeing his daughter, Sophia Fazli, follow the same dream he carried in his heart since childhood. Fahim has built a distinguished career as one of the first Afghan-born American actors in Hollywood, and his journey from Afghanistan to California is a story of courage, perseverance, hard work, and never giving up on a dream. Sophia, born and raised in Dana Point, California, represents the next generation of that journey—the first generation of her family to be born and raised in America and a daughter following her father into the world of acting. Fahim didn’t simply tell Sophia to chase her dreams; he showed her what it means to work hard, believe in yourself, and never give up. Now, Sophia carries that dream forward with her own talent, passion, and identity. A father dreamed in Afghanistan; a daughter is continuing that dream in America. Fahim Fazli and Sophia Fazli—a father and daughter building an Afghan-American Hollywood legacy together.
THE FAZLI–BARIKZOY–SHAGHASI FAMILY LEGACY
From Afghanistan to the United States of America — Generation to Generation
Family Origins: The Shaghasi Lineage
The Shaghasi (شاغاسي / Shaghasi Khel) are traditionally identified as a branch of the Barakzai, who belong to the Zirak branch of the Durrani Pashtun confederacy. Their historical roots are strongly associated with the Kandahar region, and Shaghasi families became influential in Afghanistan’s political, military, royal, and administrative history.
The documented history of the Shaghasi as a distinct branch is particularly visible in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, although family traditions and ancestral accounts trace their roots much further back. In describing our family’s origins, it is important to recognize the difference between documented genealogy and the traditional family history passed down from one generation to the next.
During the rise of the Barakzai dynasty, members of the Shaghasi family held important positions within the Afghan government, military, royal court, and provincial administration. Among the prominent figures associated with the family were Loinab Sher Dil Khan Shaghasi, Loinab Khush Dil Khan Shaghasi, and Ali Ahmad Khan Shaghasi. Sher Dil Khan’s daughter, Sarwar Sultana Shaghasi, became the mother of King Amanullah Khan, one of Afghanistan’s most important modern rulers.
This history represents an important part of the heritage and family traditions connecting the Shaghasi, Barikzoy, and Fazli families across generations.
From Afghanistan to America
Fahim Fazli Barikzoy Shaghasi — Born 1966
In 1979, when I was twelve years old, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan changed my life forever. Because of war and circumstances beyond my control, I was unable to complete my education. I reached only the ninth grade, but life became my teacher.
Through struggle, hard work, courage, sacrifice, perseverance, and experience, I continued to educate myself. My journey eventually brought me from Afghanistan to the United States of America, where I built a new life and continued learning.
I do not want my greatest legacy to be money, cars, or jewelry. I want my legacy to be knowledge, education, family history, courage, and the lessons I learned throughout my life.
The Next Generation: Afghan American Born
Sophia Fazli Yasmeen Barikzoy Shaghasi — Born 1999
“My beautiful daughter, Sophia Fazli, graduated from San Francisco State University with a 4.0 GPA and earned the highest academic honor, summa cum laude — a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations.”
A Letter to My Daughter
To my beautiful daughter, Sophia:
I leave you these books — not simply as possessions, but as a part of my life. They contain my experiences, my struggles, my lessons, my family history, and the knowledge I gained throughout my journey.
I want you to carry this legacy forward and share its message with your children, with future generations of our family, with the people of Afghanistan, and with the children of the United States of America.
Never take education for granted. Go to school. Learn. Ask questions. Grow. Continue educating yourself throughout your life. Use your knowledge to make the world a better place.
I also want you to protect women, children, animals, women’s rights, and the rights, dignity, and dreams of young girls. Use your education, courage, compassion, and strength to stand up for those who need a voice.
These books are not my wealth. They are my legacy. Protect them. Learn from them. Add your own knowledge and experiences to them. Then pass them on to the next generation.
Our Story Continues
From the history and traditions of the Shaghasi and Barikzoy families of Afghanistan, to my journey as Fahim Fazli Barikzoy Shaghasi, and now to you, Sophia — our story continues in a new generation in America.
May future generations remember where we came from, understand the sacrifices that brought us here, and use education, courage, compassion, perseverance, and hard work to build an even better future.
From Afghanistan to the United States of America.
From one generation to the next.
From our ancestors to our children.
This is the legacy I, Fahim Fazli Barikzoy Shaghasi, leave to my daughter, Sophia Fazli Yasmeen Barikzoy Shaghasi, and to the generations who come after us.
2026
From Afghanistan to the United States of America — Generation to Generation
Family Origins: The Shaghasi Lineage
The Shaghasi (شاغاسي / Shaghasi Khel) are traditionally identified as a branch of the Barakzai, who belong to the Zirak branch of the Durrani Pashtun confederacy. Their historical roots are strongly associated with the Kandahar region, and Shaghasi families became influential in Afghanistan’s political, military, royal, and administrative history.
The documented history of the Shaghasi as a distinct branch is particularly visible in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, although family traditions and ancestral accounts trace their roots much further back. In describing our family’s origins, it is important to recognize the difference between documented genealogy and the traditional family history passed down from one generation to the next.
During the rise of the Barakzai dynasty, members of the Shaghasi family held important positions within the Afghan government, military, royal court, and provincial administration. Among the prominent figures associated with the family were Loinab Sher Dil Khan Shaghasi, Loinab Khush Dil Khan Shaghasi, and Ali Ahmad Khan Shaghasi. Sher Dil Khan’s daughter, Sarwar Sultana Shaghasi, became the mother of King Amanullah Khan, one of Afghanistan’s most important modern rulers.
This history represents an important part of the heritage and family traditions connecting the Shaghasi, Barikzoy, and Fazli families across generations.
From Afghanistan to America
Fahim Fazli Barikzoy Shaghasi — Born 1966
In 1979, when I was twelve years old, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan changed my life forever. Because of war and circumstances beyond my control, I was unable to complete my education. I reached only the ninth grade, but life became my teacher.
Through struggle, hard work, courage, sacrifice, perseverance, and experience, I continued to educate myself. My journey eventually brought me from Afghanistan to the United States of America, where I built a new life and continued learning.
I do not want my greatest legacy to be money, cars, or jewelry. I want my legacy to be knowledge, education, family history, courage, and the lessons I learned throughout my life.
The Next Generation: Afghan American Born
Sophia Fazli Yasmeen Barikzoy Shaghasi — Born 1999
“My beautiful daughter, Sophia Fazli, graduated from San Francisco State University with a 4.0 GPA and earned the highest academic honor, summa cum laude — a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations.”
A Letter to My Daughter
To my beautiful daughter, Sophia:
I leave you these books — not simply as possessions, but as a part of my life. They contain my experiences, my struggles, my lessons, my family history, and the knowledge I gained throughout my journey.
I want you to carry this legacy forward and share its message with your children, with future generations of our family, with the people of Afghanistan, and with the children of the United States of America.
Never take education for granted. Go to school. Learn. Ask questions. Grow. Continue educating yourself throughout your life. Use your knowledge to make the world a better place.
I also want you to protect women, children, animals, women’s rights, and the rights, dignity, and dreams of young girls. Use your education, courage, compassion, and strength to stand up for those who need a voice.
These books are not my wealth. They are my legacy. Protect them. Learn from them. Add your own knowledge and experiences to them. Then pass them on to the next generation.
Our Story Continues
From the history and traditions of the Shaghasi and Barikzoy families of Afghanistan, to my journey as Fahim Fazli Barikzoy Shaghasi, and now to you, Sophia — our story continues in a new generation in America.
May future generations remember where we came from, understand the sacrifices that brought us here, and use education, courage, compassion, perseverance, and hard work to build an even better future.
From Afghanistan to the United States of America.
From one generation to the next.
From our ancestors to our children.
This is the legacy I, Fahim Fazli Barikzoy Shaghasi, leave to my daughter, Sophia Fazli Yasmeen Barikzoy Shaghasi, and to the generations who come after us.
2026
