#SHOWBIZ: Nia Atasha is ready to play it tough

THESE days, aspiring actresses are seeking roles that have “independence” and “strength” written all over them. Nia Atasha Rosli is no different.

The lanky, 30-year-old Penangite is currently enjoying her first protagonist role in director Nadiah Hamzah’s romantic comedy ‘Kata Hati’, which opens in cinemas on June 4.

Speaking at a preview of ‘Kata Hati’, Nia says she was delighted to play new actress Ayra Natasha, a funny and glamorous yet strong and independent character.

“I wouldn’t say I’m 100 per cent satisfied with my portrayal of Ayra. I’m still a freshie in the industry with a long way to go.

“But I’m happy to have bagged this role as she is a lot like me, except that I’m not a drama queen like she is!”

Nia, the first artiste in her family, is the younger of two sisters and a graphic design graduate from Universiti Teknologi Mara’s (UiTM) Seri Iskandar campus in Bota, Perak.

“I’ve always wanted to be in showbiz, having followed the local entertainment industry since my schooldays, be it TV, cinema or music.

“But I didn’t have any acting experience until the last few years, as I was never active in theatre during my schooldays.”

Nia made her entry into the arts by modelling for television and print advertisements after she completed Form Five.

“I’m happy that my parents and elder sister have always been supportive of my decision to join the arts. Nevertheless, my parents insisted that I go to college or university, and I did.”

Nia’s first television drama was ‘Sisters’ in 2021. Three years later, she marked her debut in Viu with the supernatural drama ‘Nafsu’ alongside popular actor Kamal Adli.

“My biggest challenge when I started acting was being awkward and nervous. I thank God that I have been guided by several amazing directors whom I get along great with.”

Nia adds that she was fortunate to receive lots of encouragement from established actors, who helped her overcome her shyness and nervousness.

“It was especially great to work with Kamal, Azira Shafinaz and Aqasha Rosli on the set of ‘Nafsu’. They were very friendly and great to hang out with.”

While horror films are an occasional treat for Nia, she would rather star in romantic comedies and action adventures as she tends to get “scared stiff” after watching the likes of ‘Paranormal Activity’.

“Romantic comedies, like ‘Kata Hati’, will always be my first choice of movies. In the long run, however, I’d love to star in heavy drama like Syafiq Yusof’s ‘Sheriff: Narko Integriti’ and ‘Soloz: Game Of Life’.

“As for my ideal movie character, I’d like to play a complex role, a woman who is neither good nor bad.

“But my character must be one who kicks butt!”

Nia dreams of working with Syafiq and his elder brother Syamsul, as she has always admired the Haslam brothers as Malaysia’s “crown princes” of filmmaking.

“I would also love to collaborate with the equally visionary Razaisyam Rashid and Dain Said.”

As for her favourite actors, Nia is overjoyed to have met Beto Kusyairy and Nabila Huda, who have guest roles in ‘Kata Hati’.

“I love Beto and Nabila because they are superb character actors. They made a great team in the ‘Gayong’ movie series.”

Nia does not want to limit her work to Malay-language ones as she believes in embracing the Bangsa Malaysia spirit.

“I’m always open to starring in English dramas, even Chinese, Tamil and Kadazan-Dusun-language films are great with me,” she says, adding that she sees herself as a Malaysian actress first.

Nia’s aim in life is to master all categories of screen roles.

“I plan to tick all of the boxes, namely good, evil, complex, funny and weird.

“As for directing, producing or writing scripts, that’s something I plan to do when I’m more established in my career.

“I really look up to screen legends such as Fauziah Ahmad Daud and Datuk Rosyam Nor who have gone on to produce dramas after shining as actors.”

Nia began her acting career with the web drama ‘Inikah Dikatakan Cinta’ in 2020.

She has acted in five films to date, beginning with ‘Gila Gusti’ in 2022 and ‘Soloz’ last year.

Meanwhile, Nadiah says ‘Kata Hati’ was filmed over 18 days in August last year, around Kuantan and the Klang Valley.

“It is an unexpected love story between a rising actress and an e-hailing driver. It is inspired by first-hand encounters within the industry.

“I wanted to tell a story that feels lighter on the surface but still carries emotional weight. A film that allows audiences to laugh but also recognise themselves in the quiet moments.”

The film also stars Yusof Hashim, Fazziq Muqris, Scha Alyahya, Taqim Zaki and Norreen Iman. There are cameo appearances by Aziz M. Osman, Beto Kusyairy, Nabila Huda, Liyana Jasmay, Nina Kho and Shweta Sekhon.

dchua@nst.com.my

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المصدر: New Straits Times