Although she’s due to host a show on Astro and is busy writing songs, hosting events and pursuing a degree in psychology, what Sarimah Ibrahim really yearns to do is act in movies. HIZREEN KAMAL finds out more.

AS the talkative Kak Mah Gali in Fail Sulit Akademi Fantasia, a weekly recap of the highly-rated reality show AF, talented artiste Sarimah Ibrahim’s popularity received a big boost.

Walking around shopping complexes would always mean people coming up to greet her.

“After my stint on AF6, I am recognised wherever I go. It wasn’t like this at all before,” said Sarimah, who signed a three-year contract with Astro earlier this year to become one of its exclusive presenters.

Under the contract, the 30-year-old is commissioned to host Fail Sulit AF, Diari AF and Ikon Malaysia.
“I am glad to join the Astro family. So far, it has been fun.”

However, since Ikon Malaysia was shelved, she has had much free time.

“With Ikon out of the picture, I’m just waiting for AF7 to begin its run,” she added, explaining why she is hardly seen on television these days. (AF7 begins airing next year.)

Meanwhile, Sarimah, who is of Malay-Irish-Italian-Indonesian parentage, takes on a lot of hosting jobs for dinner shows and corporate events. She is also pursuing a degree in psychology at a local institution.

Sarimah has hosted numerous entertainment shows, notably the annual Anugerah Juara Lagu awards (2002 and 2003), Entertainment Now (2004), The Force of Nature Concert (2006), Prelude Kemuncak AIM (2006) and Galaksi (2007).

But she’s just aching to act again.

Sarimah made her acting debut in 1996 in Aziz M. Osman’s film Puteri Impian 2, which captivated fans and critics alike. In 1999, she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the Malaysia Film Festival of that year.

Her success opened up even more doors, with her appearing in critically-acclaimed, top-grossing movies such as Janji Diana, MX3 and Gerak Khas III.

But that was it.

“I acted for only three years. After that, I ventured into singing and went on to cut an album. I didn’t think much about acting then as I was busy with my singing and hosting career.

“But it’s been almost a decade now, and I find I’m missing acting in movies. I hope opportunities to do so will come up,” she said.

Sarimah felt some filmmakers think she is unable to take up other jobs because of her deal with Astro.

“I am only contracted as Astro’s exclusive host. But other than that, I am free to do other things,” said Sarimah.

There have been talks that Sarimah, who is a black belt holder in karate-do kenpo, has been offered a film role as a silat expert.

“Nothing is confirmed yet. But yes, the offer was made.”

Sarimah would also love to sing again should an opportunity arise.

“I have been actively writing lyrics during my spare time, all waiting to be turned into songs.

Her self-titled debut album released in 2002 had spawned hit songs such as Kini Kau Tiada, You Told Me and Damai.

Her success in the music industry also saw her garner a few awards at the following year’s Anugerah Industri Muzik (AIM) awards, including Best New Artiste. She also took home the Best New Artiste award at the Anugerah Era awards the same year.

Sarimah said people are still downloading her songs from the Internet after six years.

“I don’t know whether this means I should go back to singing!”

But whatever Sarimah plans to do next, it’s certain she would make everyone stand up and take notice.