A SPOILT brat who thinks that the world revolves around her. It’s almost hard not to hate Sarah Hildebrand’s character Nadine in the latest TV3 drama, Pujaan Hati Kanda.
Contrary to her character though, it’s hard not to admire Sarah in real life. Not only is she blessed with good looks, she also carries that girl-next-door attitude and is extremely friendly. What makes her extra cool is that she is secretly an avid gamer as well!
Although the name Sarah Hildebrand is very much familiar among her 137,000 followers on Instagram, she’s still working to solidify her presence in the local entertainment industry.
Naturally, she felt extremely lucky to land her role in Pujaan Hati Kanda, which airs weekdays on TV3’s popular 7pm Akasia slot.
When met recently, Sarah said: “I received a call before Ramadan this year offering me the role of Nadine and I didn’t have to go for an audition!
“It marks my first time playing an antagonist and while it was incredibly fun, it required a lot of energy.”
ICING ON THE CAKE
Landing the lead role in Pujaan Hati Kanda was one thing but starring alongside Remy Ishak was the icing on the cake.
“Remy was someone I always watched on TV, so to be starring alongside a great actor like him — it was as though an achievement was unlocked,” she said.
The drama series centres on the relationship between Nadine and Danny (Remy Ishak) who have to deal with a surprising twist when they are saddled with a mysterious baby on the day of their akad nikah ceremony.
Things spiral out of control after Nadine throws a fit and wants out from the wedding.
“Danny was a former playboy and while Nadine was earlier convinced that he had changed his wayward ways, she has her doubts again on seeing the baby,” she said.
Despite being excited, Sarah confessed to feeling intimidated to be on set with Remy.
“At the end of the day we are all just the same. He is such a funny person and was always willing to help me out. Remy also likes to talk a lot. It was really fun to work with him and (the other lead character) Mira Filzah,” she said.
While Remy has a reputation for being “garang” (strict) on set, Sarah said: “Well, you have to be serious in certain situations. It’s normal. Besides that, he is just the coolest guy and is super nice,” she said.
READY TO ROCK
In the past, actresses like Ayda Jebat shot to superstar status overnight after landing a role on the 7pm TV3 drama slot, for instance, Rindu Awak 200%.
When asked if Sarah was ready to embrace the same situation, the actress replied that she was “ready for anything” that comes her way.
“I’ve been telling myself that if viewers hate me, it’s only because of my character. I know the fine line between people hating Sarah or Nadine.
“As for the popularity, I have butterflies in my stomach just thinking about it. But I know that if it happens, it will help to boost my name and brand. Frankly as an actress, you need your name to shine in order to land more job opportunities,” she said.
NEW EXPERIENCES
Sarah, who has been acting since 2014, will focus all her energy on honing her acting skills next year. Needless to say, she hopes to land more acting jobs.
“I am currently taking acting classes with Nicole-Ann Thomas, a well-known director in the local English theatre scene, but I am thinking about taking up classes with actress Fauziah Nawawi as well,” she said.
Besides acting, Sarah is in talks to be the host for an upcoming TV show, which interviews lawyers on unique and interesting cases.
“I’m excited about that as I don’t know much about Malaysian law. It should be interesting as I am always game to learn new things but I can’t share more details about this project just yet,” she said.
PUSHING FORWARD
Despite being Pan-Asian and pretty, it doesn’t mean that the stars are aligned for Sarah.
“I constantly have to prove to myself and to others that I am more than just a pretty face. The pressure is there but it just pushes me to be much better,” said Sarah.
Well, with her perseverance and humble attitude, it’s likely Sarah will go nowhere but up. Watch out for this girl!