POPULAR television host and comedian Sherry Alhadad, 39, is getting "mean on the screen" for the first time.
Her "mean" role is that of a stepmother named Zaiton in director Shahrulezad Mohameddin's drama series 'Khunsa'.
PULL IT OFF
"Zaiton wasn't a character that I could identify with at first, as I'm a nice girl," said Sherry in a recent interview.
"However, Shahrulezad told me that the role suited me, and I could pull it off with gusto."
Thanking Shahrulezad for his confidence in her, she said that there would always be a time for any actor or actress to "do something different" and shine.
"We must always step out of our comfort zones and take a plunge into the deep end of the pool. It is only when we challenge ourselves that we grow as actors and actresses."
INTERSEX
'Khunsa' which also stars Azhan Rani, Farah Ahmad, Nadia Aqilah, Aedy Ashraf, Zarina Zainoordin, Mikael Noah, Mhia Firdaus and Rafique Iskandar, tells the story of Che Khun who is born a "khunsa", or intersex person.
Che Khun's father Wan Jusoh cannot accept the fact that his youngest child is such, and insists on raising Che Khun as a boy.
However, Che Khun grows into a feminine person, and Wan Jusoh often mistreats him.
Che Khun is also treated badly by his stepmother Zaiton, and struggles fitting into society.
BIG FAMILY
Sherry said: "Zaiton is actually a good woman. She admires Wan Jusoh because he is a hard-working widower who struggles to raise a big family.
"She loves her stepchildren, including Che Khun, but cannot accept that he wants to become a woman."
HARD LIFE
Sherry added that Zaiton's gradual hatred of Che Khun is fuelled by the people she mixes with.
"It is they who influence her to look down on 'khunsa'," she said.
Sherry added that Zaiton herself had a hard life and wanted her stepchildren to endure hardship as she did.
"As a result, she has no patience with 'softies' and deems 'khunsa' as such."
RETRO LOOK
Shahrulezad got Sherry to adopt a "retro" 1970s look to play Zaiton, as Che Khun's childhood is set in that decade.
"The hair, the clothes, the makeup, all had to be perfectly 1970s.
"And I had to have well-trimmed eyebrows too, like some of the fashion models in that decade."
JUST REWARDS
Sherry has always wanted to play a cruel stepmother, but one that is funny.
Sherry added that playing a serious character like Zaiton was her biggest challenge to date.
"It was rather stressful, but I was happy to take on the challenge, because it is always a good idea for anyone to break free from being typecast," she said.
TAKEN SERIOUSLY
Sherry's biggest fear was not being taken seriously by viewers who are used to seeing her as a funny character.
"In Hollywood, there have been many comedians who were not taken seriously by fans when they embarked on serious drama roles."
SUBTLE EXPRESSIONS
Sherry is happy that Shahrulezad encouraged her to think positively, and assured her that Zaiton will be a hit with viewers.
"At first, I wanted to play comedic characters in 'Khunsa'. But I am glad Shahrulezad offered me the role of Zaiton."
When playing Zaiton, Sherry had to be subtle in her expressions and movements.
"I am glad that the director and the more experienced members of the ensemble helped me a lot here."
SPLIT SECOND
Working with great actors and actresses such as Azhan, Nadia and Farah has been a dream come true for Sherry.
"Azhan is a wonderful actor and a gentleman, he can switch into his nasty character in a split second," she said.
BE OURSELVES
Sherry said: "Zaiton taught me to be myself and not be influenced by people around me.
"Her problem is she is too concerned about what others say."
Produced by Radius One, Khunsa premiered on March 11 on Astro Ria and is screened from Mondays to Thursdays at 9pm.