PETALING JAYA: Award-winning actress Lisa Surihani Mohamad admits that she has “a new found zest for life” being a new mum.
Her seven-week old bundle of joy, Yahaira Leanne Yusry, is the first person in her mind every day, and her reason to strive and thrive.
Yahaira, said Lisa, was born in Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur at 11.44pm last Sept 15.
“Yusry and I are very proud to have a Malaysia Day baby, even if she arrived 15 minutes before Malaysia Day (Sept 16).
“We absolutely adore her and try to spend as much time as we can with her, despite our busy careers. And we thank all our friends, fans and loved ones for giving us their love and support in the months leading up to her arrival,” said Lisa when met for an interview at One World Hotel here today.
Describing Yahaira as her “greatest gift” of the year, the 29-year-old popular artiste has become more determined to excel in acting, by playing more diverse roles and moving out of her comfort zone of “good girl characters”.
“Actually I’ve played villains in horror comedy Jangan Pandang Belakang Congkak 1 and 2. In the man-meets-animal comedy Zoo I was the antagonist, too. However, these characters were more comedic than downright villainous.”
Lisa’s second greatest gift of the year is starring alongside her favourite Malaysian singer Datuk Sheila Majid in the feel-good musical movie Sinaran which opens in cinemas on Nov 26.
“My character, the poetry and music-loving protagonist, is named Shila, as a tribute to Sheila, who has a meaningful cameo in the movie. I was awe-struck when I met her on the set, and we spent a day together rehearsing our scenes.
“While Sheila’s character is ‘under wraps’, she is instrumental in helping Shila achieve her dreams. She’s truly friendly and fun-loving, and I’ve always loved her songs for their positive and motivational messages of unity, hope and love.”
Growing up listening to Sheila’s songs, Lisa said her favourite was the touching and hopeful tune Gerimis Semalam.
The film marks Lisa’s second collaboration with director Osman Ali who directed her in Ombak Rindu. “I couldn’t say no to Abang Osman, a brilliant director and dear friend of mine. He challenges me to be a different character in each movie, and he is easy to work with.”
It also stars Izara Aishah, Hasnul Rahmat, Singaporean actress Nadiah M Din and singer Syarif of Sleeq; and Indonesian singer and actor Evan Sanders of Dealova.