Former child star Elfira Loy’s passion for acting is undiminished after a decade in showbiz, writes Dennis Chua
TIME sure flies. Just ask Nurul Elfira Loy Ahmad Sabri, who feels like it was only yesterday that she landed her first acting role.
“I love acting so much, it’s more an adventure than a job or career,” says the 22-year-old, who made her screen debut in the teen rom-com telemovie, Cinta Itu Buta, at 12.
Viewers adored her sweet, girl-next-door disposition, and her “cute-as-a-button” off-stage personality.
Elfira has appeared in dozens of TV series which made her a household name. Best known of these was Dalam Hati Ada Taman, where she starred opposite handsome Indonesian actor Randy Pangalila.
This 2012 romantic drama series was a major hit with local and Indonesian audiences.
Fans even commented that Elfira and Randy made a perfect couple “on and off-screen”.
“I was shocked when some fans ‘lobbied’ for me and Randy to become a real-life couple. But in hindsight, it was a good sign — that our on-screen chemistry was superb and we played our roles as young romantics with gusto,” says Elfira in an interview in Kuala Lumpur.
When asked about her friendship with Randy, Elfira says, with a generous smile, that they are still in contact via social media.
EDUCATION, FOOD AND FAMILY
She is pursuing a diploma in arts and entertainment at KDU University College, Shah Alam.
“I’ve spent two years there, and I’ll be graduating in August,” she says, adding that her parents made sure she got an education to add value to her career as a bankable film and TV star.
“The decision to choose arts and entertainment was mine though.”
Elfira, the second of five siblings, is not the only actor in her family. Her younger sister Ezlisa Loy and younger brother Ezzrin Loy have also been bitten by the acting bug.
Both appeared with Zain Saidin in the English language improvement comedy series, Oh My English.
The ambitious actress, who also has a passion for food, opened her restaurant, Love Me Seven Days Cafe, last year. Located in Taman Alam Damai, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, it serves Western, Chinese and Malay food.
“My siblings encouraged me to start a restaurant since we all love food. It’s based on my love of fusion meals that combine local and Western cooking.”
“I enjoy sharing with my fans the food I grew up with. We’re a pretty adventurous family,” says the actress, who is of Malay, Chinese and Arab lineage.
Elfira, who is from Alor Setar, Kedah, recently spent her Raya holidays there.
“I always look forward to Raya, my favourite time of the year. As for my favourite Raya food, it’s got to be rendang,” she says enthusiastically.
UPCOMING PROJECTS
After Raya, she will be co-hosting an extreme sports series with comedienne Sherry Al-Hadad and actress Sharifah Sakinah.
“They’re very humorous and I enjoy their company. This show is gonna be a blast!”
Elfira loves the sea, and has dived in the Maldives and Lombok, Indonesia.
“I love the sea because of its beautiful marine life, and I must admit, Southeast Asia has many of the world’s best diving spots,” says Elfira.
She took part in reality show, Selebriti Fear Factor Malaysia, two years ago, where she finished third alongside teammate Ajak of Shiro.
As for new projects, Elfira will be playing a young nurse in HyppTV’s new romantic comedy, Mr Secret Admirer. The show will co-star Fezrol Khan.
“He’s a spoilt, rich young man who is involved in an accident and I’m the nurse who helps him recover. Along the way we fall in love,” says Elfira, who describes Fezrol as “surprisingly humorous and fun-loving”.
Will she return to musicals, having starred in Istana Budaya’s Ali Baba and Ibu Zain in 2007?
“Not for now, I’m more comfortable in film and TV. But if there’s a colourful, star-studded, all-Malaysian musical for a good cause, I’d definitely say ‘yes’.”
As far as being a child star is concerned, Elfira has no regrets. “If your parents manage your career well, you will certainly keep your feet on the ground,” she says.
“Problems only arise when you get detached from your loved ones and mix with the wrong crowd.”