Actress Lisa Surihani tells Loong Wai Ting her success is due to good prioritising and time management skills
“LIVE a life you love,” advises popular actress, model and TV host Lisa Surihani. The 30-year-old KLite, known for her soft-spoken and humble personality, makes it a point to get her priorities right.
“Always know what to prioritise. Respect yourself and those around you,” she says.
Lisa made her acting debut in the Bernard Chauly’s 2006 film, Goodbye Boys. Though she remains one the most popular local artistes, the mother-of-one has never thought about gaining popularity and fame since starting out in the industry.
“My main objective is to earn and learn. Popularity isn’t something that I chase after. Popular or otherwise, let it come naturally to you, instead of chasing after it. Never put fame as your first priority. The most important thing is to absorb all the knowledge and apply what you have learnt,” says Lisa, who is married to producer and director Yusry Abdul Halim of KRU. She gave birth to her daughter, Yahaira Leanne, in September last year.
With her trim figure, Lisa was all smiles when answering questions from the media at Astro’s 20th anniversary celebration in Bukit Jalil recently.
Also present were South Korean heartthrob Kim Rae-Won (Love Story In Harvard and Doctors), Harry Yuan (host of National Geographic’s Route Awakenings) and local personalities such as Zizan Razak, Johan, Nabil, Datuk Aznil Nawawi, Harith Iskander, Alex Yoong, Aaron Aziz, Hafiz, Nicole Lai, Geraldine Gan and Adam C.
BRAINSTORMING IDEAS
When asked about upcoming projects, Lisa says she is currently in discussion with Astro’s Talent Management to develop some content for the station.
“I get involved in a lot of discussions to brainstorm for ideas. In a way you get to learn a lot about the current market trend and what viewers like to see. I find the overall process very interesting,” she says.
However, those who look forward to seeing Lisa on screen again will have to wait a while longer. In fact, she had turned down an offer to act in a local series due to conflicting schedule.
“It’s all about timing and priorities. For example, before committing myself to a certain project, I’ll discuss with the production team if we can work around a 12-hour filming schedule. Since I’m a mother now, I’d like to balance the time spent on the set with being at home with my daughter,” she says.
“It is very important to make every minute of your day count. From young, I was trained by my mother on time and focus management. It’s an ingrained habit now.”
Lisa started acting at 11 but she only joined the industry full-time after completing her degree in law from Help University College and Aberystwyth University in Wales, UK in 2008.
The former student of Sekolah Sri Inai in Kuala Lumpur has appeared in various TV and film works since then.
DIVERSITY IS KEY
On her thoughts about up-and-coming talents who have been flooding the industry lately, Lisa remains optimistic.
“We need diversity in terms of physique and acting styles. It adds colour to the industry. The industry is very different from the time when I first started out. These days, young artistes rely on social media to showcase themselves and their work. It’s a good way to put yourself out there and if it’s put to good use, I don’t see why it’s bad,” says Lisa, who named Amyra Rosli as her favourite local actress.
“I like to watch Amyra’s acting. She’s also very pretty.”
Whenever Lisa is busy working, she relies on her helper at home to care for her daughter. “I know some people are not confident about leaving their kids with a helper but I’m thankful that my helper is really gentle. Trust is very important between whoever is in your household. I do have family members at home looking out for my daughter as well,” says Lisa, who adds that there’ll be someone to record a video of “first” moments to send to her.
“I’ll get to see her taking her first step for example, since I don’t communicate with my helper on the phone. So I rely on my family members,” she says.
“My daughter has also learnt to dominate the TV. Her favourites are Sofia The First and Sesame Street.”
ASTRO GOODIES
As part of Astro’s 20th anniversary celebrations, all customers can enjoy Astro Fiesta (channel 996/998 HD) for free from now till Dec 31.
Astro Fiesta showcases the best international and local concerts such as Katy Perry — The Prismatic World, Konsert Mega Gegar Vaganza, Mayday Nowhere Concert, International Superstar 2015, I AM — SMTOWN Live World Tour In Madison Square Garden, Queen — A Night At The Odeon and MTV World Stage specials.
Those who have connected their Personal Video Recorder (PVR) to their home WiFi can start watching On Demand (OD) Fiesta’s specially-curated selection of latest series from across the globe.
These include The Walking Dead, Outcast, Korean series like Love In The Moonlight, Doctors, Cantonese and Hokkien series such as The Hiddens, Brother’s Keeper, My Sister, Tamil shows Seethaiyin Raman and local favourites including Akademi Fantasia, Lara Oh Lara and Suri Hati Mr Pilot.
Subscribers can also enjoy Astro Awani, Astro Arena, Go Shop 1, Go Shop 2 and eGG channel, as well as selected On Demand content for free, anytime and anywhere when they download the Astro On The Go (AOTG) app on their mobile platform.
Details at www.astro.com.my