Her second pregnancy is turning out to be a journey of ease and joy for actress Lisa Surihani, writes Bibi Nurshuhada Ramli
SHE has that unmistakable glow as she lays a protective hand on her baby bump. “Life has been great!” award-winning actress Lisa Surihani says in an interview, grinning widely.
Lisa, who is due in April, is expecting her second child with filmmaker husband Yusry Abdul Halim.
“I seem to have more energy now. I drive around in my car and I walk more too. I’m also more hardworking, putting in extra effort in everything I do.
“During my first pregnancy, I didn’t even want to wear make-up. This time around, I do even when I’m just lazing around at home. I even curl my hair!”
Lisa gave birth to her daughter Yahaira Leanne on Sept 15, 2015. She admits to shutting herself from the public during her first pregnancy after news of it was released without her consent by someone she trusted.
“I was still in the early stages of pregnancy and I wasn’t comfortable revealing the news, especially when I had trouble conceiving.
“So when that person spilt the beans, I immediately put up a shield around myself. I didn’t want to meet anyone or go anywhere,” Lisa reveals, blaming her hormones and stress for her feelings.
She had to apologise and explain herself when family and friends called to confirm the news. “It wasn’t that I didn’t want to tell everyone. I just wanted to wait a little longer.”
This time around, however, Lisa feels on top of the world. “There’s no pressure, probably because this is my second time. But that is how I like it,” she says.
On the baby’s gender, she smiles before adding “I am not sure if I should reveal it yet. I think it’d be better if I deliver the baby first and then announce it.”
BIG SISTER
Yahaira, who is now 17 months old, is a pampered child. “She just loves to cuddle. She would constantly ask me to carry her even though she’s getting heavier by the day.
“I am not too sure how Yahaira will take the news on the arrival of her little sibling, but I hope all will be well.”
Following Yahaira’s birth, the celebrity couple had been very cautious in posting about their little one on social media. “It’s not that we didn’t want to share with our fans and the public, but we don’t see the need to put Yahaira out there too much,” Lisa explains.
These days, they are more open to it. Last year, Yahaira appeared in a TV commercial for Proton with her parents. Lisa has also included Yahaira in promoting her Raya collection which she collaborated with local couturier Jovian Mandagie.
This marks her second collaboration with the designer who is a close friend.
In 2013, Lisa and Jovian came out with a collection called Baby Lisa for adolescents.
“Now that I have a daughter, I figured it would be awesome to have her be part of this too.”
Lisa Surihani for Jovian 2.0 is different from her previous collection, as it includes designs for little girls, a range of hijabs and fragrances. But Lisa initially worried about whether it was a good thing to get Yahaira involved.
“When we did the photoshoot, Yahaira’s actions just blew me away,” she says. “She posed so excitedly and willingly for the camera like a pro! I could only watch in amazement.”
She adds that Yahaira is fine if only one camera is focused on her, but if there are many, the young girl begins to shy away. Lisa cherishes these moments greatly, but that does not mean Yahaira will become a child actress or model in the near future.
“I don’t think I’m ready to have her in the spotlight yet,” says Lisa. “Yusry and I want Yahaira to have a normal childhood. I started my career when I was 11, but I was old enough to understand the advantages and disadvantages.”
Lisa and Yusry have received offers to endorse a brand as a family, but Lisa says they have yet to decide on anything. “It’s the same as when I am offered an acting role. I will consider all factors first before inking the deal.”
Next month, the couple will film the second season of Astro Ria’s parenting TV programme eBu: Babypedia.
“In season one, we covered birth and post-delivery topics. But in season two, since I am pregnant, relevant topics on pregnancies will be covered too.”
She adds that Yahaira will be involved as well, but only minimally. “When we filmed season one, she was still so young, so I was extra strict about her appearances on the show. Now that we’re more well-versed with the show, we can tell what works when it comes to Yahaira.”
NEW ROLE
Besides her pregnancy, Lisa received another great news: She has been appointed national ambassador for the United Nations International Children’s Fund (Unicef).
“Remember when in school we were asked about our ambitions? Mine was always to be part of Unicef. I never thought my dream would come true. I couldn’t believe it when I first received the proposal via email. I wonder if I have what it takes?
“However, I feel this is my calling. I want to learn from other Unicef ambassadors on how we can help improve children’s lives.”
She joins other celebrities such as Datuk Jackie Chan, Aamir Khan, Katy Perry, Amitabh Bachchan and Orlando Bloom who are also ambassadors of Unicef.