Actress Anzalna Nasir speaks to Bibi Nurshuhada Ramli about her latest acting project.
SHE may be a celebrity but attractive actress Anzalna Nasir is not hungry for the spotlight. “I actually prefer working on a year-long project and then take a break the following year,” she says in an interview.
The 29-year-old isn’t worried that she may be forgotten by the industry because of a long break. “That’s not like me to look for popularity,” she says. “It’s great if people like me, but if they don’t, well, I can’t force them.
“Besides, there are many new faces in the industry today. What is important for me to do is to ensure I give my best so that I will be remembered for my work and stay relevant,” she adds.
The Penang-born is also unperturbed should she fall short on acting offers. “I always believe that every time I give something, I will get something back. So far, this has been true.”
She admits that sometimes she feels “lazy” to get back to work after a long break. “But at the same time, I miss seeing myself on TV!” she jokes.
NEXT PROJECT
Anzalna was the lead actress in Astro Bella’s 137th episode Memori Cinta Suraya, which aired in 2015 and produced by Global Station. After 13 months of filming which ended in September 2015, she took time off to focus on her wedding preparations.
Last Feb 21, Anzalna tied the knot with her long-time beau Muhamad Hanif Mohamad Zaki. Since then, she has been busy playing the role of a wife.
Her first job offer after the break is a 100-episode drama. Filming begins next Saturday.
“This supertele is called Tuscan Passion. I don’t know much about the story yet. What I know is that I will play a spoilt brat,” reveals Anzalna excitedly.
Fellow actress Nabila Huda plays the female lead, and their characters are best friends. “My character stabs her in the back. I’ve read the script up to Episode 10 where my character demands to marry her character’s boyfriend.”
Since Anzalna began acting in 2011, she has taken on many such roles. Her last one was for the TV drama series Adam Dan Hawa. Apparently, her acting as a baddie was so convincing she was “ hated by fans of Aaron Aziz who was the series’ leading man.”
Laughing at the memory, she says: “Playing a baddie is fun. But naturally, as an actor, you would want to try a variety of roles. The audience will get bored seeing me playing the same character over and over again.”
LONG-RUNNING
Tuscan Passion marks Anzalna’s seventh time working with Global Station. Besides Memori Cinta Suraya, she has starred in its other productions — Suria Di Cordoba, Ramadan Terakhir and Tentang Hati.
Preferring a supertele over short drama series or telemovies, she finds the latter to be more exhausting.
“With a drama, you have to rush in order to complete filming in time for the premiere date. But with a supertele, you have more space to breathe and work on perfecting your acting. Your character has more opportunities to grow too.”
Working on long productions also provides financial security.
Anzalna’s younger sister Afifah is also an actress. When Anzalna has to decline an acting offer due to a clash in her schedule, she would suggest her sister for the production.
Afifah, who starred in last year’s drama series Pengantinku Jatuh Dari Langit, has never asked her for acting tips. “I think she’s doing better than me,” says Anzalna. “I get feedback from producers that she is very talented.”
FAMILY TIME
Married life has been swell for Anzalna. “It’s been fun because I feel I’m taken care of by my significant other. I’m lucky to have Hanif. I’ve known him for a long time, and it’s hard to find any fault in him. He’s too perfect sometimes.
“Life feels complete for me. We just got our house, and I’ve been busy decorating it,” she says excitedly.
The actress thinks that she can balance her career and her personal life by being more selective in her projects.
She adds that her role in Tuscan Passion doesn’t take up too much of her time, allowing her to also spend time with her husband in-between filming.
“Hanif always urges me to rest when he sees me going out for work in the morning and returning late at night. He’s been everything but unsupportive of my career.”
BABY TALK
Earlier this month, Anzalna posted several photos of her elder sister Diana’s adorable twins.
“Looking at my sister taking care of the girls made me wonder if I should become a mum myself. It does look fun being with the babies, but I bet it can be tiring too,” she admits.
Some have asked her if she’s concerned that she has yet to be blessed with a baby of her own. “Well, how can I feel sad when I see the twins so often?” she says, smiling.
Anzalna, who will soon release her own beauty product, says she has the perfect reaction for anyone who asks if she’s expecting yet. “I will just say ‘Not yet!’ and flip my hair over my shoulder confidently,” she jokes.
“Like many married couples, we would love to one day have our own brood.”