SINCE its inception in 1997, TV3’s iconic women’s talk show Wanita Hari Ini (WHI) has had a slew of female hosts.
They include Nurfarahin Jamsari, Dang Suria, Maria Tunku Sabri and Ezzah Aziz Fawzy, as well as current hosts Fiza Sabjahan, Hazrena Kassim and Uyaina Arshad.
Starting today, however, the female dynamic will change when actor Fahrin Ahmad joins the lineup as the show’s first permanent male host.
“In 2010, WHI had a male co-host — financial coach Nazril Idrus — but he only appeared during the show’s finance segment.
“I, on the other hand, will be a fixed host and cover all topics,” said the actor at the launch of HBO’s Bahasa Malaysia-dubbed version of the animated film, The Secret Life Of Pets, at St. Regis Kuala Lumpur recently.
Previously, Fahrin had hosted a variety of programmes, such as Dunia Pencetus Ummah and Sehati Berdansa, as well as the 25th Malaysian Film Festival in 2013 and Anugerah Skrin 2014.
His first hosting job was for Astro Ria’s talk show XY in 2002, where he and his co-host, Norlida Mohd Ariff, discussed gender-related topics.
“While WHI tackles women’s issues, the previous hosts didn’t have a male’s perspective of the discussion, so that’s where I come in.”
Fahrin said it was the intention of the show’s producers to inject a fresh element into the programme, which airs weekdays at 11am.
For his audition two weeks ago, the actor said he didn’t know what to expect.
He was given a topic and asked to do a mock interview on his own.
“I was caught by surprise because I didn’t come prepared!” he said with a laugh.
“Luckily, I had experience in hosting various genres, so I used whatever knowledge I had to pull it off. Thankfully, I fit the bill.”
For his preparation, he said he would research women’s issues and seek help from his wife, Elena Hani Eleas, or his female relatives, if need be.
The 38-year-old Johor-born actor said he would also have to be on the ball in keeping up with issues and to be mindful of certain issues presented on WHI.
“I just have to be aware of what I say and play safe, in case I unwittingly start a controversy,” he said with a laugh.
“Still, I can’t wait to see the viewers’ response.”
“Being a part of WHI is an honour as it will be another feather in my hosting cap,” he said.
“It’s going to be a fun challenge for me, but this opportunity is truly a blessing.”
The dubbed version of The Secret Life Of Pets will see Fahrin and actors Nora Danish and Juliana Evans, comedians Sherry Alhadad and Nabil Ahmad and singer Mark Adam, lending their voice talents to the animal characters.
The film will premiere on June 25 at 8pm on HBO (Astro Channel 411 and 431).