ONE of the three members of all-girl band De Fam is busy with personal projects, but the other two are far from being envious.
For Azira Shafinaz Ramlan, 26, such feelings do not exist among the three of them. Her relationship with the other two — Sophia and Manggis — remains as strong as ever. “We’ve been through thick and thin together and because of that, we know each other like the back of our hands,” shares Azira.
She adds that while personal projects crop up, De Fam has always been their priority. “Instead of going green with envy, we support and encourage whoever is pursuing their dreams.”
Azira is currently hosting new talk show programmes on ntv7 with comedian and Hot FM radio announcer, Shuk Sahar Pop! TV and Pop! Express.
“As the shows are much like other TV shows which discuss news involving the entertainment industry, I’ve been watching a lot of E! News for reference,” says Azira, who also looks up to fellow TV hosts Sherry Alhadad and Alif Satar.
“I like to look how Sherry carries herself well, on and offscreen. She has a nice personality, which makes her endearing to TV audiences.
“The same with Alif. He is such an all-rounder and watching him handle TV shows has inspired me to copy a bit of his style and sensibility. Look at how the pair hosted Anugerah Juara Lagu 32 (held last February), they made it so lively,” adds Azira, who also likes to watch Zizan Razak and Awal Ashaari helming their respective TV programmes.
CO-HOSITNG WITH COMEDIAN SHUK
After hosting Pop! TV for more than five episodes so far, Azira says she has begun to catch up with her co-host Shuk.
“Initially, especially on the first episode, there were times when I was at loss for words. It wasn’t because I was nervous or anything, but rather because Shuk was being his chatty self. He was talking so much that I didn’t know when to interrupt to give my input,” says Azira with a laugh, recounting that experience.
However, Shuk had to do so to avoid awkward silences, since it was Azira’s first time handling the show.
“He’s an easy person to work with. Before we go on air, Shuk and I will work on our cues.”
The variety programme is broadcast live on ntv7 every Friday at 9.30pm, and has a few segments: Pop! Celebrity (with guest artistes invited to join them every week), Rolling! (with pre-recorded behind-the-scenes interviews for film/drama shootings or concerts), Pop! Top 3 (entertainment news), Pop! Parody (parody of viral issues or scenes from drama/films) and Carroks (karaoke sessions with celebrities).
While it is a weekly show, the TV station also has another similar show called Pop! Express, aired from Mondays to Thursdays at 6.30pm. Both shows premiered on ntv7 in early March.
Azira says the show on Friday is like the culmination of entertainment news, which had been shared throughout the week on Pop! Express.
Both Shuk and Azira also host Pop! Express but for this programme, they rotate with four other hosts — Ain Edruce, Maggy Wang, Aaron Al-fateh and Shalma Ainaa.
Viewers can also catch the shows via www.tonton.com.my