YOUNG viewers love princesses these days, especially those who are strong, independent and principled, like Disney's Elsa, Anna and Sophia the First.
Qasrina Karim, 27, has just jumped into the "heroine princess" bandwagon, courtesy of nine-episode Astro Ceria series Legenda Puteri Qaseh.
Produced by Red Communications, Legenda Puteri Qaseh comes hot on the heels of two telemovies screened last year in the channel's princess-themed Legenda slot — Legenda Puteri Bulan and Legenda Puteri Felora.
BRAVE AND INDEPENDENT
"Legenda Puteri Qaseh, like its predecessors, introduces viewers to a modern-day princess who is strong, brave, independent and resourceful," said Qasrina at the launch of the series in One Utama Shopping Centre, Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya, recently.
Puteri Qaseh (Qasrina) is a small town girl who discovers that she is actually the princess of a magical kingdom called KayaJaya.
"She also learns that her real parents, the kingdom's royal couple, have been ousted and captured by an unscrupulous relative named Raja Sulung, and she must fight him and restore them to the throne," said Qasrina.
KINDNESS WINS
Puteri Qaseh is magically transported to KayaJaya by her parents' ministers and special assistants, and there, she must learn the ways of a princess before standing up to Raja Sulung and his followers.
"Puteri Qaseh endears herself to the citizens of KayaJaya, who count on her to save them, and while she becomes stronger, braver and more mature after training from her parents' assistants, it is her kindness, honesty, purity and compassion that save the day," said Qasrina, who made her big screen debut in Kongsi Raya last year.
STAR-STUDDED CAST
Husband-and-wife team Datuk Yusry Abdul Halim and Datin Lisa Surihani portray the parents of Qasrina's character — Raja Budi and Permaisuri Kalsom.
The fantasy series also stars Norman Hakim (Raja Sulung), Bella Dowanna (Laila), Aziz M. Osman (Hidayat), Daniel Fong (Andika), Chelsia Ng (Chan Lee Za), Satthiya Kandi (Zaindaya) and Chew Kin Wah (Chan Teck Tuck).
ADMIRES MIRA FILZAH
Qasrina, who is often dubbed "Little Mira Filzah", does not mind the moniker and would love to co-star with the real Mira, who is three years her senior, in films or dramas.
"I love Mira, she is a talented actress who is humble and friendly. It would be great if I get to star with her someday!"
CAREFULLY CREATED
The drama series' producer Shamyl Othman said he and director Umi Salwana Omar were attracted to Astro's idea of the Puteri Qaseh series, and have carefully created her as a brave, yet vulnerable and compassionate character.
"Puteri Qaseh may begin her journey as a girl-next-door, but as time goes by, viewers will find that she is open-minded, able to overcome her fears, and most of all, believes in doing the right thing," said Shamyl.
Lagenda Puteri Qaseh is screened every Monday at 9pm on Astro Ceria (611).