THERE is a time when an actor or actress is on top of his or her game, but this will eventually come to pass.
Popular, award-winning actress Maya Karin, 44, strongly believes so, and constantly reminds herself to "do her best" to stay relevant and be remembered for her work.
"When I first joined showbiz, I aimed to act in good movies, with interesting as well as educational storylines. Fame was always secondary, though it is great to be famous," she said.
Maya, who won Best Actress in the 49th Asia Pacific Film Festival held in Fukuoka, Japan in 2004 for her role in the film 'Pontianak Harum Sundal Malam', said that she always emphasised "quality over quantity" and that is why she has not been headlining movies for almost four years.
"I'm not one to act in any movie for the sake of acting. I always go for stories that I can relate to, as well as producers, directors, and co-stars whom I know well and work well with.
"After Syamsul Yusof's 'Munafik' which came out four years ago, I only had minor or cameo roles in movies, for instance, 'Abang Long Fadil 3' and most recently, 'The Experts'.
"What makes me take up these minor roles is my interest in the character. For example, my character Miranda Abdul Rahman in 'The Experts' is hilarious and colourful, I can strongly identify with her."
Maya added that she has never "set a quota" of having to star in a certain number of films within a year.
"If there are roles that I like and scripts that I like, I will go for them. However, if there aren't any films that suit my liking in a certain year, it's a big no from me."
Maya strongly believes that cinema-goers should remember her for her talents instead of her "eye candy" appeal.
"Yes, it is good to be a spokesperson for various brands and campaigns. I endorse projects and products that are close to my heart, but my films always come first!"
Maya said it was inevitable that new actresses would rise and become more popular than her in the years to come.
She sees them as talented juniors whom she will work with, even if they outshine her in dramas, telemovies, or films.
"There is a season for every actor or actress. Maybe the 2000s was my decade, but now in the 2020s, there is another group of leading ladies.
"I always welcome new, talented, and versatile actresses. If they seek my guidance, I am always willing to guide them and help them shine, since that's how my seniors in the industry helped me."
When asked about her portrayal of Miranda in 'The Experts', Maya said that the most interesting thing about the character was her dancing skills.
"Miranda excels in the tango. The directors Nazim Shah and Andre Chew created her especially for me, even though I don't know how to dance the tango!"
Nevertheless, Maya and her siblings were exposed to traditional Malay and Indonesian dances during their teenage years, making it easier for her to learn the popular Argentinian dance.
"I'm delighted to dance the tango with Remy Ishak as we are old friends who have co-starred in many films.
"It was a bit of a challenge as he does not have any basic dancing skills, but like me, he is pretty sporting and willing to learn something new."
Both Maya and Remy attended six weeks of tango classes.
"I was worried that it would not work and Remy also felt that his movements were rather stiff.
"But both of us persevered and towards the final week, we nailed it. Thank God!"