VETERAN actress Rita Rudaini Mokhtar is not known to play funny characters, and is delighted to be cast in the new comedy series 'Jabatan Call Center' (JCC) on TV3.
Describing 'JCC' as a "new chapter" in her acting career, which began in the late 1990s, the 48-year-old actress from Kangar, Perlis, said the only time she played a "funny lady was in the 2003 dramedy, 'Mami Jarum Junior', directed by Professor Datuk Dr A Razak Mohaideen.
"I didn't quite like that role, and I didn't have confidence playing a humorous character. However, I always believe in getting out of my comfort zone, so it's never too late to do comedy on a more regular basis," said Rita in a recent 'Berita Harian' report.
In 'JCC', she takes on the role of a lady boss named Rozy, a kind-hearted person who can also be quite the dictator.
"I want to thank the cast and crew of 'JCC' for their confidence in me, and I pray that all my fans will like my new character."
Her biggest fear is being branded as "not funny" or "annoying" by viewers.
"That was what happened to me after 'Mami Jarum Junior'. Critics panned that movie, and I felt that I was not comedienne material."
Rita admitted that her close friends and family members persuaded her to try her luck in comedy again, as they felt that she had a "hidden talent" in it.
"They persuaded me to return to comedy because they felt that I did well in 'Mami Jarum Junior' and that the storyline was what caused it to bomb at the box office."
Rita, who rose to fame as a finallist in Dewi Remaja 1998/1999, did not know her co-stars in the sitcom until she received her script.
"I'm glad to team up with the immensely talented Izzue Islam Mazlan. He is one of my favourite juniors, and is a great singer, actor and television host.
"When I heard that he would be the male protagonist of the series, I immediately told myself to 'go for it'," said Rita, who had co-starred with Izzue in several dramas.
Rita said she was nervous during the first script-reading session, but with a little help from the production team, she "nailed it".
While she admitted that Rozy was not a "likeable" person at first glance, she learned to sympathise with the character she played.
"I believe I have some similarities with Rozy. But one thing that she is and I am not is being a hot-headed person who often blows her top!"
Rita said admired Rozy for her brutal honesty and courage when confronted by male chauvinists, who doubted her ability to run her company.
"She is a 'power feminist', and I admire her for that. She may be harsh with her female subordinates but at heart, she believes in empowering and encouraging them to stand up for themselves."
Rita said she was "ready" to accept constructive criticism for her new role.
"I may have starred in a comedy back in 2003, but that was a long time ago. This is a fresh start for me, and I may stumble here and there. I am prepared to be criticised for that."
To prepare herself for the role of Rozy, Rita watched popular sitcoms from the past decade to get a "feel" of how 40-something actresses played "lady bosses".
'JCC', which also stars Shiha Zikir, Andi Bernadee and Aya Amiruddin, will be screened on TV3 at 10pm every Friday from Aug 9.