NELYDIA Senrose is one of the busiest actresses in the industry currently. She’s appearing on local drama Lara Terindah on TV3, attending events and jetsetting around the world.
How does she do it all? “Knowing and learning your priorities in life is very important and it has helped me as a person and in my career. Besides that, family and friends are equally important as they are my safety net,” says the 22-year-old younger sister of actress Uqasha Senrose.
This was particularly true last year when Nelydia broke up with actor and TV host Qi Razali, her boyfriend of four years. She depended on her family and close friends to nurse her heartache. “It was the lowest point of my life. I’ve never felt so disappointed. I felt lost and had thought about moving to another country and leave everything behind. But my family has always been my pillar of strength. They helped me pull through.
“I put up a brave front every time I’m in public. But behind closed doors, the feeling of hopelessness slips in and I broke down. It took me months to heal from the heartache.
“Looking back, I learnt a lot about myself. I trust God has a better plan for me, and realised at the end of the day, I deserve someone better. “Some times you can’t help but wonder, why the need to stress over the things that you can’t control, right?” she adds, smilingly.
Sometimes you have to ask yourself why get stressed over things you can’t control?
So, is she seeing someone at the moment? She laughs and says, “I am enjoying being single right now.”
The third of seven siblings, Nelydia has appeared in drama series and telemovies such as Cinta Jannah, Bukan Kerana Aku Tak Cinta, Strawberry Dan Karipap, Pergilah Airmata and Mistik Alam Hitam. On the silver screen, she has starred in Cinderella, Mat Tudung and the upcoming Jebat.
In Lara Terindah, the Kota Baru-born beauty plays Elena, who meets Razlan (played by Nazrief Nazri) because of a car accident.
Their friendship is marred by many unfortunate incidents, and one is Razlan failing to get his property development project off the ground. Razlan then begins to despise Elena and vows to revenge.
Elena, who works in the same company as Razlan, is close to his mother. Razlan thinks Elena is an opportunist and suspects her of taking advantage of the company’s chairman, Datuk Kamal. When Nisa (Nonny Nadirah) joins the company, Razlan befriends her with the intention of getting her to spy on Elena’s daily activities. However, little does Razlan know that Nisa is out to destroy his reputation in the office. Soon, Razlan begins to see Elena for who she really is and develops feelings for her.
Directed by Azmi Hatta and written by Azmy Ariff, this 14-episode drama also stars Aidil Aziz, Bil Azali, Jasmin Hamid, Roy Azman and Laila Nasir.
Nelydia, who made her acting debut in 2007 in the drama series Setia Hujung Nyawa as Ersalina, hopes to forge multiple career paths.
“There’s a lifespan to acting. I don’t see myself acting for a long time. I want to go into a showbiz-related business. It’s definitely part of my plan.” She also shares her passion about working behind the scenes but not as a director.
“I want to be cinematographer some day. I love studying camera angles and lighting,” says the celebrity who won Best Actress In A Drama (Setitis Kasih Darmia) at last year’s Anugerah Drama Festival Kuala Lumpur.
On working with newcomer Nazrief Nazri, Nelydia is all praise for the 25-year-old actor. Nazrief has appeared in numerous TV shows prior to Lara Terindah. Some of his best known works include Suami Sebelah Rumah, Cinta Ibadah, Tanah Kubur and Maskara.
“Naz is a very committed actor. He is constantly pushing himself and his craft. He’s also a very down-to-earth guy. I enjoy working with him very much,” she says.
The actress remains open-minded when asked about rivalry in the industry. “Acting isn’t all about bringing out the best in your character but also going up against your toughest possible competition. I think it’s a good thing because it helps to drive the industry forward. In fact, the industry welcomes new faces.”
• QUICK FACTS
Full name
Nik Zaris Nelydia Senrose Nik Sen
Date of Birth
July 30, 1994 (age 22)
Place of Birth
Kota Baru, Kelantan
Occupation
Actress
Zodiac Sign
Leo
• TRIVIA
Nelydia made her debut as an actress at 13. Her first starring role was in Spa Q, where she played actress Norish Karman’s daughter, Melissa. The third of seven siblings, Nelydia is currently pursuing a degree in psychology at a local university. Last year, she won the Best Drama Actress award at the Anugerah Drama Festival Kuala Lumpur 2015.
Nelydia currently calls Kuala Lumpur her home. Her older sister is actress Uqasha Senrose.