Hard work and passion pay off for actors Redza Rosli and Nina Iskandar, writes Loong Wai Ting
THEY say experience is the best teacher and life is all about learning to go with the flow. Actor Redza Rosli couldn’t agree more.
He learns through observation and attending acting classes whenever his schedule permits.
“During a shoot, I like to sit by the director to learn how each scene is put together. I feel we must never stop learning no matter our age,” says Redza at the Anugerah Skrin 2016 pre-event dinner in Kuala Lumpur recently.
He is nominated under the Best Drama Series category for his role in Seindah Takdir Cinta, previously aired on Akasia slot, TV3.
Redza has been slowly gaining ground on the street.
“People call me Ian or Adrian after my appearance in Seindah Takdir Cinta. I have no problem with people knowing my character’s name rather than my real name because it means they are watching my work,” he says.
The KL-ite can be seen in Amsyar, opposite Elly Mazlein and Ben Ladin. It is currently airing on TV9.
LOVE FOR LEARNING
Perhaps it is Redza’s positive attitude and willingness to learn that has helped him acquire a good reputation with fans and local showbiz veterans, making him one of the fastest rising stars of today.
But the 24-year-old, whose real name is Ahmad Redza Rosli, remains down to earth.
“I’ve never thought about popularity. Acting is a passion and there’s much to learn. I am thankful for all the opportunities given to me by producers and directors. I’m elated to know that they have trusted me to handle tougher roles.”
Redza is willing to go beyond the call of duty when it comes to taking extra steps to embody a character.
Having appeared in a string of telemovies and TV series such as Lembayung Kasihmu (2014), Stella (2015), Anak Imam Argentina (2015) and Hidup (2015), he loves attending acting workshops.
“Every year, without fail, I’ll take a month or two off to attend acting classes to learn more about the process. I’m also a huge fan of theatre. It’s my dream to be in a theatre production,” he says, adding that so far, he hasn’t gotten any offers yet.
RIGHT MOMENT
“I’d love the challenge of interacting with a live audience and getting everything right onstage the first time, rather than the multiple takes that TV offers,” he says.
Redza, who is single, recently turned down a film offer but refused to divulge details.
“I am not ready for that. A film is a huge responsibility and I don’t want to disappoint. In a couple of years, I’ll make my film debut,” he says with a smile.
When asked how he sees himself a decade on, Redza ponders before saying: “I’ve not given the future much thought. I want to focus on what’s in front of me right now, and have a positive attitude and outlook on everything. Embrace each challenge with an open-mind, stay humble and just go with the flow.”
QUIRKY CHARACTER
Brunei-born actress Nina Iskandar is ready to embrace new challenges in acting.
“I constantly picture myself in an emotionally-demanding role with a bit of insanity thrown in,” she says, chuckling.
“You can learn a lot about yourself and how far you can go as an actress, if you are offered such a role.”
Nina, whose real name is Nur Akmalina Iskandar, is also nominated under Best Drama Series for her role in Terlarang Sudah Rinduku, which aired on TV3’s Azalea slot.
Next year, she will star in the Amiro Ghozali-directed horror-thriller film, Hospital.
Now, she is working on the 80-episode TV series Papa Ricky, which will air next year on Astro Ria. She plays a free-spirited helper named Lola.
“Lola is a funny person and a real busybody. She knows everything that happens in the household. She is also very laidback and a fun character to portray,” she says.
Directed by Harris Fadzilah, the series is an adaptation from a Chilean telenovela which tells of a single father Riki and his 8-year-old daughter.
STAYING FOCUSED
Nina, 25, who has starred in films such as Muka Surat Cinta, Pengantin Malam and Ada Apa Dengan Rina, says she has no preferences when it comes to acting in a film or TV series.
“Everyone has a different starting point. For some, it’s TV. I made my debut in films. The workload and demand for each industry is different. But in terms of stepping into the shoes of your characters, they’re basically the same,” she says.
“It doesn’t matter where you come from as long as you’re willing to work hard and contribute to the industry.”
On her advice to those who want to follow their showbiz dreams, Nina says it’s important to stay focused on the job.
“Always have a positive outlook and stay away from what will destroy your character and career. Always stay humble. At the end of the day, we are all entertainers and our job is to entertain people and to bring them joy,” she says.
This year’s Anugerah Skrin, to be hosted by Alif Satar, will be held at Putrajaya International Convention Centre tomorrow at 8pm.