My fan page reached a production house in Singapore and was offered my first role. I did my first acting debut in 2015 shifting me from a model to a full time actress.
1. Tell us about your background and journey.
Born and raised in a small town called Klang in Malaysia, I am the eldest of three siblings, and I come from a family of businessmen. My dad runs an industrial laundry and I was expected to take over my dad's factory but instead chose to study physiotherapy graduating in it.
2. How did you become a model and reach this stage?
In my final year of university, I did my first photoshoot for a wedding magazine. I modeled for a family friend who was a makeup artist and that was my first editorial work.
Seeing myself in print for the first time sparked something within me, and I participated in two different cover model searches for two magazines, and came out being the top favourites for both.
I again appeared in these leading magazines and it was then that I decided to pursue this seriously.
I built my portfolio with different photographers. A year later, I felt pageantry would give me more leverage and joined the Miss Earth Malaysia pageant, winning a subsidiary title.
I went on to join the Miss Universe Malaysia the very next year, and became the top 10 of that year, 2015. I appeared as a favourite in many pageant goers, and pageant blogs' favourite list and that garnered me a lot of exposure and reach.
My fan page reached a production house in Singapore and was offered my first role. I did my first acting debut in 2015 shifting me from a model to a full time actress.
3. What is your opinion of body image created by the media and how hard is it to put up with it?
Over the years from when I started modeling in 2009 to now, I think the media has become so much more inclusive to different body types. With the advent of social media, it is very empowering to see more people being loud about being comfortable in their own skin.
Back then, it was all about being size zero but now it has opened up so much more. More people are aware of the airbrushed image on print media and that it is not real. I think what is important is for any person to be at their most healthy weight and shape.
4. How important is social media validation in your profession?
Social Media definitely has changed so many fields and it's dynamics. I think the biggest impact was to actors like myself, being reachable and interactive to our followers, and keeping them connected to us in our everyday life makes us more relatable to them. And I think being relatable is an important aspect of an actor's brand.
5. How can one take care of their mental health in this high pressure glamorous field?
To have a support system be it family, friends or a partner. I think having a support system even if it is just one person can be both a much needed guide and grounding element in this field. It is easy to get swept away otherwise, so to have that person who knows you for what you truly are is very healing.
6. What is the common misconception people have about modelling and acting?
That it is all glamour. Both are extremely difficult professions, it requires hard work and years of dedication and a strong will to keep afloat in this very competitive field. It is not a 9 to 5 job or a Monday to Friday work day. It involves working long hours and irregular hours, sometimes in unpleasant conditions.
7. How can one approach their career and have the confidence and belief to become an actress?
I think to be passionate about the art of acting is a very important aspect of being an actor and without self confidence it would be very challenging to thrive in this field.
8. What was your feeling when you won the Miss Malaysia Pancontinental 2015, tell us about your experience?
I was hand picked by the National Director to represent Malaysia when I was top 10 finalist of Miss Universe Malaysia. I think it's the greatest honor to represent your country in the national arena, and to me, that was a very impactful moment in my life.
9. For a complete outsider with inroads, what advice would you like to give?
Always have faith in oneself, be courageous and be resilient. Always come back up stronger. If there's a route, take it, if there isn't any route, then make one for yourself.
10. What are some of your upcoming projects?
I am involved in a couple of projects that are currently in the pre production phase.
11. Which is your favourite book and why?
Many Masters, Many Lives, I think it is a very thought provoking book, and being a firm believer of the laws of karma and destiny, I found it very eye opening. It changes the way you see life and death.
- Instagram: Nisha Kumar
- Interviewed By Pearlina Marie Rein
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