#SHOWBIZ: Shila finds balance in stardom, family life

New Straits Times

30-04-2025

UNLIKE many local artistes, Shila Amzah found the past Ramadan to be a period of tranquil reflection, affording her the perfect opportunity to observe the holy month and cherish time with her family.
She says that her husband, Ubaidillah Zulkefli, whom she married in 2013, often remarks that she's the antithesis of most other artistes, who are typically inundated with shoots during Ramadan.
Shila, whose real name is Nurshahila Amir Amzah, notes that her busiest period tends to be in the weeks leading up to the Chinese Lunar New Year.
This is a natural consequence of Shila's established presence in the Chinese-speaking market, particularly in China, a connection forged after her participation in the Shanghai-based reality show 'Asian Wave' in 2012.
The 35-year-old artiste's unique appearance has resonated with audiences there, setting her apart from the prevailing norms.
Recently, Shila graced the stage at the 15th Beijing International Film Festival, and earlier last month, she was a featured performer at Wang Leehom's 'The Free Show' event.
Shila expressed her delight at performing the song 'Forever Love' as a duet with the 48-year-old Taiwanese-American superstar. Describing the opportunity as a dream realised, Shila sees the experience as proof that no aspiration is unattainable.
"Growing up, he was one of my idols," shares Shila, who also performed the song during the preliminary round of 'Asian Wave'.
Shila's musical journey began at the tender age of 9, and she eventually released her debut album a year after her 'Asian Wave' victory.
Her experience and exposure on the show not only cemented her status but also earned her a six-year recording contract with Shanghai Media Group, prompting her extended stay in China.
"I'm comfortable with my following there, and, I travel there monthly for work commitments," says Shila, who is the daughter of famous 1980s singer Datuk Amir Amzah Salleh a.k.a. ND Lala.
When asked about the possibility of relocating to China, Shila explains, "I lived there for eight years previously, but now, with two children, my trips are limited to around two weeks at a time."
"My eldest child has special needs, which makes prolonged separation from my family challenging. Frequent schedule adjustments can be disruptive for him," she elaborates.
Shila expresses her gratitude for the opportunity to spend Ramadan and the festive season with her family, particularly as her youngest child, born last May, approaches significant milestones.
"I wouldn't want to miss her first words or her first steps," she says.
She seems to have the best of both worlds, having built strong fan bases in Malaysia and China. So, for her Malaysian fans, Shila is currently working on her next Malay album with Nova Music.
"It's been quite some time since my last Malay album," Shila acknowledges.
"As this year marks my 25th anniversary as a recording artiste, it feels like the perfect time to release this album."
Shila reveals that the album, her second self-titled release after her 2013 debut, will feature more than 10 songs, with the first single expected next month and the full album to follow in June or July.
With the album's release on the horizon, Shila hints at the possibility of a concert to commemorate her silver jubilee in the music industry.
"Stay tuned for an announcement," she says excitedly.