#SHOWBIZ: Passion drives Siti Hariesa
ACTRESS Siti Hariesa, who gained recognition through the 2019 drama 'Utusan Cinta Buat Adam', admits to having gone through a period of intense mental struggle due to the exhaustive demands of her artistic commitments.
"Acting is a struggle; I've certainly experienced all of it. However, no matter what field you work in, there are always challenges to overcome," said the 27-year-old artiste.
"For me, the challenge throughout my acting career is related to mental and physical health. There are times when I feel utterly drained from lack of sleep and spending too much time on set."
Despite this, the Segamat-born actress is grateful for the consistent flow of job offers throughout her career.
A deep-seated passion for what she does also helps to make her carry on despite the mental struggles.
"Thankfully, so far, I've never faced the problem of not having a job offer; everything has been made easy. There may be times when I feel physically overwhelmed, but I am determined to keep moving forward."
The actress, whose full name is Siti Hariesa Muhammad Hanafi, makes a point of finding opportunities to reward herself, allowing her to recharge and return with renewed enthusiasm.
"There's definitely time for myself. If it's a day off, I'll spend it on myself. But I don't really do anything elaborate; I just spend a lot of time relaxing at home.
"Of course, I work hard to earn money and accumulate assets. Now, I can support myself, and I also think about rewarding myself, including helping my family."
Regarding her acting career, Siti Hariesa is open to working with any male actor and doesn't pick and choose her co-stars.
"I don't choose who I'll be paired with because I don't know how compatibility can be fostered if I don't try.
"I was surprised to be given the opportunity to work with Shukri Yahaya and Amerul Affendi in the 'Bru' Tonton series.
"There were times when I wondered if I could build good chemistry with my co-stars, but in the end, it went smoothly. So, I can't decide who I want to work with."
Siti Hariesa also eagerly anticipates opportunities to work with senior actors and is ready to give her best.
"I enjoy working with 'senior' actors; in fact, I always hope to work with them," she told BH Online.
"But I don't feel small or dwarfed when I'm with them. I'm still new, but I know I can do it. That's the most important thing.
"I want to give my best, whether in front of the 'seniors' or the audience."
Siti Hariesa can now be seen in action in Nik Amir Mustapha's drama series, 'Bru', which began streaming on Tonton in early May.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Art exhibition celebrates 75 years of China-Myanmar diplomatic ties through brush, ink
Paintings are displayed at an art gallery in Yangon, Myanmar, June 2, 2025. - Photo: Xinhua YANGON: An art gallery in downtown Yangon has celebrated the 75th anniversary of China-Myanmar diplomatic relations with a unique exhibition blending Chinese and Myanmar cultures. Showcasing everything from the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda to elegant Chinese calligraphy, the five-day exhibition was both a tribute and a testament to enduring friendship. It ran from May 31 to June 4. Held at Artistic Space Art Gallery, the exhibition was organised by the Myanmar-China Calligraphy and Painting Association. Paintings are displayed at an art gallery in Yangon, Myanmar, June 2, 2025. - Photo: Xinhua It featured more than 50 pieces of paintings, as well as calligraphy works that reflected the intertwined heritage of the two nations. "The goal is to bring together Myanmar-born Chinese and Myanmar artists to deepen cultural exchange and mutual learning," said U Maw Li Shwe, chairman of the association. Chinese calligraphy works are displayed at an art gallery in Yangon, Myanmar, June 2, 2025. - Photo: Xinhua "We also aim to strengthen the friendship between the two nations." The exhibition included calligraphy and paintings by eight artists. All artworks are for sale, with proceeds going toward a Chinese calligraphy competition fund supporting Myanmar-born Chinese artists. U Maw Li Shwe emphasized the enduring nature of the "Paukphaw" (fraternal) friendship between Myanmar and China. "We hope this relationship continues to grow and flourish," he said. "In the future, we plan to host more cultural exchange programs with Myanmar-born Chinese people and local Myanmar people." The event drew artists, students, and cultural enthusiasts alike. Among them was U Than Aung, 42, principal of the Eastern Language Business Center. "I'm very happy to take part," he said. "This is a valuable opportunity for cultural exchange." He collected four pieces from the exhibition, particularly admiring U Maw Li Shwe's ink paintings. "The bamboo trees and orchids are beautifully done," he said, pointing at the bamboo trees and orchids artworks on the wall. "They are fresh and refined, and truly expressive." Chinese calligraphy works are displayed at an art gallery in Yangon, Myanmar, June 2, 2025. - Photo: Xinhua "These kinds of exhibitions serve as cultural bridges," he added. "They help bring the people of China and Myanmar closer together." Veteran Myanmar artist U Thike Oo, 75, also participated. "We're showcasing works alongside Chinese artists," he said. With a career spanning over five decades and nearly 200 paintings, he sees the exhibition as more than just an art event. "This one feels special. It's about friendship." U Kyi Oo, 59, a modern painter, also participated in the exhibition. "I'm showcasing modern pieces here. "What I love most about Chinese culture is the food, especially Yunnan cuisine. For Chinese celebrations, I joined a Chinese New Year event last year." The exhibition also resonated with younger visitors, like 20-year-old Thunn Naychi Soe, a student of U Maw Li Shwe. "I came here to support my teacher. I especially love the Shwedagon Pagoda and bamboo tree paintings, as well as the calligraphy." Born in Myanmar to a Chinese family, she said the event helped expand her cultural perspective. "I used to focus only on Chinese traditions. This exhibition helped me appreciate Myanmar art more deeply." She emphasized the importance of recognising and respecting cultural diversity. "Every culture should be valued equally. Events like this help people truly feel and understand the richness of different cultures and heritages." "China and Myanmar share many values," she added. "We both honor family and respect our elders. These are the principles that are vital to any society," she said. - Xinhua
Hype Malaysia
14 hours ago
- Hype Malaysia
M'sian-Born Actor Zhang Yaodong Spotted Taking Shifts At Hawker Stall In Singapore
Spotting your favourite celebrity in public is like spotting a rare Pokémon in the wild, especially when they're doing some pretty mundane tasks. As most celebrities prefer to keep out of the public spotlight, it's easy to forget that these individuals are just regular people like us. Malaysian-born actor Zhang Yaodong (张耀栋) was spotted yesterday (4th June 2025) at a kopitiam in Singapore, where he looks to be manning a steamed seafood stall. It was revealed by a user on Xiaohongshu that the stall belonged to Zhang Yaodong and the actor was taking an employee's shift who had resigned. Clad in a basic white tee and glasses, the actor looked to be taking orders from customers while standing behind the cash register of the stall located at Tampines Industrial Park Kopitiam. Despite the crowd, the original poster noted that Zhang was polite and praised his actions. Some also brought up his recent scandal, saying that there is nothing better than fixing one's behaviour after committing a mistake. Zhang Yaodong isn't a stranger to the hawker stall business as he has ventured into multiple F&B businesses since his parents used to be hawkers. The actor used to run a catering business, a roast meat stall, as well as a bee noodle store in Kuala Lumpur. Additionally, he opened an Asian fusion restaurant called 'Maru' in Tanjong Pagar in in 2017, but it has since closed down. Almost a year prior to this, Zhang Yaodong was caught up in messy allegations where he impregnated multiple women. The actor has never denied nor confirmed these rumours. The actor has since revealed in November that he has two daughters (as shown above), and deeply regrets not having been there for them earlier in their childhood. Do you think this is Zhang's path to redemption? Sources: 8days, The Straits Times What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0
The Star
18 hours ago
- The Star
Capturing country's diversity through art
Penangite's solo exhibition at Bukit Jalil mall features unity through texture, colour and emotion A PENANG-born artist is capturing the essence of Malaysia's unity and beauty through vibrant textured paintings that celebrate diversity, nature and positive energy. Sandy Lau Lai Pheng, 55, channels her multicultural upbringing into artwork that explores themes of harmony, belonging and the Malaysian spirit. Using textured acrylic techniques and abstract forms, she creates pieces that are both visually captivating and emotionally resonant. 'Growing up in a diverse state like Penang, taught me to appreciate my surroundings and the people around me. 'I want my paintings to evoke unity and bring good vibes,' she said during an interview at The Star's office in Jalan Hang Tuah, Melaka. Lau, who began painting professionally in 2015 after graduating from the Malaysian Institute of Art, said her work was a reflection of her life journey and love for the country's natural and cultural richness. 'I've always been passionate about art. 'It's a way for me to tell stories from my childhood, about growing up in a multiethnic community and to express the strength of our shared identity,' she said. Lau is the author of a Mandarin-language book titled Listen to My Heart, which explores personal reflections and emotional healing themes that often appear in her artwork. Her paintings blend images of hills, rivers, coastlines and everyday life to evoke nostalgia and connection. 'We may not be able to go back to the past, but we can still honour it through art,' she said. Spirituality and inner peace are also central to her creative process. 'My work often carries visions that help others find calmness and healing. 'I believe art can touch the soul and connect us in meaningful ways,' she said. Lau's solo exhibition will be held at Tsutaya Books in Pavilion Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, until June 29. It features her latest series celebrating Malaysia's unity through texture, colour and emotion.
