#SHOWBIZ: Medical science graduate, Wany is a healer in more ways than one

New Straits Times

20-05-2025

POPULAR, award-winning singer Wany Hasrita may be riding high with her girl-next-door image coupled with her "feel good" music.
And while she excels in pop and Asli songs, the lanky beauty actually pursued medical science in university, only to delve 100 per cent into showbiz after graduation.
"When I was a kid, I had always dreamt of pursuing a science degree, and over the years I gravitated towards medical science,because I am rather passionate about fighting diseases and healing people," she said at the launch of her latest single titled 'Jahat' at Aloft Hotel in KL Sentral, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Kuala Lumpur.
DIVORCED
Wany, 32, an only child whose parents were divorced during her teenage years, studied medical science at Management and Science University (MSU) in Shah Alam, graduating in 2017.
While she initially wanted to get a job with the Health Ministry, another childhood love got the better of her.
"I've always loved music and in fact I've been singing in concerts since my schooldays. At first, I saw singing as a pastime, but over the years, I began to seriously think of becoming a recording artiste like my idols, Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza and Datuk Jamal Abdillah," said Wany, who hails from Bagan Datuk in Perak.
DECISION
Wany is fortunate that both her parents, especially her mother, gave their blessings to her decision to join showbiz.
"My parents had always wanted me to complete my studies and get a degree. Being an educated entertainer, they constantly reminded me, would make me a credible name in showbiz."
FULL USE
Despite not pursuing a medical science-related job, Wany admitted that she was "making full use" of what she learnt in university.
"From my university course, I learnt how to treat people who are injured, and dish out health tips to persons close and dear to me," said Wany who calls herself a "healer".
FANS
When asked if her medical students supported her, Wany admitted that none of them had set up fan clubs in her name.
"I'm sure many medical students listen to my songs as they give me feedback and congratulate me from time to time.
"However, they are also rather busy with work," said Wany.
MOTHER
Wany became a proud mother to 2-year-old Aishah Mohamad in 2023 and marked her baby's birth with a sweet song titled 'Cinta Hatiku'.
"My baby girl is my major supporter who smiles and claps whenever she hears my music."
FOOTSTEPS
Wany will "leave it to Allah" if her daughter hopes to one day follow in her footsteps.
"But, of course, she must be an educated person like her mother," she said.
PAINFUL
When asked about 'Jahat', Wany said that it was her first "painful" song and her first collaboration with Indonesian composers and lyricists Audree Dewangga, David Elsandro, Andre Lizt and Trakast.
"It's the official soundtrack for Viu drama series, 'Pabila Dia Tersenyum'," said Wany.
"It's the story of a long-suffering woman who has been used and abused by various former partners."
JAKARTA
She recorded the song in November within three hours and enjoyed the experience of stepping into a state-of-the-art studio in Jakarta.
"My ultimate dream is to work with singer, composer and lyricist Melly Goeslaw, a titan of Indonesian music."
SOUNDTRACKS
When asked about having her songs used as official soundtracks, Wany said that this was a "great strategy" which all new singers should make full use of.
She said: "I strongly believe that young singers should make full use of official soundtracks to promote their music.
"Malaysians love TV dramas, and part of a drama is a soundtrack that matches the story.
"If they catch a new song on a drama which they like, they will remember the song for a long time."
HOSTING
When asked about her hosting and acting projects, Wany said she recently recorded a Hari Raya Aidil Adha entertainment show with some of her contemporary artistes.
Wany, the Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian 31 top winner, rocketed to fame with the song 'Menahan Rindu' in 2016.
She subsequently recorded a duet with Tajul Ariff titled 'Di Sana Cinta, Di Sini Rindu', as well as 'Sinar Terindah' and 'Sang Purnama' with Wani Syaz.
HARI RAYA
Wany's best known duet with Jamal was 'Belenggu Rindu' in 2019, and her other popular songs include 'Rintihan Rindu', 'Rindu Dalam Benci', 'Semaikan Cinta', 'Terlalu Memuja', 'Kucuma', 'Terpaling Di Raya' and 'Menanti Di Aidilfitri'.
Wany, who studied in Sekolah Menengah Bandar Damai in Cheras is married to Sarawakian pilot Mohamad Al-Adib Fahmi Harun.