Rosnani Jamil Proves Learning Has No Age Limit

Barnama

14-05-2025

GENERAL
By Nurhafizah Tan
KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 (Bernama) –Despite stepping away from the limelight, veteran actress Datuk Rosnani Jamil, fondly known as Mak Nani, remains passionate about the arts and eager to share her knowledge.
With over 74 years in the film industry, the 90-year-old continues to embrace lifelong learning, believing that age should never be a barrier to personal growth and staying relevant.
Having starred in the classic film Ibu alongside the late Tan Sri P. Ramlee, Mak Nani believes that age should never be a barrier to learning. Throughout her life, she has firmly held the belief that education and continuous learning are keys to staying relevant in today's world, regardless of age.
'I read a lot of novels and online content like short articles — it keeps the mind sharp and active,' she shared during the Sembang Sembang Sejarah (Historical Chat Session) titled Experience in the Film Industry, organised by the Malaysian Historical Society at Wisma Sejarah today.
She also shared some of her wellness habits that help her stay energetic in her golden years — most notably, staying socially engaged and regularly interacting with others.
Reflecting on her artistic journey, which began at the age of 17, Mak Nani said she never set limits for herself and constantly sought to push her boundaries.
This spirit, she added, paved the way for her to become Malaysia's first female film director — a groundbreaking achievement for a woman of her era.
'I was determined to learn English just to understand filmmaking terms. I even took night classes and took the bus just to study,' she recalled, adding that during her breaks, she would spend time in the editing room, observing the process and learning directly from the editors.