#SHOWBIZ: Siti Nurhaliza's cameo thrill

New Straits Times

28-04-2025

WHILE every Malaysian knows that Biduanita Negara Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza is the country's No. 1 singer, not many realise that she has occasionally dabbled in acting.
While she is not keen on having full-fledged television or movie roles, Siti once starred as a supporting character in an acclaimed musical.
That was Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina's long-running 'P. Ramlee The Musical', which was first staged at Istana Budaya in Kuala Lumpur in 2008.
"That is my one and only credited starring role — I played the mysterious muse of Tan Sri P. Ramlee, Azizah, in the first season of Enfiniti Productions' musical," said Siti at the recent launch of her latest motion picture soundtrack, 'Sesal' for director Osman Ali's new horror film 'Telaga Suriram'.
The theme song's launch was held at World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur and was also attended by Osman.
Siti said: "Actually, I have made some cameo appearances in Datuk Rosyam Nor's and my sister-in-law Zaiton Mohamad Jiwa's dramas, usually as myself.
"And when I'm not playing myself, I have virtually non-speaking roles, which can be missed by viewers by the blink of an eye!"
If Siti does get cameo roles on the big or small screen again, she would love to be a "pegawai" (government official) or a board of directors member.
"Even though acting has never been my forte, it is sometimes pretty cool to star in dramas or movies, especially if such dramas or movies have star-studded casts," she said.
Based on fan feedback over the years, Siti has learnt that playing officials suits her well, as she always "carries herself with dignity".
"Honestly, I don't think I look like an official in both the public and private sectors. But then, it's heartwarming to play such roles because they are respected by society."
Siti has occasionally played "superheroes", but only in her music videos.
"In some of my music videos, I'm a person who heals. It's a bit like some Michael Jackson videos, but wholly Malaysian and sweet!"
When asked about 'Sesal', which is composed and written by Nurzaidi Abdul Rahman, Siti said the song was recorded within three hours last month.
"I'm honoured and happy to sing it for a great film with a star-studded cast."
'Telaga Suriram' stars Maya Karin, Nabila Huda Suhaimi, Farid Kamil, Ellie Suriati Omar, Scha Alyahya and Puteri Rafasyah.
It tells the story of a mother whose little daughter mysteriously disappears near a well and is believed to have fallen into it and drowned.
Osman said: "She refuses to believe that the girl is dead and goes on her own search to uncover the truth behind her disappearance.
"She also must clear her name due to widespread belief among her fellow villagers that she killed her daughter."
Siti said theme songs are important avenues for singers' hits to be known.
"I always advise new singers to get their songs for dramas and movies," she said.
"That is because Malaysians love watching dramas and movies, and having good theme songs tied to good dramas and movies helps promote singers."
Siti said 'Sesal' is a poignant song that reflects the tragic story of the film's protagonist, a mother who loses her child in mysterious circumstances.
"As a mother, I can understand the passion and emotion of the character."
Siti's first movie soundtrack was 'Hati', the theme song of the 2007 historical movie '1957: Hati Malaya' directed by Datin Paduka Shuhaimi Baba.
In 2022, she sang 'Sama-Sama' the theme song for the Covid-19 pandemic movie 'Juang', which was also directed by Osman.
Osman said: 'It is always great to work with our much-loved Queen of Pop.
"She is a wonderful person who is professional and friendly, not to mention a person with superb work ethics."
Siti is working on an 11-song album of 'Lagu Asli' to be ready by December.
While she seldom sings with music maestro Datuk M. Nasir, she said it would be great to join him in his shows again.
Siti said: "Nasir's concerts are always entertaining and I always enjoy them.
"We last sang on the same stage in 2023, in Malam Bulan Dan Bintang at Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur."
As for foreign acts, Siti would love to duet with Indonesian rock band Sheila On Seven.
"I'm a big fan of Indonesian music and while I have worked with balladeers such as Cakra Khan, Afgansyah Reza, Judika and Kris Dayanti over the years, I feels it is high time that I teamed up with a great group of rockers from the neighbouring country."