Fast-rising star Trisha Ooi aims to be an actress who can excel in both martial arts, action movies and emotional dramas. - The Star/Asia News Network
KUALA LUMPUR: Reyshqa Aqiera Mohd Nasron Ooi better known as Trisha Ooi in the entertainment industry is a fighter all the way. And you can bet she has gone through toughest of times as she establishes herself in becoming a top Malaysian artiste.
It certainly has been a journey for Trisha in becoming a young rising star in the Malaysian entertainment - it is certainly a journey many will be inspired - one that that is filled with moments of bravery and enthusiasm in order to be the actress that she is today.
In fact, the Selangor girl whose idol is Malaysian action star and Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh, had started out as a stunt woman in her teens and always wanted to be super action movie actress. Instead, not only she has excelled as an actress who can adept to action movies, she has also proven to be a talented actress in emotional dramas.
And one project that Trisha will spearhead is the emotionally and deeply charged drama series 'Senyawa', the highly anticipated series that will make its way in China's streaming giant iQIYI.
iQIYI will be presenting 'Senyawa', an emotional series featuring a talented ensemble cast, including Trisha and also Shahz Jaszle, Siti Hariesa, Datin Nina Juren, Liang Chia, Aleza Shadan, Heryanto Hassan, and many more, under the skilled direction of Eyra Rahman.
The series which will be centred on the topic of surrogacy among Muslims and the Islamic law forbidding such moves in the country. The series will be exclusively shown on iQIYI and premiering October 25, 2024, at 9pm (every Friday & Saturday).
Trisha (left) with her co-stars Shahz Jaszle and Siti Hariesa for the drama series 'Senyawa' which will premier in iQIYI on Oct 25. - Photo from iQIYI
Even the path to 'Senyawa' was a very tough one for Trisha. The 25-year-old actress was diagnosed with a growing cyst in her stomach last July and needed a major operation to remove the 6.7cm growth.
It was a life-threatening situation as she was rushed to the hospital for the op due to terrible pain in her stomach.
"I'm just grateful I have recovered from that ordeal. It was terrible and I pray I never go through such pain again. It was emotionally tough. But my parents always taught me to be tough and I'm thankful to that," said Trisha.
"I told myself just to go on after that ordeal. I had lot of support from my family, friends and workmates. That really helped.
"In fact, my experiences with my health issues helped me to be a better actress for 'Senyawa'. The character in this series goes through a lot of emotional pain and I can understand her feelings."
While the topic of surrogacy among Muslims is rarely discussed, the complexities surrounding forbidden sacrifices are set to unfold in the latest series titled ‘Senyawa’ this October.
The drama centres on Zabrina (played by Trisha Ooi), a successful businesswoman enjoying a seemingly happy marriage. However, beneath her accomplishments lies a series of conflicts.
Following her marriage to Iskandar (played by Shahz Jaszle), Zabrina suffers a miscarriage and is diagnosed with cervical insufficiency. Pressured by her mother-in-law, Dato’ Asmida (played by Datin Nina Juren), who longs for a grandchild, Zabrina resolves to find a surrogate, unwilling to share her husband.
Her encounter with Lutfiyah (played by Siti Hariesa), a village girl who bears a striking resemblance to her, leads to Zabrina believing that Lutfiyah is the perfect candidate.
Yet, what secret relations exist between Lutfiyah and Zabrina's husband and all this will be revealed in 'Senyawa'.
Trisha reflects on the challenges of portraying Zabrina: “Bringing Zabrina to life was not easy, I faced numerous challenges as I prepared extensively to embody this complex character.
“I engaged in many discussions with director Eyra to develop and portray Zabrina authentically. I had to navigate the emotions of someone who is both dominant and deeply vulnerable, creating an internal conflict, and I really hope the audience connects with it.
"But all in all, after completing this project, I feel that I have become a better person while improving myself in this profession."
She has also excelled in studying the martial arts of Silat in her path in trying to become an action star in the industry.
"I still hope to be like Michelle Yeoh one day. I love all her movies especially during her days in Hong Kong. Some of the action movies that Michelle acted was amazing. The stunts were amazing and I hope to be as good as that," said the excited Trisha when talking about Michelle and action movies.
For the record, Tan Sri Tan Michelle Yeoh is Malaysia's first ever Oscar winner for Best Actress. In fact, the movie she excelled in winning the Oscar Award was 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' itself was a mind-bending scientific action movie. The Malaysian superstar was always famed for doing her own stunts in her Hong Kong action movies in the 80s and 90s.
"I hope to be just like that (doing her own stunts). I stay fit and tough at all time and hope to given more chances to do my own stunts when I get a chance to act in an all-out action flick. All the pain in trying to excel as a martial art artist has been helpful in staying fit ," said Trisha.
Whatever it is, all Malaysian arts fans will agree that this fast rising starlet has made heads turn with her fine performances in recent times. Health issues or not, the determined Trisha has continued in excelling in her profession.
This year alone, she was seen in dramas such as 'Menanti Senja', 'My Lovely Driver', 'Jefri Zain' and Ya, Cikgu! besides 'Senyawa'. Her performances in TV3's 'Ya Cikgu' was well recognised by many fans. This year she also acted in movies such as 'Janna Endoro', 'Memoir Seorang Guru' and 'Roxana'.
"It has been an incredible journey so far. I just want to do well in my profession. I just want to be recognised as someone who is dedicated to my job and if that happens, I will feel blessed," stressed Trisha.
"But I won't deny action movies are my favourite but that does not mean I will push away good roles like the one in 'Senyawa'. At the end of the day, I want to be an actress who can adept to all kind of roles. That is professionalism and that is very important in one's career."
It seems the level headed young lady has set her aims right in her hopes in becoming a respected actress. Many art fans will certainly be hoping the rising actress achieve her dreams, stay level-headed and determined as she is today.
And many will see her talents in the up coming 'Senyawa' - and as for now, keep the date of October 25 free for yourself and to watch the much-anticipated series in iQIYI.
