‘What comeback? I never left!’
Award-winning actress Haliza Misbun may seem to have taken a back seat in acting but, as she tells Tahir Alhamzah, this is far from the truth
WHEN she appeared in KelipKelip Di Kota London, a 13-episode drama series aired on TV3 last March, many wrongly assumed that actress Haliza Misbun had finally made a comeback. “That’s not true as I had never taken a break from acting,” says the 46-year-old award-winning actress.
“TV drama fans may have missed me in action because I seldom appear on popular shows with high ratings,” says Haliza, adding that she had been starring in projects which were not aired on the more popular TV stations or even during prime time.
She prefers to accept roles in such productions as they do not impose any criteria on their cast such as having many followers on social media.
Haliza adds that she has never expected any of the projects she had been involved with to become as popular as the drama series Cinderella which she starred in 1998.
“As an actress, it’s not a priority for me to accept only those which might become popular or ‘trending’.
“I only want to know who else will be in the cast, the storyline and who will be directing,” she says.
“Anyway, it’s hard to predict how well viewers will react to a drama series. Whether it’ll become popular and have high-ratings is unpredictable,” she says.
The actress, who won Best Actress at the 2005 Anugerah Skrin Angkasa for her role in Erma Fatima’s drama Sumayyah, says fans may have missed seeing her on TV because she also acts less compared to her younger days.
“As I’m also busy with my family business, I cannot accept too many offers
simultaneously,” shares Haliza, who helps her sister Rozana run their food and clothing businesses.
“I’m also into a property venture now,” says the actress who is comfortable juggling business with her acting career at her own pace.
Haliza is part of the cast of Air Mata Syurga, currently being aired on HyppSensasi channel on Unifi TV. Produced by Dark Wave Pictures, it is directed by Raja Ahmad Alauddin. Others in the cast are Tasha Shilla, Afiq Muiz, Ellie Suriati and Normah Damanhuri.
TV drama fans may have missed me in action because I seldom appear on popular shows with high ratings.
Haliza Misbun
With her experience in the industry, one wonders why she did not continue producing, especially since she set up Halle Pictures, a production house, 15 years ago.
“Been there, done that. Seriously, I prefer to lead a more relaxed and peaceful life. When I was producing, it was quite an experience. I don’t want that kind of headache anymore. I’m just happy to act and concentrate on my businesses,” shares Haliza whose productions included Roy Rohaya, Kembalikan Amanda and the film Andartu Terlampau... 21 Hari Mencari Suami! in 2010.
When asked if she intends to settle down, Haliza replies: “I’ve never felt the pressure. Age, marriage and physical appearance don’t define me as a person. Whether I’m single or otherwise, I’ll still be the same Haliza Misbun.”
However, she coyly admits that she is currently seeing someone from Oxford, the UK.
“We’re still getting to know each other. There is no rush. It’s better to take it slow,” says Haliza who refuses to divulge further information about her beau.