Pageant queen Taanusiya ready to dive into acting career

FRESH off her historic achievement on the international beauty pageant stage, Miss World 2026 second runner-up Taanusiya Chetty is setting her sights on the entertainment industry, expressing her readiness to dive into acting if Malaysian producers give her the nod.

The 26-year-old beauty queen, affectionately known as Taanu, revealed that her passion for acting is nothing new.

Before representing the country in Vietnam, she had already caught the eye of a production house that offered her a role in a local drama series.

However, she graciously turned down the opportunity at the time, fearing that contractual obligations might compromise her ability to deliver the commitment required for the pageant.

"After this, if the opportunity arises, I won't say no because I want to venture into the Malay entertainment industry first and star in local dramas.

"I am also open to appearing in music videos. My father has no objections and is completely fine with it now, even though he was hesitant initially," she said.

She light-heartedly added, "When my mother agreed, my father didn't, but I can be quite persistent when I really want something."

Addressing comments on social media drawing comparisons between her looks and those of actress and model Sharifah Haneesya, Taanusiya took the online chatter in stride.

"I don't mind the comparison at all, and I am aware of it because I've read the comments on social media.

"Once, someone approached me and claimed they had seen me the day before, even though it wasn't me. I think we might share a slight resemblance around the eyes, but I am completely fine with it and take it as a compliment because Haneesya is a beautiful girl," she shared.

Taanusiya's third-place finish at the Miss World 2026 grand finale, held in Nha Trang, Vietnam on Sept 6, mirrored a national milestone achieved 28 years ago by Lina Teoh.

Following a six-week stint in Vietnam, she returned home recently to a warm welcome at the airport from family, friends and enthusiastic supporters bearing flowers and gifts.