#SHOWBIZ: Breaching the cultural divide is Puteri Khareeza's dream in showbiz

RISING star Puteri Khareeza Arif, 28, is now the proud mother of one-year-old Muhammad Khaleed Mohamad Shukor.

She says he is her main source of pride, joy and motivation to succeed.

"I'm a lot more focused, determined and willing to go the extra mile because I'm doing it all for him," she said in an interview.

Motherhood aside, her next goal is to land a leading role on the big screen.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed my work in television dramas and telemovies, but after 17 years, I feel it's time to make the leap into films," said the star of more than 20 TV productions.

The Kuala Lumpur-born actress, a top six contestant on 'Idola Kecil 3', admires versatile stars Sharifah Amani and Liyana Jasmay, and aspires to take on similarly complex roles.

"I'm happy that I've had the chance to play the occasional 'baddie' and more complex characters — it really helps me grow as an actress. I don't want to stick to safe, girl-next-door roles that don't challenge me to push my boundaries," said Khareeza.

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IDEAL ROLE

As for her dream role, she would love to play characters with disabilities or psychotic characters.

"We may not be big on sci-fi movies due to technological constraints but our filmmakers can think out of the box and create movies that delve into the protagonist's mind, like 'Imaginur'," she said.

Khareeza is also keen on non-Malay dramas or films.

"Datuk Rosyam Nor has done well in Chinese movies as a supporting actor. I'd love to follow in his footsteps and star in Chinese, Tamil, or East Malaysian productions. Now's the right time to be truly Malaysian actors."

Going international is another dream, though she plans to take it step by step.

"Starring in Singaporean or Indonesian movies will be a major item on my bucket list. It's good to start regionally since both neighbouring countries speak Malay and many of us watch their movies and dramas."

She looks up to Indonesian filmmaker Joko Anwar, superstars Dian Sastrowardoyo and Nicolas Saputra, and Singaporean filmmaker Jack Neo, noting that cross-border projects help actors gain experience.

A horror fan herself, Khareeza admits she isn't afraid of ghosts, having played one in telemovie 'Lantaran Dosa'.

"I would love to step into more ghostly roles. But this time, I'd rather take on the ghosts and defeat them, without black magic, of course!"

She names Fazura — who has played 'pontianak' and 'langsuir' characters — and Maya Karin from the 'Pontianak Harum Sundal Malam' fame as her favourite horror stars, praising them for giving 200 per cent to every role.

ACTION MOVIES

While Khareeza loves action films, she prefers to leave dangerous stunts to professionals.

"Action movies always excite me, but I'm not one to enjoy risky stunts. Nevertheless, jumping off stationary vehicles and being lifted in the air can be real fun."

She does not mind getting a little "battered and bruised" on set, provided the injuries are mild, comparing it to getting scraped during school sports meets.

She is learning Muay Thai for self-defence and admires action star Ahirine Ahirudin.

"I'm not entirely confident about playing an action heroine, but I'd love to play characters who can really kick butt."

Khareeza believes Malaysian filmmakers should have more independent female leads who do not always need rescuing, adding that she is glad to have portrayed a diverse range of women — brave, stubborn, vulnerable or zany.

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STEPPING IN

Her biggest challenge as an actress is stepping into the character and shedding that persona once filming ends.

"Stepping in and out of your character can be tricky. People around you may think you are in a bad mood, and they'll resent it. Nevertheless, established actors have shown me how to do it. It requires lots of training and experience."

To stay positive, Khareeza ignores social media chatter, relying instead on her moderated fan page for constructive feedback.

Although she started her career as a singer, Khareeza hopes to balance singing and acting equally.

"I wanted to become a recording artiste like Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza. But being exposed to acting at 11 made me love acting as well."

She credits her parents and siblings as her biggest supporters, saying that her parents insisted she became an educated entertainer — leading her to complete a law degree.

Khareeza, who began entering singing contests at the age of 6, is known for dramas such as 'Mimpi Sabrina', 'Kapten Boleh', 'Diari Ramadhan Rafique Reunion', 'Anugerah Cinta Aisyah', 'Alergi Mamat Romantik' and 'Air Mata Alisya'.

Up next is her maiden Puteri Khareeza Sebenar Showcase at RCD Big Studio, Plaza Alam Sentral, Shah Alam on Nov 16.

She will perform 20 songs, including 'Sebenar', 'Sakitnya Hati', 'Duka Di Sebalik Tawar' and 'Sinaran'. Joining her are Haris Fayahet, Zazo Maulana, Maria Khairul and Adi Priyo of Venus.

She has also starred in Drama Sangat TikTok series 'Pickle Rival' alongside Trisha Ooi, Imran Aqil, Yusuf Bahrin and Firdaus Ghufran.

The series follows two athletes balancing rivalry, dreams and personal feelings in their quest for victory.

'Pickle Rival' is available on TikTok Drama Sangat and Tonton.