Business

Saturday April 11, 2009

Actress Maya Karin answers your 10 questions


1. I was delighted to know that you are a Liverpool fan and that your favourite player is Steven Gerrard. Do you think Liverpool can win the premiership this season? - Rajiv Dhass

I’m glad we can go straight to the important issues. As the legendary (Liverpool manager) Bill Shankly said: “Football is not a matter of life and death. It’s more important than that.” I’ve always thought they can win, but for some reason they always falter when they’re close to or are at the top.

Whether they can get over their mental weaknesses this year, gosh, I really, really hope so because that’s all that’s standing in the way of this great team. Far from happy about Wednesday’s result but if we can do it in Istanbul, we can do it at Chelsea!

(In the first leg of the European Champions League quarterfinal tie on Wednesday, home side Liverpool lost 1-3 to Chelsea. In a dramatic 2005 Champions League final against AC Milan in Istanbul, Liverpool had come from three goals down to tie the match and eventually won it on penalties.)

2. What was your ambition before you went into showbiz? - Daniel Raj

I had actually wanted to be some sort of executive. I wasn’t too sure in what line exactly, but I definitely had visions of myself in smart grey suits, carrying a briefcase and driving a jazzy Honda Accord or something. And I really wanted to travel for work. I thought that would be most cool. That totally didn’t happen. Well, the travelling, yes, but not the suits.

It’s funny because although I had been actively involved in arts, dance, music and acting since I was three, I had never considered it as a career. When it did happen though, in Malaysia, it was by pure accident. I had no dreams whatsoever about making it in the Malaysian entertainment scene. Sometimes, you really don’t know what’s in store for you.

3. How do you decide which products, services and causes you want to lend your name to? - Raymond Lim, Rawang

It is important to me that the products and brands that I speak for have a certain standard of quality, reliability and usefulness to the consumer, and that I personally use and approve of them. It’s not too different from choosing my movies or the TV shows that I host. I’m quite demanding and selective. I believe we must try to keep things honest, and keep our reputation solid. I want people to have faith in me when I’m talking about my films, shows, songs or products.

4. You have a production company (Maya Karin Creative). Do you like being in business? - KC, Ipoh

Yes, I do indeed, although I must admit that I am still developing my first project. I have shot a pilot and I am in the midst of compiling things for the proper production of my TV show. So at the moment, although I have the extra challenges of being a creator and producer, I wouldn’t say it’s too difficult because I’m not venturing out of my industry just yet. Actually, I’d like to open a recycling factory one day…

5. Which do you love doing the most – modelling, acting, singing or hosting shows? - Rahman Isa, Cheras

That’s always a tough one, although I must correct you as I don’t consider myself so much into modelling; it’s more that I endorse select products. All facets are great, challenging and fun in their own ways.

All three require memorising and knowing points, lines or lyrics. In hosting, it’s best to be yourself. On the other hand, acting at its best is when you can become somebody else. And singing is a combination of the two. Schedule-wise, there is no hour in the day when we don’t get called on to work, whether for hosting, singing or acting.

6. Your dad is German. So in what ways do you think you are more German than Malaysian? - KH Nathan, Subang Jaya

Interesting question. I’ve thought about it on different occasions and I must admit I’ve always been thankful for the good combination of the two cultures! I consider my success in this line far more due to hard work than natural talent.

I do believe I have inherited my father’s passion for work, effort and achievement. I think I’ve been late on only a handful of times, and I never, never take good luck for granted. Of course, the German side can creep up a bit too much, when I get a tad too picky or annoyed when something isn’t done properly. Germans are also quite renowned for their more serious demeanour. Luckily, I have a Malaysian mum to counter that. I get along well with people and I’m cheerful most times. Until, of course, somebody annoys me by not doing their job properly, haha.

7. How do you maintain your good looks? - Oon Aik Guan

Why, thank you, first of all. Looking good, keeping my body trim and feeling good about myself take a whole combination of things.

I eat healthy. I sometimes grow my own things so I know it’s organic. I’ve always done regular exercise since I was small. I don’t think I’ve ever gone past two months without exercise. Good cleansing routines and skin and hair pampering sessions are also necessary. And be happy.

8. Your husband is a maths teacher. How were you at the subject back in school? - A. R.Malek, PJ

Not toooo bad. I think my worst was a C. I absolutely loved school but I preferred every other subject to maths. I especially enjoyed english, science, history and sports.

9. How has your career changed after marriage? - Chris, Malacca

Honestly, hardly. My schedule picked up right after the wedding. I’ve been working on a whole variety of different jobs and opportunities. Just like before, I can’t even count the blessings from the one above. In terms of practicalities, I’ve always organised my work in such a way that I have time with my then boyfriend, friends and family. Time with loved ones is very important to me. So now that we’re hitched, I’m just keeping to my normal time management.

10. What’s the best part about being a celebrity, and what’s the worst? - Kellie, KL

When I first moved to Malaysia at 17, I had only mum, sister and brother as friends. Now I have friends literally everywhere I go in Malaysia. I get a smile almost every day just for being me, and I often get great assistance when there’s a problem. The worst moments are when I want to buy some of the more personal clothing items and also having to take a picture when I’m still chewing my lunch.

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