| Aziz Idris |
AFTER leaving a mark on the Malaysian entertainment industry, Brunei-born actress Nina Iskandar is back with her new flick ‘Hospital.’
Speaking to the Bulletin recently, Nina admitted that assuming the role of Dahlia in the psychological thriller tested her on both a physical and emotional level.
The “psycho girl” character she played was “unusually demanding” – at times, Nina would find herself staying in character even after the cameras had stopped rolling.
“The whole experience was really tiring and mentally draining. After the heavy scenes I’d feel like I was lost, even questioning if that character was really me. At some point, I wasn’t even aware of my surroundings,” she explained.
Even trying to resemble a psychopath took up a great deal of energy, she said, explaining that all that energy had to be contained in her eyes.
Nina plays psycho girl Dahlia. – PHOTOS: NINA ISKANDAR AND MIG
However, she was quick to point out that the character added a new dimension to her acting career after three years of being off the silver screen.
“Playing Dahlia was quite heavy, but I am proud because it challenged me,” she beamed, before recalling a scene in which she had to be lifted up seven floors by crane to get to the top of an old building, because the staircase was inaccessible.
In response to what drives her to take on such demanding roles, her answer was simple: “My love for challenging roles.”
Going stiff on a crane to the top of an old building
Nina Iskandar
Hospital, released in theatres last month, is directed by Azaromi Ghozali and features an experienced cast including Fizz Fairuz, Rashidah Jaafar, Serina Redzuan and Lan Zailan, with fresh talents Fatin Afeefa, Shima Anuar, Julia Marin and Amreen Shukry.
The movie tells the story of village girl Amira (Fatin Afeefa) who heads to the city in search of a job. She lands a job as a nurse but soon finds herself the victim of a haunting, with ghostly whispers fed by a mysterious woman, Dahlia (Nina Iskandar). Amira sets off in search of answers and discovers that Dahlia needs help.
Nina, whose real name is Nur Akmalina Iskandar, is best known for playing the lead role in the 2014-released blockbuster ‘Muka Surat Cinta.’ She is also the first Bruneian actress to have signed a major contract with one of Malaysia’s biggest film producers, Metrowealth International Group (MIG).
Asked what can be expected of her next, Nina said she is placing greater focus on the drama genre and telefilms.
The mixed Malay, Pakistan and Chinese actress is busy wrapping up shoot for ‘Andainya Takdir,’ a drama for the upcoming Ramadhan, as well as telefilms ‘Siapa Dia Sebenarnya’ and ‘13 Hari Mencari Cinta.’
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