#SHOWBIZ: Alya Iman carries on father's legacy

New Straits Times

14-05-2025

YOUNG actress Alya Iman admits that she had butterflies in her stomach when she first found out that she would be playing one of the lead characters alongside award-winning actor Datuk Rosyam Noor in the horror film 'Susuk Bidadari'.
As a newcomer, the 24-year-old actress, whose full name is Nur Alya Iman Azmil, says feeling intimidated and excited would be equally engulfing for anyone in her position when paired up opposite such a formidable name in the local film industry such as Rosyam.
Rosyam, as we all know, is not by any means just any cookie cutter actor, but a revered veteran who has accumulated a wealth of experience as well as numerous awards throughout his long and industrious acting career.
"When I first found out that I would be acting opposite Datuk Rosyam, I said to myself: 'Oh God, that's scary'.
"However, that intimidation, feeling awkward and nervous, quickly faded away after spending some time working with him," she recounts.
Rosyam's professional attitude towards his young co-star quickly made her delve into her character seamlessly.
"Once I got to know him, he's not at all what I had imagined him to be initially. Apparently, he's a funny person and easy to work with," recounts Alya, who is also the daughter of another legendary actor, the late Azmil Mustapha, who was the star of 1980's box-office hits that include 'Mekanik', 'Ali Setan' and 'Suara Kekasih.'
Horror debut
While her initial reaction was that of intimidation, Alya says she was over the moon for the opportunity that came her way.
"Who wouldn't be? It's Rosyam Nor. I knew that I'd be able to pick up some pointers from him while working on this project," shares Alya.
She adds: "He has been generous in sharing some acting knowledge with me when we were filming or just resting in-between scenes.
"He also shared some advice on how to become a good actress."
Alya says working with experienced players would also allow her to be a better actress.
"I had been fortunate enough to be in this project. Acting with experienced actors is an absolute treasure for greenhorns like me.
"Being on the set is my actual 'acting classroom'. Those seasoned players are my 'teachers'. As a newbie, we should always take this opportunity to observe how they work. And if you have the chance, there's no harm in asking them questions."
According to her, that approach is one of the ways to make the job easier, as well as for others too.
In this horror flick, produced by Primeworks Studios and Anomali Media, and directed by Faizal Nadxaman, Alya plays the role of single mother Ayu.
Ayu and her mute daughter move into the home of a powerful politician Hadiff (played by Rosyam), only to uncover his dark secrets and involvement with black magic.
When her daughter becomes possessed, Alya must fight alongside an unexpected ally to free themselves from Hadiff's evil control.
Asked if she had encountered any supernatural encounter during filming, Alya answers the question, with relief written all over her face.
"Thankfully, no. If you want to know, I'm a real scaredy-cat. Come to think of it, I have no idea how in the world I said yes to a horror film," she laughs.
This project marks her first to star in this genre. Filming took place in Genting Highlands, Gombak and Hulu Langat.
"But most of the scenes were shot in Genting. So, we were each given a room at a hotel nearby. And yet, I would drive home everyday because I was too spooked to stay up alone in my room there," admits Alya with a grin.
However, despite confessing she's a timid person, Alya admits the character played by her co-star Trisha Ooi is cool, which she wouldn't mind playing such a character if an opportunity presents itself in future.