ACTRESS Emma Maembong admits she prefers taking on roles that challenge her craft rather than repeating the typical characters often offered to her.
The 33-year-old said her decision to portray Alani in the drama “Seadanya Kita” demanded a more mature side of her acting.
She explained that the character stood apart from the clichéd storylines she had played before.
“I chose the role of Alani in ‘Seadanya Kita’ because it wasn’t about fighting over wealth or money — not the usual clichés.
As an actress, I crave variety. I wanted to take on something different, and I saw that in Alani, so I went for it.
If the role involves themes like an unfaithful husband, money or inheritance, I don’t mind doing it, but only if there’s no other option,” she said at the premiere screening of the drama’s finale recently.
According to Emma, stepping into Alani’s shoes earned her positive responses from viewers who noticed a fresh side to her.
“Viewers commented that I looked different and even more radiant. Why? Because I had the chance to ‘play’ with the character.
Previously, I couldn’t explore roles as much. When I played village girls, I couldn’t wear make-up, dress up, or break away from the traditional baju kurung.
This time, audiences saw me in a different light, which is why they found it refreshing,” she explained.
Emma described Alani as a symbol of women’s strength.
“It’s not about her being a divorcee or having a younger man. To me, Alani represents an independent woman raising a child on her own. People may interpret the role differently, but for me, Alani symbolises female resilience,” she said.
The actress also praised her co-star, Mierul Aiman, for his professionalism and work ethic.
“This was my first time working with Mierul and he was great — disciplined, respectful and easy to collaborate with.
“On set, we focused entirely on our work. Even now, we don’t have each other’s phone numbers, nor do we plan to meet outside work. But when it came to the set, we both knew the emotions and roles we had to bring to life,” she shared.
Emma expressed her gratitude for the overwhelmingly positive reception the drama received on streaming platform Viu Malaysia.
“So far, there hasn’t been any negative feedback. Almost all the comments have been positive, with viewers eagerly waiting for each new episode.
“I was surprised by the response because it was beyond my expectations. The filming process was smooth, with a great crew and a highly professional production team. I think this is one of the dramas that received the most support throughout my career,” she said.
