The key to mastering your craft is knowing who you are, says Nadhir Nasar.

Nadhir Nasar mindfully balances his innate shyness in social interactions with the demands of being a public figure where extroversion is frequently required and lauded. The rising 27-year-old actor-director who made his break in i-Tanggang &mdash; Mother of All Lies believes he has yet to achieve success. While others may claim he is successful, he maintains that the goalpost for success keeps shifting in the trajectory of one&rsquo;s life. He likens it to buying a Mercedes Benz today and then desiring a Ferrari tomorrow. Once he acquires the Ferrari, he might set his sights on a Lamborghini. This perspective reflects his ever-evolving aspirations and unwavering quest for excellence. Success is a multifaceted concept that varies significantly depending on individual perspectives, and it extends far beyond the mere accumulation of material wealth. He believes that steadfast discipline and a genuine passion for one&rsquo;s endeavours pave the path to lasting success. As a case in point, he holds his father in high esteem as he exemplifies admirable virtues with discipline standing out as one of his most defining traits. The way his father embodies these values guides him, demonstrating that character and integrity, not just material gain, lay the strongest foundation for success.

How do you define a good performance? As an actor, you must have a broad and diverse life experience. After finishing high school, I went on to study at UiTM, where I met people from all over the country and around the world &mdash; and, as you know, when you meet people from different backgrounds, you learn a few things from them. They have prepared me for the many roles that I have played. To perform effectively in a film or a TV drama, you must first understand the character you are playing inside out. How would you act in a love story if you have never been in love?

Speaking of which, what is the most challenging aspect of preparing for a role that you&rsquo;re unfamiliar with? You need to research and study. For me, I try to find two different ways of portraying a role, and then I practise them in front of the mirror. What is one similarity between acting and directing? An effective director must first understand his actors, just as actors must understand their directors. So, on set, actors and directors collaborate because they are all working on the same piece. Knowing how the camera moves, for example, can be useful. It&rsquo;s not simply about focusing on your character and memorising your lines. Not only do you need to pay attention to the things you want to express in a specific way but also how everyone on the team can help you do that.

"Every person is born with distinct abilities and characteristics, therefore authenticity, as well as tactics for keeping it real, are critical."

As a celebrity, what is an important quality to have? I think it&rsquo;s to be humble. My loved ones constantly reminded me of this throughout my childhood. How much of yourself do you put into your work? Mainly, my strategy is to be myself while allowing the character to seep in now and then. [Laughs]. I believe injecting your emotions into acting will make your characters more convincing. I feel I put my soul into my art. The only way for performers to maintain a sense of authenticity in their craft is to believe in themselves and what sets them apart. My advice is to learn by comparing your work to others because everyone has their own way of doing things. We live in a world where people seek validation, but you don&rsquo;t need it since there will always be some who understand you and others who don&rsquo;t. Accepting your uniqueness will greatly improve and enrich your work.

What advice would you give aspiring actors about maintaining authenticity in their craft? Every person is born with distinct abilities and characteristics, therefore authenticity, as well as tactics for keeping it real, are critical. Your fans and the general public desire to know you for who you truly are. And it works both ways: you have to accept people for who they are.

COVER CREDITS:
Words John Ng Creative Direction &amp; Styling Colin Sim Photography Lock Chee Wei Grooming Crystal Fong / Plika Makeup Hair Keith Ong All clothing &amp; accessories SAINT LAURENT

October 2024 Cover: Inside Nadhir Nasar's brilliant mind

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