Share with us how you got started in showbiz.
My first time in front of the camera was when I was 13. I appeared in a Floral Rice TV commercial. Later, at the age of 15, I started playing some small parts here and there until I got my first break through a TV drama, "Cinta Nan Satu", where I played a supporting role. My debut film was "Salon" where I offered the lead role of at the age of 17. I think that's my real break in the industry and when people started noticing my talent. Films like "Apa Kata Hati", "Malaikat Maut", "Anak Halal" and "Akuarium Cinta" followed after that, not to mention the TV dramas.

You play the lead role in "Apa Kata Hati". How did the offer come to you?
I received an offer from Tayangan Unggul asking me to go for casting. I went for it twice! At the first casting I was all alone. It was to see if I could do the character. After two or three weeks, they called me again for the second casting session. There, I was requested to read alongside Farid Kamil and Awal Ashaari as they wanted to choose which of the actors would be best paired with me.

Tells us about your role in "Apa Kata Hati".
I play Elly, a happy-go-lucky and affectionate young fashion designer with a good family. She's been expecting a proposal from her long-time boyfriend, Aidil (Farid Kamil) it just wouldn't come. Although she knows that Aidil loves her tenderly, she's sometimes puzzled by Aidil's cold reactions. One day, with the help of her best friend, Linda (Dynas), Elly decides to see a bomoh with the intention to understand Aidil's actual thoughts and feeling towards her. With her recently acquired powers, she explores new romantic interests but soon discovers that her ability is as much a curse as it is a gift.

What's it like to play alongside the experienced actors in this movie?
It was a great and fun experience! Speaking of my acting experience with Kak Ogy, I was initially worried and nervous to act with her. She's a big name and of course I was worried to build the chemistry between us because she plays the mother of Elly in the movie. However, I soon discovered I had no cause to worry. She's been very nice and helpful to me. I was comfortable asking for guidance and tips that could help me deliver better. As for Harun Salim Bachik, he's been very concerned and helpful in finding the chemistry between us because there's a scene that involves only me and him as a father and daughter. Apart from that, I really had fun acting with Awie, AC Mizal and Kartina Aziz as well. The rest of the cast is younger like me - Farid Kamil, Dynas and Awal Ashaari - I have no trouble there. I have worked with Farid earlier in "Anak Halal". Ironically, we still find it quite challenging to act out the romantic scenes between us because we lack some chemistry. We did a lot of rehearsals to overcome this. I suppose we have done our best for it.

So you were satisfied with your performance in those scenes?
Well, to be frank, I'm completely dissatisfied about it... and of course I'm so frustrated when I watched the movie because I noticed that there were a few things that could have been done better. However, like I mentioned, Farid and I have done our best to gel in as lovers in the story. So now, it's up to the audience and I hope they'll be pleased.

You have quite a few TV dramas and films under your belt but many say you have not made a definitive impact in the industry yet with your current acting skills. What do you have to say about that and what are your efforts to get to the next level?
Yes, I must accept the remarks. I realise most of my roles, whether in TV dramas or films, pivot on the same character – one that depicts me as a childish, girly and mild-mannered chick. But I think I have managed to break away in "Anak Halal" where I played a rough and haggard girl. Of course I'm always looking to diversify my roles so that people can see more of my talent. I'm just waiting for more chances!
 

What is your dream role?
I love something - realism. For example, movies like "Anak Halal" and Mel Gibson's "Apocalypto". I love to explore my capabilities for this kind of genre because this genre requires a lot of hard work and research to make your acting natural and realistic. I believe I could improve my acting if I do more of this genre. Apart from the realism, I always love to play in love stories but not the typical love story where the audience feels no excitement at all. I'd love to star in a romantic movie, which is so pure and heart melting like the Korean series "Winter Sonata". Romance as a genre is always close to me. Actually, I wouldn't mind trying out an action film either! Currently, I'm engaged with a TV series that requires me to do some silat. Although I'm not good at it, I'm excited to do it and I find it a thrilling experience.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
Hmm... in ten years time I will be 30. I guess at that age I would have gotten married! (Laughs) In terms of career, I think I want to go to the next level in filmmaking, which is to be a film producer. Frankly speaking, I really want to produce films because that's where my interest stems from. It's not that I'm going to quit acting but I have a deep interest in producing movies.

Can you elaborate on that?
You know, the challenge of being an actress is that we need to prepare ourselves to face the media, fans and the rest of the public who are always looking at us. Your every movement is closely observed and you can't simply do anything you like, especially things that can harm your career. In contrast, life as the people who work behind the scenes seems happier and you get to enjoy more freedom. I noticed this whenever I go to shoots, the crew are freer to do anything they like to do. I'd love to be a film producer in the future.

Before we end, can you describe a little bit about Raja Farah, the person.
I am a loving and affectionate girl. I can be over-sensitive at times but it's also very easy to pujuk me back! (Laughs) I like to think I'm unique because I love to create things, for instance a birthday card. You get so much satisfaction from seeing the end product. However, I do feel low if I find that I'm not well prepared or well dressed for a meeting or event. I guess that's just me. (Laughs)

Popcorn:

If you missed the first half of the show, would you still watch it?
Yes I would still watch it, unless I really don't understand a thing about the movie. In that case, I'd rather pay for a new ticket for another movie.

What's your favourite quote or line in the movie?
Hmm... that's got to be "My precioussss..." You know, Smeagol's line from LOTR.

If you were given a pair of tickets to a sold-out movie who would you bring?
(Whispers) My boyfriend (Laughs)