Sunday July 17, 2005

Good fortune

Eja has gained fame as a show host-actress but the former air hostess still has her feet firmly planted on the ground. SHEELA CHANDRAN meets the unassuming star.

IF you view Siti Shahrizah Saifuddin’s life as a wheel of fortune, the pointer must have stopped at showbiz. Never having dreamt of becoming an entertainer, she ended up as one after a few spins. 

The charming lady fondly known as Eja, the co-host in Astro Ria’s Roda Impian – Wheel of Dreams, the Malaysian version of the US word game series Wheel of Fortune – from 1999 to 2003, is a notable presenter and actress. Often referred to as the Vanna White of Malaysia (her American Wheel of Fortune counterpart), she has hosted a number of shows including Astro’s teenage-themed Zoom, TV1’s fashion and lifestyle show Gaya, and Ntv7’s You Asked for It, an infotainment programme. 

“Till today, my family members are startled at how my life has taken a 180-degree flip. I am rather reserved and shy so it is indeed shocking that I have become an actress and host. It’s a pleasant twist to my life, though, and I’m enjoying every moment of it,” the soft-spoken 32-year-old reveals in a recent interview. 

Eja hosted Roda Impian for four years.

Born and raised by her grandparents in Kuala Kubu Baru, Selangor, the daughter of a marine police officer left her humble hometown to pursue a secretarial course in Petaling Jaya after Form Five. Halfway through her studies she realised that it wasn’t her cup of tea, so in 1991, she joined Malaysia Airlines as a flight attendant. Six years later, Eja quit flying and ventured into something entirely different and unexpected – acting. 

“I am a go-getter who is never satisfied with what I have. As a child, I aspired to become a stewardess. However, when my dream was fulfilled, I felt discontented so I took up acting. Never did I expect it to eventually become my rice bowl,” says Eja. 

In 1997, she was offered to host TV3’s music variety show, Video Skop. The newbie worked tirelessly to hone her hosting skills. And her hard work paid off when TV producers noticed her and began to offer her stints in drama series.  

“It was difficult initially because I lacked experience. Luckily, the producers, technical crew and seniors were available to assist me.” 

Eja with main host Halim Othman.

After acting for eight years, Eja is now widely acknowledged for her versatility as an actress. Among the drama series to her name are Rahsia Demi Rahsia (1998), Salam Taj Mahal (2000), Kiranya Ku Tahu (2000), Kalau Itu Takdirnya and Rindu Semakin Jauh (2004), and Cinta Semerbak Kayu Manis (currently airing on TV1on Fridays at 9pm).  

She has also starred in telemovies, namely Dimata Mu Aku and Dijiwa Mu Dia (2002), Pembunuh Upahan (2003) and Igawan (2004), as well as comedy films Sara (2001) and Anak Mamak the Movie (2002). 

With her vast hosting experience, it’s not surprising that the sassy presenter aspires to host her own TV show. “Hosting may be challenging but it’s really fun,” enthuses the admirer of renowned American talk show host Oprah Winfrey. “Oprah has been hosting her own TV show for nearly 20 years and is such an inspiration to women. I hope to follow in her footsteps one day,” adds Eja. 

The beautiful celebrity was last year picked as one of Malaysia’s 20 most glamorous women by GLAM magazine, and also awarded Most Popular TV/VCD Actress by a local Malay newspaper. 

Her commercial appeal saw her chosen as the spokesperson for skincare range Clarins Whitening earlier this year. Last month, she signed as the ambassador for Nivea’s Whitening Essence, another skincare range. She is also the new face of Julie’s cookies. You might have noticed her too in print and TV ads for home furnishing chain Courts Mammoth and Anmum milk powder. 

Eja (second from right) appeared in Salam Taj Mahal with (from left) Umie Aida, Erma Fatima and Zizie Izette.

Eja is currently shooting a new movie, Bilut, which she stars alongside heavyweights like Rosyam Nor, Akasha, Rusdi Ramli and Ezlynn. The drama produced by Mega Wajah Sinar is an interesting tale based on the formation of Felda, beginning with its first scheme in Lurah Bilut, Pahang, in 1959. It’s slated to hit the cinemas in mid-2006. 

The popular celebrity is, nevertheless, unfazed by all the attention. In fact, during this interview the amiable actress even comes across as your girl next door, humble and without airs. 

Eja is proof of how humility has helped her succeed in the entertainment circle. “Beauty is only skin deep. What’s beneath is more important than physical beauty. My parents have always emphasised on respecting others and being humble. To survive in this industry you need to be humble and talented.” 

During her free time, the still single Eja indulges in facial treatments, foot reflexology, gardening, music, reading and Hindi movies. A homely person, she tries to spend quality time with her family and friends when her schedule permits. 

“I like to take one day at a time. Never look back and grieve over the past. Live life today.” 

Eja is currently seen in the drama series, ‘Cinta Semerbak Kayu Manis’, on TV1, Fridays, 9pm.