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Wed, Jun 24, 2009
The Star/Asia News Network
Staying focused and versatile

by Hong Boon How

YOU might have seen her on TV3's Roda Impian, Malaysia's version of the US Wheel of Fortune gameshow often in a tight elegant evening dress that accentuates her form.

While the addition of high heels might serve to boost the glam factor, Fouziah Ghouse is always wary whenever she is flipping the light boxes on the show's set - moving around is not easy and there is always a risk of tripping on her dress.

Well, Fouziah does not mind being known as the girl who flips the letter box. It's just a job that she enjoys doing and learning.

Already dabbling in acting, Fouziah is not picky on the characters she wants to play.

The only condition is that the storyline must be good.

"I can do any character, ranging from kampung characters to aggressive and not aggressive ones and even jahat, baik and the sorts," she tells StarMotoring in an interview.

"I don't want to be stereotyped by playing a single type of character. I can do comedy, something that many entertainers tend to shy away from. I am still learning."

The slim and long-haired KL-lite was actually a commercial and fashion model much earlier before venturing into TV hosting and acting.

It's something that comes across easily, judging from her gleaming smiles, and confident poses during our photo shoot. Her chatty nature sums up her easy-going nature.

Fouziah ventured into modelling after she won the Miss Fair & Lovely search competition in 2001 at the age of 17.

Since then, modelling offers have been pouring in and she has been appearing for Fab, Munchies, KFC, Adabi, Malaysia Airlines and Perodua commercials.

Her first TV drama was Cinta Medik, in 2006, a part-time stint since she was an air hostess for Malaysia Airlines, a job she held from 2002 until 2007.

Her other TV credits included roles in Nana Tanjung (TV9), Spa Q and Impak Maksima (both on TV3)

This year, three films she acted in - Malaikat Maut, Sifu dan Tongga and Rasukan Ablasa have been screened with two more - Skrip 7707 and 2 Hati 1 Jiwa - scheduled for release later this year.

In fact, Fouziah was quite a reluctant actress at first, being more inclined towards commercial and fashion modelling but after some time being exposed to behind-the-scenes stuff such as editing and script writing, the acting bug bit.

In her early acting days, the pressure would sometimes get to her especially when she was taking on bigger roles.

"I would end up crying at home thinking about how to rise up to the challenge."

These days, she has even been offered roles in live theatre.

At the moment, she has not taken up the offers as she is busy with dramas for TV3, TV9 and Astro.

"When I go into theatre, I don't want to buat main-main. I must be totally focused since it's going to be before a live audience," says the 26 year-old.

With her hectic schedule which sometimes takes her to all corners of the country, Fouziah is quite pleased that the car she drives - a Toyota Vios 1.5E automatic - is a fuel sipper.

"Before getting the Vios, I was using the family car which did not have good fuel economy."

She bought the black Vios in 2006 primarily because the car was compact and was easy to drive and park.

"At that time, I had just saved up enough money from my flying days - enough to afford the Vios.

"In addition, I was also paying for my house," she laughs.

Her car has been pimped up for a sportier appearance with bigger 16-inch wheels and lowered suspension.

Some side skirtings and a spoiler are in the works but they will have to wait until she has time to work on them.

Fouziah plans to keep the Vios even if she gets a new car.

"I'm keeping it for sentimental value since the Vios is my first car bought with my hard-earned money."

 

 
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