Past slights fuel actress Ellyza Azizi's fear of taking center stage

Malaysian actress Ellyza Azizi, despite her years in the entertainment industry since age 19, confesses to a persistent lack of confidence in portraying lead characters. Her hesitation stems from a past experience where she felt undervalued due to her social media follower count.

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Honestly, I still feel scared, shy, and sometimes feel unworthy of holding any main role because my social media following isn't large.

"Honestly, I still feel scared, shy, and sometimes feel unworthy of holding any main role because my social media following isn't large," Ellyza shared with Utusan Malaysia. She described receiving "different treatment" from certain parties in the industry, a subtle but palpable snub that eroded her self-assurance as an actress. "As an actress, the last thing I want is to lose my self-confidence. But all that shouldn't be a barrier. It all depends on how I carry myself."

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Because my follower count isn't that large, there were places I went where I received different treatment. They never said it, but I could feel it.

Ellyza is deliberately avoiding a rushed career trajectory. She prefers to embrace her current physical appearance, skills, and talent to embody as many youthful roles as possible. This strategy aims to ensure audience acceptance before she naturally matures into more adult characters. "I think the way I've structured my career journey allows me to still play roles as a high school or college student," she explained.

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As an actress, the last thing I want is to lose my self-confidence. But all that shouldn't be a barrier. It all depends on how I carry myself.

While acknowledging that controversial stunts can be a shortcut to fame, Ellyza firmly rejects such tactics to protect her dignity and family name. "Every year, I feel like quitting acting, pursuing a master's degree, and becoming a lecturer. But in the end, I don't want to give up as long as I can still try. I choose to be myself and find my own strategy," she stated. She hopes her talent, not just her follower count, will be recognized, and that any future controversies will not tarnish her family's reputation.

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I think the way I've structured my career journey allows me to still play roles as a high school or college student.