International Women’s Day is the time of the year to celebrate women across the world. Mothers who nurture, sisters who support, daughters who dream, and leaders who continue to inspire change. It’s a day to recognise the resilience, strength, and compassion a women brings into families, communities, and even the society, often balancing countless roles while quietly shaping the world around them.
On this very day, it is also an important moment to acknowledge women who continue to carve their paths in different kinds of fields, breaking barriers, and inspiring others along the way. Across Malaysia’s arts and entertainment landscape, many women have built careers driven by passion, perseverance and an unwavering commitment to arts and storytelling.
Among those inspiring women’s is Datin Shaila Nair, whose journey in the Malaysian Tamil creative industry reflects both dedication and resilience. She has been a person in the industry who wears multiple hats. She’s a singer, actress, and a producer. And through all of this, she has continued to contribute to Malaysia’s cultural landscape while inspiring many who follow her work.
A Lifelong Passion for the Arts
Known as a singer, actress, and producer, Datin Shaila has long been involved in the Malaysia’s Tamil entertainment scene. Over the years, she has built a reputation for her strong presence on stage, and screen, while continuing to support creative projects that celebrate storytelling and culture.
Her career reflects not only artistic passion, but also a deep belief in perseverance. A quality that has helped her navigate the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry while remaining committed to her craft.
Today, Datin Shaila continues that artistic journey with her role in the upcoming Malaysian Tamil film Poovelam Kettu Paar, also known as PKP. Directed by Karthik Shamalan and produced by Shaibha Vision and SciFilm, the film promises a gripping psychological experience that challenges the audience to reflect on the fragility of emotions. Breaking new ground, PKP is the first ever Malaysian Tamil Film to be shot in anamorphic format, giving the film a distinctive cinematic depth rarely explore in our local industry. And on top of that, to enhance the storytelling, the production team has also constructed a 5,000 square-foot forest set designed to immerse audience in the film’s environment.
The cast brings together both established performers and new faces, including Datin Shaila, Magen Vikadakavi, Yuvaraj Krishnasamy, Thashrra Aghonderan, KS Maniam, CS Murugan, Noorul Haq, Veronica Thomas and Thaneswari Rajenthiran.
For Datin Shaila, the project represents more than just a role, it is a character that required emotional depth and reflection.
Stepping Into the Emotional World of PKP
Taking on the role meant exploring inner strength and vulnerability of the character Datin Shaila portrays. To know more on her experience and journey of PKP, we asked her a few questions.
Q: PKP seems to demand a lot emotionally. Could you take us through how you prepared for this role, both physically and mentally, and the personal journey you went through while bringing this character to life?
A: This role in Poovelam Kettu Paar required a lot of emotional depth. For me, preparation was not just about memorising lines, but about truly understanding the emotional journey of the character.
I spent time connecting with the character’s vulnerability and strength, because every woman carries her own story and silent battles. Here what the story demands Physically and mentally, it was about portraying that quiet strength and resilience.
One thing I value deeply is the process sitting through script readings, patiently listening to the director’s vision, and allowing the character to grow from there. I’m very grateful to director Karthik Shamalan for trusting me with this role.
As women, we often learn that strength is not always loud ,sometimes it is simply the courage to keep going. Never give up easily
When a Role Leaves a Lasting Impact
Like many other performers, Datin Shaila believes every film leaves behind a meaningful experience that shapes both the artists and the individual.
Q: Every film leaves something behind with the actor. What did PKP change or awaken in you, as a performer and as a woman, once the cameras stopped rolling.
A: Every film leaves something with you, and PKP definitely did. As a performer, it reminded me how important it is to stay open and truthful to the character. Learned that the script is King
As a woman, it taught me patience and emotional strength. Sometimes life asks us to fight quietly for the people we love, and that journey resonated deeply with me through this role. Everyone has their own battle
After the cameras stopped rolling, I realised that the character had awakened a deeper empathy in me. It reminded me that every woman has her own story, and often the strongest women are the ones who carry their struggles with grace. Slowly but surely.
Beyond acting, Datin Shaila has also stepped into leadership roles within the industry, balancing creativity with responsibility.
Q: As an actress, producer, and a woman navigating multiple roles in the industry, what has been the most defining challenges you’ve faced and how have those experiences shaped you as the woman you are today?
A:Balancing multiple roles in the industry has definitely been challenging, but also very rewarding. As an actor and producer, you are constantly navigating creativity, responsibility, and leadership. Choosing a good team to work with is ultimate. A team that thinks align with us can help better.
One of the biggest challenges is sometimes having to prove that a woman can lead and make decisions with confidence in this industry. But those moments also build resilience. But we have been given more opportunities.. it’s getting better. Those experiences have shaped me into someone who believes strongly in perseverance. They have taught me that challenges are not barriers they are lessons that help you grow stronger and more grounded as a woman.
Datin Shaila’s reflection also echoes the spirit of International Women’s Day, encouraging women to believe in their strength and make sure they own their space.
Q: On this International Women’s Day, what message would you like to share with women who are still finding their voice, especially those who feel unheard, underestimated or afraid to take up space?
A:To every woman who feels unheard or underestimated, I would say this: your voice matters, even if it begins softly.
Do not be afraid to stand in your space and believe in your own journey. Every woman carries strength within her, even during moments of doubt.
On this Women’s Day, I hope women remember that their stories, their voices, and their dreams are important. As the saying goes, “A strong woman does not wait for permission to rise she simply rises.” Nothing is beyond god & he knows best …trust is all
For Datin Shaila Nair, strength is not always loud or dramatic. It often lies in quiet perseverance, believing in one’s journey and continuing forward despite all the hurdles we face. As she prepares for the release of PKP, her story stands as a reminder that the power of women in the arts lies not only in the stories they tell, but also in the resilience they embody. And on a day, dedicated to celebrating women around the world, her message remains simple yet powerful.
Happy International Women’s Day to all the incredible women out there who continue to inspire with their strength, resilience and determination.
This is a Varnam Exclusive Feature! Any Reproduction Requires A Credit To Varnam Malaysia.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news.
