Digital Cover #4: Zahirah Macwilson and her many facets featuring Dior

As much as she is passionate about putting together delicacies in her kitchen, Mcwilson is even more ambitious in her professional life. Raised in multiple cities to parents of British and Malay descent, the actress spent her formative years in Sheffield, London and Perth, Australia. Industrious since young, she initially enrolled in Human Resources and Management at Curtin University, Perth, while working for Virgin Australia Airlines as a ground crew. 

Later on, she leveraged her communication skills and confidence to launch into a role in TV9’s Dunia Generasi Baru, alongside other fresh faces of the Malaysian entertainment industry like Ben Amir. Always driven by a love for acting, her breakthrough came through her portrayal of the unforgettable character Bulan in the critically acclaimed film, Bulan dan Pria Terhebat, propelling her into the dazzling spotlight at an astonishing pace.

Reflecting on her remarkable success, she marvels now at how she is living out the very dreams she had imagined. “That was probably one of the most challenging characters that I have played ever. The thought process behind the physical preparation we underwent was intense. I had to learn different types of kicks and punches on top of getting a grasp of the beautiful Indonesian-Malay accent. Nevertheless, I enjoyed every bit of the production.” She acknowledges the unlikely odds of her current achievements given the dynamic and ever-evolving entertainment realm that comes along with creativity and innovation, as well its risks, challenges and rivalry.

She credits a significant portion of her determination and ambition to her upbringing in the vibrant cities of Perth and Sheffield. Her childhood experience and teenage years in the cities were extraordinary and unparalleled, influencing her both positively and negatively. However, she admits that the positive impact has outweighed the negative, shaping her for the better. “Growing up surrounded by abundant creativity and a sense of the unknown has equipped me to navigate the path that I choose in life,” she shares.

Although she has achieved considerable success, she humbly concedes that she remains cognizant of the vast reservoir of knowledge and expertise she has yet to attain. Every time her presence graces the big screen, a strong sense of self-critique prevails to seek perfection for each scene, motivating her to improve in her future portrayals. Her insatiable thirst for self-improvement is driven by the aspiration to transcend her current capabilities beyond the boundaries of her craft and to achieve artistic brilliance.

Her upcoming role in a project streaming on an online platform, launching sometime in July, is her toughest character thus far. “Undoubtedly, the character I am portraying in my forthcoming drama series stands as the most formidable challenge I have encountered in my entire career. I had to delve into the complexities of the character I played who embodies two distinct facets. This multifaceted portrayal is unexplored terrain for me, necessitating arduous mental and physical preparation to ensure a compelling performance. As the premiere approaches, I hold a glimmer of hope that my diligence and efforts will bear fruit and leave an indelible mark on the screen.”

On January 5, 2021, Macwilson and her husband Aiman Hakim Ridza shared the joyous news of the arrival of their newborn baby, Isaac Reese, on their respective Instagram accounts. With each passing day, she finds herself marvelling at his growth and linguistic prowess at the tender age of two, leaving her in awe as he effortlessly weaves together full sentences. “There was this one time when I was busy on my phone and Isaac came to me and said ‘Mummy, mummy. Can you please put down your phone and eat the cake with me?’ My heart instantly melted. He’s just so tiny and it’s so cute to see him speaking that way with full facial expressions. I love him so much.”

Beyond the profound joy baby Isaac brings, he has also become a beacon of invaluable life lessons for Zahirah. His presence has instilled in her a heightened sense of patience, moving her to embrace each moment. Through him, she has learnt to appreciate the significance of time, recognising that every precious second spent with him is an irreplaceable gift. Indeed, her little son has forever transformed her life, illuminating it with unconditional love, boundless joy and a newfound appreciation for the beauty of patience and time.

Transitioning our conversation to the subject of motherhood, she confesses, “I enjoy being a mother. There are many new things that I have discovered since becoming one. As I grow in understanding my son, myself and the dynamics of our mother-son relationship, I am gaining profound life insights. Moreover, I have come to truly comprehend the immense challenges my parents faced in caring for our family. The sacrifices they made in terms of time, energy and financial resources to bring us to our current position are now clear to me. This entire journey proves immensely inspiring. Furthermore, the role of motherhood serves as a constant reminder for me to stay grounded and focused.”

Engaging in an interview with the star, my curiosity is piqued about how skilfully she balances her personal and professional life, along with familial obligations and social responsibilities as a devoted wife and mother and a consummate artist. “Initially, I must confess that it was a challenging adjustment, but over time, I have grown accustomed to managing my various responsibilities. I am immensely grateful for the unwavering assistance and support bestowed upon me by my family, particularly my husband,” she admits.

She diligently records all commitments in her schedule to stay on top of upcoming engagements. When faced with a demanding week, she strives to carve out at least one to two days of respite, dedicating precious time to her loved ones. Moreover, she makes a conscious effort to avoid working late into the night, recognising the adverse effects of exhaustion on her productivity for the following day.

When asked about "me time," she responds thoughtfully, emphasising the significance of self-care, particularly in today's fast-paced world. Being a mother, she acknowledges that finding moments for herself can be challenging. Nevertheless, she endeavours to indulge in activities such as getting her hair done or treating herself to a facial. These are moments when she can pamper herself and recharge after dedicating long hours to fulfilling her duties and responsibilities.

No celebrity escapes the glare of social media, including the Curi-Curi Cinta star. “I strive to maintain authenticity in social media as I believe it is crucial to reflect the true essence of who I am. On my Instagram, you will find the genuine Zahirah, unfiltered and true to herself. As a laid-back individual, I find solace in the company of my family, cherishing the moments we share. Additionally, I value the presence of those with whom I share a deep connection, particularly my close friends as their familiarity brings me a sense of comfort and contentment,” she reveals.

Recently, she has opted for a more private disposition, refraining from divulging extensive details about her personal life on social media. She has found it beneficial to exercise caution and limit her interactions online to prioritise her well-being and preserve a sense of inner peace. “You know, one thing about comments on Instagram is it's like they can either uplift you or bring you down. It's awesome to receive all those positive vibes from people out there, but sometimes I worry that we might start doing good things just to get praised or noticed, rather than from a genuine place. And when someone throws negativity our way, it hits even harder. Also, I've realised that life becomes much simpler when we choose not to make too much noise because let's face it, not everyone appreciates unnecessary commotion.”

Emanating an air of sophistication, Mcwilson’s self-presentation is accompanied by careful deliberation, meticulously choosing each word that escapes her lips. During the delay in production due to the global health situation in the last few years, she ventured to create her skincare line. With the world gradually returning to normal, she has resumed working on the project from where she left off and intends to reveal the highly anticipated launch date soon. To conclude our interview, I asked what advice she would give to the younger generation aspiring to enter the entertainment and film industry, and she says emphatically, “Read your contract!”