JOHOR BAHRU, April 24 -- In Malaysia's entertainment scene, establishing a distinct identity can take years, and many stars are still working to break into the spotlight.

Among those rising through the ranks is Nia Atasha, who is steadily making her mark in the industry.

She has now landed her first leading film role in the upcoming action romantic comedy Kata Hati, where she plays Ayra Natasha.

The journey was a humble one.

Nia started in entertainment journalism before moving into modelling, then finally breaking into television with smaller supporting roles, such as 2023 Metro Crime Series Siapa Lelaki Itu? (as Hazi) and Nafsu (2024) (as Suria).

It was the same for films such as last year's Soloz: Game of Life, as Emma, and L...