Mother-daughter combo Datuk Normashayu Puteh and Wanna Ali (right).
THE ever hardworking mother-daughter duo of Datuk Normashayu Puteh and Wanna Ali are in the limelight again and this time the family team are expected to grab the limelight with the drama 'Mawar Dahlia' that will make its way to iQIYI next month.
After the combo and together in top films such as 'Aku Ada, Kau Ada???' and 'Ada Apa Dengan Dosa', they are now hoping to vow the fans with the new drama which they promised to be full of twist and turns which will premier on May 30.
In the new drama series, which is expected to be big hit just like 'Senyawa' and 'Bila Takdir Melarang Cinta' will also feature Wanna playing a set of twins for the first time in her career.
Wanna, a big favourite with Malaysian movie and drama fans, will lead the way in the drama together with local stars Haidar Hasanudin dan Zac Zaky.
The drama will feature a story about a set of twins who were separated by family issues. Mawar, a responsible young professional who has her hands full looking after her sick mother, while Dahlia is enjoying her prime of her life being a rich socialite with her extremely successful businessman husband.
The drama which is filled with twist and turns will see how the twins re-meet in their life and also go through the many changes after going through role reversals.
iQIYI said during a Hari Raya event that they expect the 'Mawar Dahlia' drama series to pave the way for the streaming platform after its incredible success with local programmes this year.
As the #1 platform for local dramas, iQIYI aims to showcase more local talent while introducing a brand-new lineup of dramas throughout 2025. Highlighted iQIYI originals besides 'Mawar Dahlia' in the streaming platform giant will be 'Dosa Cinta', 'Safira'and 'Griya'.
As for 'Mawar Dahlia' the drama, Wanna, considered a bright and blooming star in the movie and arts industry, said she is hoping for fans to accept her challenge of playing both the antagonist and protagonist.
"This is a new experience for me and it was also an unforgettable one. Working with my mom is always an amazing and challenging experience for me. This time it was also much fun at the same time. Playing two roles is definitely something I will always cherish."
Growing up, the singer-actress often followed her producer mum – Normashayu, the head of production house Pencil Pictures – to film sets and events.
Wanna then moved full gear into the world of arts after her mum’s suggestion when she made her debut at the age of 15. Wanna – whose full name is Nor Syazwana Mohd Ali – released her first single Lepaskanlah in 2012.
That same year she appeared in the film 'Aku Ada, Kau Ada???', co-starring Shaheizy Sam and Kamal Adli.
Wanna, who turned 27 on Dec 25, took a shining towards acting more than singing but at the same time she placed more importance towards her studies during her teenage years.
After completing her SPM, scoring 7As and 2Bs, she went on to pursue a degree in business management at the University of Nottingham Malaysia.
“It was only after university that I decided that I was 100% in (showbiz). Like this is my career,” she shared.
Wanna who also has appeared in several Pencil Pictures’ films including 'Ada Apa Dengan Dosa, Aku Ada Kau Ada???' and 'Autumn In Wales' aims to get into a higher wave in the industry with 'Mawar Dahlia'.
"It has been quite a journey. I hope the journey continues to pave more success and I also get more chance to act in more top movies and drama," said Wanna.
Also well know for her role in Astro's 'Angkara Cinta' the actress added: “The entertainment industry demands long hours and a lot of energy, which can be physically and mentally exhausting. But I have been dealing with it. And being appreciated by fans help much. My aim is always continue giving my best for the audiences."
Wanna with her mom and her other siblings.
Her mother Normashayu, who has also been involved in the entertainment industry since her teens, said that Pencil Productions will continue to produce top class movies and dramas.
"This industry will always test you to the limits. But if you give it honest and hard work at all times, then the returns and good news will come," said Normashayu. "I hope our new drama will win many hearts and fans. I believe it is a drama that will have fans wanting for more after every episode.
"It is a solid production that will feature high values of life and I would like to thank iQIYI giving us a chance to showcase a Pecil Production product in the streaming platform."
Based in Singapore, iQIYI International offers on-demand video streaming services, bringing the best of Asian entertainment to global viewers.
With both ad-supported and VIP subscription options, iQIYI delivers premium drama series, films, variety shows, and anime – all available in local languages and subtitles, powered by cutting-edge technology.
iQIYI also extends its streaming technology through SaaS partnerships with other entertainment providers. Accessible on any device via iQ.com or the iQIYI app, the platform is owned by iQIYI Inc.
As a background, iQIYI is a Chinese subscription video on-demand over-the-top streaming service owned by Baidu. Headquartered in Beijing, iQIYI primarily produces and distributes films and television series.
iQIYI is also currently one of the largest online video sites in the world, with nearly 6 billion hours spent on its service each month and over 500 million monthly active users. On March 29, 2018, the company issued its initial public offering in the United States and raised US$2.25 billion.
The Chinese streaming giant also made headlines earlier this year when the company announced that it has started building its first theme park, iQIYI Land, in Yangzhou, Jiangsu province.
