Mariyam Azza

Mariyam Azza
OccupationActress
Years active2006–present

Mariyam Azza is a Maldivian film actress.

Early life

Born in Malé, Azza is the daughter of actress Aminath Rasheedha and the sister of actress Aishath Rishmy. She made a brief cameo appearance in the film Mithuru, along with Rishmy, which was produced by her step-father Shiyam and co-starring with Rasheedha. In 1997, she starred alongside Rasheedha in Mohamed Ali Manik's Maazee (1997) which narrates the story of two best friends, a boy and a girl, who get separated at childhood and reunite as adults.[1] Azza played the child role of Neeza, a high self-esteemed girl who disregard her own mother and childhood bestfriend.[2]

Career

2006–16: Debut and breakthrough

Azza made her acting debut in a supporting role with Hukuru Vileyrey, co-directed by Aishath Rishmy and Aminath Rasheedha which was based on a novel published by Ibrahim Waheed on Haveeru Daily in 2003.[3][4] The film was a critical and commercial success while being considered as "one of the few acceptable horror film the Maldivian Film Industry has ever produced".[5][6] It was later released as 15 episodes television series with inclusion of several clips that were edited off while released in theatre.[7][8] Her performance fetched her a Gaumee Film Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.[9]

In 2015, Azza collaborated with Fathimath Nahula for two television drama series. In the first release, a 15-episodes romantic series Vakivumuge Kurin, Azza portrayed a seductive colleague and an irresponsible wife who mistreats her mother.[10] This was followed by Umurah Salaan (2015) which centers on a squabble family which is separated due to the greed for money and misunderstandings.[10] The series which stars Mohamed Faisal, Aminath Rishfa, Ahmed Azmeel and Azza in lead roles, she portrays the character Shazly, an orphan who blindly trusts her husband.[10]

In 2016, Azza played the role of Elisha, an innocent girl who becomes possessed while trapped in a house, in Fathimath Nahula's horror film 4426.[11] Upon release, the film received mostly positive reviews from critics. Ahmed Nadheem of Avas labelled the film as a "masterpiece" and noted her performance to be "good" but not "consistent".[12] However, it was also considered to be her "best performance" so far.[12] Ahmed Adhushan reviewing for Mihaaru considered her dialogue delivery and expressions in the possessed scenes to "stand out" from the film while she delivered a "haunting performance" in her "breakthrough film".[13] With twenty-five back-to-back housefull shows being screened, 4426 was declared as the highest-grossing film of the year in the Maldives.[14]

2017–present: Commercial success

In 2017, Azza established herself as a leading actress of contemporary Maldivian cinema by featuring in four of the top-grossing productions of the year. Her first release of the year was the Ali Shifau-directed romantic comedy Mee Loaybakee alongside Mohamed Jumayyil.[15] At the time of release, the film held the record of being the Maldivian film featuring the largest cast onscreen.[16] The film tells the story of ex-lovers sliding into the friend zone, and the envy and diffidence they experience amidst a convoluted love-triangle.[16] In the film, she played the role of Lam, an insecure friend of Ishan - her ex-boyfirend.[16] The film and Azza's performance received mixed reviews, with Aishath Maaha of Avas calling her performance "a drawback from her previous films".[16] The film emerged as one of the highest grossing Maldivian films of 2017.[17] She next featured alongside an ensemble cast including Yoosuf Shafeeu, Mohamed Manik, Ahmed Saeed and Ali Seezan in another romantic comedy film Naughty 40 which was directed by Shafeeu.[18] The film revolves around three friends, Ashwanee, Ahsan and Ajwad (Played by Shafeeu, Saeed and Manik respectively) who are single and having a youthful outlook, in spite of being in their forties.[18] She featured in dual roles - Ziyana, a woman who gets impregnated after being sexually assaulted, and later as Ashwa, the daughter of Ziyana, an introverted daughter who meets her father after nineteen years.[18] The film met with both critical and commercial success, emerging as one of the highest grossing Maldivian films of 2017.[19][17]

Abdul Fatthah's romantic drama Hahdhu was Azza's next film release. She was paid MVR50,000 for the role in the film, becoming the highest-paid actress in the Maldivian film industry alongside Niuma Mohamed for her work in Niuma.[20] The film touched upon controversial issues in the Maldives including the depiction of flogging and also shines a light on mental health by featuring an attempted suicide.[21] Azza played the role of Yusra, an acquiescent and talkative young woman whose life changes with an extramarital affair. A reviewer from Avas wrote: "The transition from being loquacious to reticent, she played the character whole-heatedly saddening the audience with absolute emotions".[22] The film opened to mixed reviews from critics though it emerged as one of the highest grossing Maldivian films of the year.[17]

Her fourth and final release of the year was Aishath Rishmy's romantic drama Bos.[23] Penned and produced by Fathimath Nahula, the film tells the story of a woman from a royal family and her battle with depression after the demise of her father.[24][25] Azza played the lead character Ibaa, who suffers from depression and is forced into an arranged marriage.[25] A reviewer from Avas criticised the film for having a resemblance to American coming-of-age romantic drama A Walk to Remember (2002) and Indian romantic drama Sanam Teri Kasam (2016).[25] The film along with her performance attracted mixed to positive critical reaction.[25] The film emerged as the highest grossing Maldivian film of 2017 and Azza's fifth consecutive success at box office.[17] During the year, Azza hosted the celebrity-based talk show Azxonna, where she interviews actors, directors and other prominent members of the Maldivian film industry.[26] The first season consisting of thirteen episodes were aired from 13 February 2017.[26]

2018 was a dull year for Maldivian film-industry with regards to 2018 Maldivian presidential election. Her only release of the year was the first Maldivian web-series, a romantic drama by Fathimath Nahula, Huvaa.[27] The series consisting of sixty episodes and streamed through the digital platform Baiskoafu, centers around a happy and radiant family which breaks into despairing pieces after a tragic incident that led to an unaccountable loss.[28][29] The series and her performance as a divorcee struggling to choose between her abusive ex-husband and a caring young man were positively received.[30][31]

Media image

Following the success of 4426, Hahdhu and Bos, Azza's film roles were subject to wide commercial analysis.[32][33] Analysing her career, Avas published that director Fathiman Nahula hits "ambergris jackpot" by casting Azza as the leading lady in 4426.[33] She was described as the "replacement" of Niuma Mohamed whom the media cites as the most successful leading actress in Maldives.[33] In 2011, Azza was voted sixth place as the "Most Entertaining Actress" in the SunFM Awards 2010, an award night ceremony initiated by Sun Media Group to honour the most recognized personalities in different fields, during the previous year.[34] In 2017, she was the most successful contemporary actress in the Maldives.[33] She is an active celebrity endorser for several brands and products.[33]

Filmography
Key
Denotes films that have not yet been released

Feature film
Year Title Role Notes Ref(s)
1993 Mithuru N/A Child actor
1997 Maazee Neeza Child actor [1]
2006 Hukuru Vileyrey Azza Nominated—Gaumee Film Award for Best Supporting Actress [4][9]
2010 Fanaa Herself Special appearance in the song "Dhoapatta" [35]
2011 Wathan Herself Special appearance in the song "Dhurun Balaashey" [36]
2016 4426 Elisha [12]
2017 Mee Loaybakee Lam [15]
2017 Naughty 40 Ziyana / Ashwa [18]
2017 Hahdhu Yusra [22]
2017 Bos Ibaa [25]
2019 Nafrathuvumun Reesha [37]
2019 Dhauvath Zeeniya [38]
2019 Maamui Haifa [39]
2019 Leena Leena Post-production [40]

Television
Year Title Role Notes Ref(s)
2015 Vakivumuge Kurin Maisha Main role; 15 episodes [10]
2015 Umurah Salaan Shazly Main role; 13 episodes [10]
2018–present Huvaa Minha Main role; 60 episodes [27]

Accolades
Year Award Category Nominated work Result Ref(s)
2008 5th Gaumee Film Awards Best Supporting Actress Hukuru Vileyrey Nominated [9]
2011 2nd SunFM Awards Most Entertaining Actress Nominated [34]
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References
  1. Ifraz, Ali (23 September 2018). "Wajeeh and Jamsheedha reunites at polling location". Avas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 1 January 2019. Retrieved 1 January 2019.
  2. Rasheed, Ahmed (16 August 2018). "Wants to play an action movie: Ismail Wajeeh". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 9 February 2018. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
  3. Naseer, Ismail (20 July 2006). "Hukuru Vileyrey - Big hopes, big challenges: Ainthu" (in Divehi). Haveeru Daily. Retrieved 8 October 2012.
  4. Nadheem, Ahmed (30 May 2016). "Can "Vishka" be the movie of the year?" (in Divehi). Avas. Archived from the original on 3 June 2016. Retrieved 3 June 2016.
  5. Naafiz, Ali (19 July 2010). "Fanaa: Proof of Yaaraa's immaturity". Haveeru Daily. Retrieved 8 October 2012.
  6. Rasheed, Nurah (8 February 2018). "Rishmy's style prior to Red Carpet". Dho? (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 18 January 2019. Retrieved 18 January 2019.
  7. Ahmed, Fazeena (23 November 2006). ""Hukuru Vileyrey" releasing as a Drama" (in Divehi). Haveeru Daily. Retrieved 8 October 2012.
  8. Shaneeza, Mariyam (11 September 2018). "Isn't Azza the greatest?". VNews (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 18 January 2019. Retrieved 18 January 2019.
  9. "SAARC Film Festival 2017 (PDF)" (PDF). South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation. Retrieved 21 December 2018.
  10. Ifraz, Ali (14 March 2018). "Who would excel in the acting field in "Huvaa"". Avas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 9 June 2019. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
  11. Nadheem, Ahmed (26 February 2016). "This time its not a "Nahu-styled" film, A revelation". Avas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 30 March 2018. Retrieved 30 March 2018.
  12. Nadheem, Ahmed (21 October 2016). "4426 is Nahula's mastepiece". Avas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 30 March 2018. Retrieved 30 March 2018.
  13. Adhushan, Ahmed (25 November 2016). "4426 Late Review: Nahula leveling up the game". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 18 April 2018. Retrieved 18 April 2018.
  14. "25 Housefull shows of 4426 screened! Now screening the last few shows". Avas (in Divehi). 20 November 2016. Archived from the original on 30 March 2018. Retrieved 30 March 2018.
  15. Adhushan, Ahmed (4 April 2017). "Dark Rain's Mee Laoybakee premiering tonight". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 26 March 2018. Retrieved 26 March 2018.
  16. Maaha, Aishath (10 April 2017). "Mee Loaiybakee: Memorable Love". Avas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 2 April 2018. Retrieved 2 April 2018.
  17. Adhushan, Ahmed (31 December 2017). "2017: Is it a successful year for the film industry?". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 26 March 2018. Retrieved 26 March 2018.
  18. Adhushan, Ahmed (13 February 2017). ""Naughty 40" featuring notable celebrities launched". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 26 March 2018. Retrieved 26 March 2018.
  19. Maaha, Aishath (6 August 2017). ""Naughty 40": A mixture of all tastes". Avas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 27 March 2018. Retrieved 27 March 2018.
  20. Nadheem, Ahmed (15 February 2017). "Azza charging a high price". Avas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 18 April 2018. Retrieved 27 March 2018.
  21. "'Hahdhu' film touches upon controversial issues in the Maldives". Avas. 28 September 2017. Archived from the original on 16 January 2018. Retrieved 27 March 2018.
  22. Maaha, Aishath (8 September 2017). "Review" Praising 'Hahdhu" in a limit". Avas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 27 March 2018. Retrieved 27 March 2018.
  23. Adhushan, Ahmed (2 December 2017). "Last two shows of "Bos"". Mihaaru. Archived from the original on 26 March 2018. Retrieved 26 March 2018.
  24. Fareeha, Aishath (2 November 2017). ""Bos"; A Must Watch". Sun (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 17 April 2018. Retrieved 17 April 2018.
  25. "Trapped in the "kisses" of Yunaan". Avas (in Divehi). 14 November 2017. Archived from the original on 17 April 2018. Retrieved 17 April 2018.
  26. "After a successful year, Azza to host a talking show". Avas (in Divehi). 29 December 2016. Archived from the original on 18 April 2018. Retrieved 18 April 2018.
  27. Adhushan, Ahmed (27 February 2018). "Huvaa: Nahula starts her web-series". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 30 November 2018. Retrieved 30 November 2018.
  28. Musthafa, Mohamed (18 October 2018). ""Huvaa" is a hard work, it will be nice!". Sun (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 30 November 2018. Retrieved 30 November 2018.
  29. Adhushan, Ahmed (7 October 2018). ""Huvaa" can be viewed through Baiskoafu application". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 30 November 2018. Retrieved 30 November 2018.
  30. Musthafa, Mohamed (28 November 2018). "Nahula's "Huvaa" to be released for streaming tomorrow". Sun (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 30 November 2018. Retrieved 30 November 2018.
  31. Musthafa, Mohamed (30 November 2018). "First episode of "Huvaa" was a success". Sun (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 30 November 2018. Retrieved 30 November 2018.
  32. Maaha, Aishath (30 January 2018). "Unbeatable flowers". Dho (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 15 April 2018. Retrieved 15 April 2018.
  33. Nadheem, Ahmed (17 February 2017). "Azza: An ambergris to the industry". Avas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 18 April 2018. Retrieved 18 April 2018.
  34. "Nominations announced for SunFM Awards 2010". Sun (in Divehi). 2 March 2011. Archived from the original on 16 June 2019. Retrieved 16 June 2019.
  35. Nafiz, Ali (15 July 2010). "Fanaa: Proof of Yaaraa's immaturity". Haveeru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 2010-07-18. Retrieved 18 July 2010.
  36. Adhushan, Ahmed (10 August 2016). "Azza has few upcoming movies lined up". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 2 April 2018. Retrieved 30 March 2018.
  37. Ajwan, Ali (1 March 2019). "First Look of Nafrathuvumun released". MuniAvas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 2 March 2019. Retrieved 1 March 2019.
  38. Milna, Mariyam (1 March 2019). "First Look of Dhauvath released". MuniAvas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 1 March 2019. Retrieved 1 March 2019.
  39. Adhushan, Ahmed (11 April 2018). "Maamui's shooting to commences post Ramazan". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 1 April 2019. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
  40. Adhushan, Ahmed (12 January 2019). "Maldives Film Industry Highlights - 12 Jan 2019". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 28 January 2019. Retrieved 28 January 2019.
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