Meerqeen Rising

Already a household name, the influential actor reflects on his journey so far and his aspirations for the local film industry

- Sim Wie Boon

Known for his captivating performance as Firdaus in the hit TV series Melur untuk Firdaus, 2023 has been an extraordinary year for the 22-year-old Malaysian heartthrob, Muhammad Shameer Shauqeen Shaiful Izam, affectionately known as Meerqeen. The rising star has quickly made a name for himself, landing major brand endorsements as the official friend of Tiffany & Co, ambassador for YSL Beauty, and more recently, exclusive influencer for luxury watchmaker Hublot.

But beneath the dazzling spotlight, Meerqeen's journey to stardom hasn't been easy, taking an unexpected turn. While many may assume acting was his lifelong passion, the young actor confesses, "I actually really love animals, and my ambition was to become a zoologist when I was younger.

I used to have a lot of pets at home." However, the allure of the entertainment industry proved irresistible due to his family's strong ties, with his aunt Safura Yaacob, uncle, and grandfather all involved in the entertainment industry.

Reminiscing on his childhood, Meerqeen recalls, "When I was about five or six, I often followed them to their TV and movie sets. I was curious how these actors could memorise all their lines while acting. How does it feel to be in front of the camera without looking awkward?" His fascination with the craft sparked, but it wasn't until his time as a college student majoring in insurance law that Meerqeen's passion for acting truly took hold.

"I was in a band, and we were performing a lot. The thrill of being on stage and evoking emotions in others captivated me, and I realised that I loved the spotlight. I love to feel the energy from the crowd," shares Meerqeen. With newfound enthusiasm, he embraced the performing arts, leaving behind his previous career aspirations.