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.
Esta historia es de la edición August 2023 de Tatler Malaysia.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición August 2023 de Tatler Malaysia.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
The 9-karat Charm
Nine-karat jewellery is officially in - here's why you should hop on the bandwagon, according to 'Kin
Spreading Joy
Through fashion, newly minted Rolex Awards for Enterprise Laureate Denica Riadini-Flesch simultaneously empowers rural women and tackles environmental issues in Indonesia
Designs That Reward Observation
Ming Thein, creative director and co-founder of Ming, an independent Kuala Lumpur-based timepiece brand, talks design and inspiration
Daring Designs
From architectural marvels to playfully expressive wonders, Louis Vuitton continues to push the boundaries of High Watchmaking
Threading Wonders
Delve into the sculptural creations of the avant-garde Indian designer known for reviving bridal couture in his hometown
Defying Gravity
Kim Jones puts a spin on the Dior Oblique motif with Dior Gravity leather, redefining iconic bags, shoes and other menswear must-haves
Designer of Futures
Datuk Jimmy Choo trains the younger generation at the JCA, London Fashion Academy
Hello, Dolly!
Wesley Hilton is the founder of Borneo Doll, proudly showcasing Malaysian indigenous tribes through miniature recreations of ancient traditional costumes
Digital Sanctuary
Digital artist Chong Yan Chuah explores concepts such as techno-paganism to imagine worlds that are embedded in alternative cosmologies
One Man's Trash, Another Woman's Art
Nor Tijan's art is a vision of sustainability