MULTI-talented Diana Danielle has a promise for her two children. From now onwards, she will only star in two films a year, so that she can spend quality time with Muhammad Farid, 10, and Aurora Farid, 8.
"Muhammad and Aurora are my strength.
"Everything in my showbiz career is aimed at bringing joy to them," she said during an interview in Tropicana Avenue, Petaling Jaya recently.
This year, Diana will be starring in Joel Soh's horror movie 'Baran' and Abit's movie about a person suffering from Alzheimer's titled 'Memori'.
"I'm not really into horror movies, but I do like appearing in such movies with good, profound messages and interesting backstories involving the scary antagonist," said Diana, who cites 'The Phantom Of The Opera' as one such interesting villain.
"And stories about persons stricken with debilitating diseases can be inspirational."
IMAGINUR
Diana admitted that the 2023 surreal drama 'Imaginur' was the best movie she has ever starred in.
At first it appeared like a fantasy or science-fiction story, but viewers gradually learnt that it was all about a man who suffered from a stroke and was dreaming about his late wife.
"I just loved 'Imaginur' for its brilliant plot-twist and heartfelt message.
"I also enjoyed working with its main actor Beto Kusyairy who can take on various complex roles."
Diana said that simple stories always make great movies, and filmmakers need not come up with complex plots to entertain viewers.
"What makes such movies great is the emotional connection with viewers.
"Look at 'Forrest Gump', we get to love our hero and root for him all the way as he journeys along an extraordinary timeline with extraordinary events."
IMPACT
Diana said that she was picky because she wanted to star in stories that have an impact on viewers.
"A good movie is a movie that speaks directly to me, with characters I can identify with."
Diana may have begun her two-decade-long acting career with romantic comedies, but she is in no hurry to abandon them, because they carry important lessons.
"Romantic comedies may sound cliche, but then, some of them may be strong stories that leave an impact on viewers for years. It's these type of movies that I'll always go for."
As for singing, Diana said that she is ever ready to go to the recording studio.
"I won't leave singing, for I love it. However, I haven't found any inspiration for a new song as yet."
Diana is all for upbeat songs, as she believes that the best songs are those which spread positivity.
"I always want to stay positive in the face of life's challenges, since I have felt down several times in the past," she said.
REACHING OUT
Diana gives talks on mental health with various non-governmental organisations from time to time.
"I'm a strong advocate of reaching out to people with mental health issues.
"It's my firm believe that they should not be stigmatised, for they are not crazy," she said, adding that mental health issues can happen to anyone at any age.
"Good mental health comes with avoiding toxic people and toxic comments.
"To keep my mind upbeat, I have chosen to ignore all social media comments from detractors.
"Following them makes things worse for those with depression."
OUTSPOKEN
Diana accepts constructive criticism of her work, but cannot stand people who lah out at others for no reason.
She is outspoken on issues of cyber-bullying, especially when social media monsters threaten to sexually harass female stars.
Not long ago she was threatened with rape on social media and made a police report against the 'monster'.
"Appropriate action must be taken so that no party normalises cyber-bullying which can lead to death.
"Cyber-bullying is a crime against humanity and it should not be taken lightly."
MUSICALS
Diana misses starring in musical theatre, and cherished her Alice In Wonderland-style heroine Ayu in the 2010 KRU musical film 'Magika' which has been praised by moviegoers.
"If there's a sequel for 'Magika', that'll be so cool!"
As a television host, Diana is best known for helming the 2018 ntv7 talk show 'Kata Serasi', which discussed family, relationships, peer pressure and working life from the perspectives of men and women.
"Soon, if all goes well, I will be busying myself with producing television documentaries.
"These documentaries have diverse topics, all of which had piqued my interest."
She is keeping mum about her on-going marital problems, but she and her estranged husband, actor and filmmaker Farid Kamil will always be parents to their two children, rain or shine.
"We can work together on screen and off screen, fulfilling our parental duties as their young ones grow up," she said.