KUALA LUMPUR,: Despite having stepped away from the limelight, veteran actress Rosnani Jamil, more fondly known as Mak Nani, remains passionate about the arts and eager to share her knowledge.
With over 70 years in the film industry, the 90-year-old continues to embrace lifelong learning, believing age should not be a barrier to learning and personal growth.
Mak Nani, who starred in the classic film “Ibu” alongside the late P Ramlee, firmly believes education and continuous learning are keys to staying relevant in today’s world.
“I read a lot of novels and online content like short articles; it keeps the mind sharp and active,” she shared during a “Sembang Sembang Sejarah” chat session organised by the Malaysian Historical Society recently.
She also revealed some of her wellness habits that help her stay energetic in her golden years – notably, staying socially engaged and regularly interacting with others.
Reflecting on her artistic journey that began at age 17, Mak Nani said she has never set limits for herself and constantly sought to push her boundaries.
This spirit, she said, paved the way for her to become Malaysia’s first female film director – a groundbreaking achievement for a woman of her era.
“I was determined to learn English just to understand filmmaking terms. I even took night classes and took the bus just to study,” she recalled
During breaks, she added, she would spend time in the editing room, observing the process and learning directly from editors.
In 1992, Mak Nani took another bold step by travelling to London to further her knowledge of filmmaking. Despite being far from her family, she made the most of her time there by enrolling in short courses in movie makeup, determined to expand her expertise in the craft.
Drawing from a lifetime of experience, she encourages young people to persevere in the pursuit of their dreams.
“When we work in any field, we must have clear goals and direction. Don’t limit yourself to your current abilities; keep seeking knowledge to stay relevant in this industry,” she said.
Although no longer active on set, her passion for the arts remains strong, and she continues to contribute meaningfully to the local film scene.
“I’m still learning and will keep learning,” Mak Nani stressed. “It’s my responsibility to pass on knowledge to the younger generation so they can continue our artistic legacy.”