Fathimath Azifa

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Fathimath Azifa
Azifa looking away from camera smiling
Azifa at 9th Gaumee Film Awards ceremony, 2019
Born (1988-10-28) 28 October 1988 (age 35)
OccupationActress
Years active2009–present
Spouse
(m. 2016)
Children1

Fathimath Azifa (born 28 October 1988) is a Maldivian film actress. She has established a career in Maldivian films and is the recipient of several awards, including a Gaumee Film Award.

Career[edit]

2010–16: Debut and breakthrough[edit]

Azifa made her career debut while studying at grade four, in an episode from Yoosuf Rafeeu's comedy television series Dhiriulhumakee Mieebaa. Afterwards, she appeared in another episode of the same series aired in 2007. After a break of two years, she appeared in Ali Shifau's suspense thriller Happy Birthday (2009) which narrates the story of a simple man who receives a call on his birthday informing that his wife and son have been kidnapped, only to be returned for a ransom.[1] Azifa played the role of Fazla, a colleague of a straightforward man who had an unfortunate birthday.[1] A total of five shows with little occupancy were screened at the cinema, declaring the film a commercial failure, despite the positive response from the critics.[1] Winning five Gaumee Film Awards and twelve Maldives Film Awards, the film was also screened at the Venice Film Festival.[2] Afterwards, she appeared as model in a special appearance in Niuma Mohamed's directorial debut drama film Niuma (2010).[3] She was next signed on by Amjad Ibrahim to play a devious maid in his family drama Hithey Dheymee (2011) alongside Amira Ismail and Hussain Solah which failed to do well commercially and critically.[4]

In 2011 Azifa played the role of Areeka, an introverted prudent girlfriend living a modest lifestyle, in the Moomin Fuad-directed crime tragedy drama Loodhifa.[5] Featuring an ensemble cast, the film deals with current social issues in the society told from different perspectives of the characters.[6] Made on a budget of MVR 600,000, the film was declared a commercial failure though it received wide critical acclaim.[5] Her portrayal garnered her several awards, including a Gaumee Film Award for Best Supporting Actress and a nomination for the Best Actress at the 2nd Maldives Film Awards ceremony.[7][8] Azifa next starred alongside Niuma Mohamed and Ismail Rasheed in Hussain Munawwar's romantic drama Sazaa. Story of the film revolves around a carefree girl whose life flips upside down once she is forced to marry a brutal man.[9] She played the role of an independent woman who commits suicide when she is brutally raped by her brother-in-law.[9] Ahmed Nadheem reviewing from Haveeru wrote: Azifa leaves a strong impact. She seems polishing her acting skills with each movies".[9] Though her performance received positive comments, reviewers were displeased with her the character when a "well-developed strong character ended up so badly".[9] Critically well-received, the film emerged as a commercial success.[9] It was followed by Hamid Ali's romantic family drama Laelaa opposite Yoosuf Shafeeu which was a critical and box office failure.[10]

In 2014, Azifa starred opposite Yoosuf Shafeeu in the suspense thriller film 24 Gadi Iru (2014) which was co-directed by Shafeeu and Mohamed Rasheed.[11] The film focuses on a romantic relationship between a girl diagnosed with mental illness and her psychiatrist.[12] Production of the film began in 2010, though it was theatrically released four years later.[12] Her role as Reesha, a psycho girl and the film received mixed reviews from critics.[13] Ahmed Nadheem reviewing from Haveeru wrote: "Indeed, Azifa is a very promising actress and she has proved her worth in the industry with Loodhifa. However an actor needs a good mentor to extract the best in oneself. It is very clear the directors haven't tried a bit to bring out the raw talent inside of her".[13] She next starred in Abdul Faththaah's romantic drama Aadheys, alongside Niuma Mohamed, Hussain Sobah, Amira Ismail, Moosa Zakariyya and Ali Azim.[14] Filming was completed in 2011, though it was released three years following the death of film producer Hassain Ali.[15] It revolves around a sacrificing mother and her affection towards her child.[14] Upon release, the film received mixed reviews from critics and failed to leave an impression commercially. Ismail Naail reviewing from Vaguthu wrote: "In contrast to her performance in Loodhifa, this can be termed as disappointing".[16] At the 8th Gaumee Film Awards she received her second Best Supporting Actress nomination for her role in the film.[17]

Mohamed Aboobakuru-directed Randhari was Azifa's only release of 2015.[18] Her portrayal of the character Aisha, along with the film, received negative reviews from critics and performed below average at the box office.[19] The following year, she made a special appearance in the Yoosuf Shafeeu-directed Baiveriyaa (2016), a comedy film featuring an ensemble cast.[20] The film emerged as one of the highest grossing Maldivian films of the year.[21]

2017–present: Commercial success[edit]

Azifa's first release of 2017 came in the Ali Musthafa-directed family drama Malikaa.[22] Featuring Nuzuhath Shuaib and Mohamed Jumayyil in the lead role, the film tells the story of the sidelined daughter, played by Shuaib, who manages the family.[23] Azifa played the role of Jeeza, the envious and insecure sister-in-law of the title character, showing an excessive interest in acquiring money and wealth. Ahmed Nadheem, revieweing for Avas opined that Azifa was the only star who "left an impression in the acting department" from the film, though he felt the "flaws in her character development led to lack of exhilaration" at her presence.[24] Despite low expectations from trade analysts, the film received mixed reviews and performed moderately at the box office.[25][26] She next featured alongside an ensemble cast including Yoosuf Shafeeu, Mohamed Manik, Ahmed Saeed and Ali Seezan in the romantic comedy film Naughty 40 which was directed by Shafeeu.[27] 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.[27] Azifa played the role of Taniya, the beguiling lady signed up by her aunt to seduce and take down their rival businessman in the island, Jawad.[28] The film met with both critical and commercial success, emerging as one of the highest grossing Maldivian films of 2017.[29][25]

She was next seen alongside Jadhulla Ismail in the Mohamed Aboobakuru-directed Neydhen Vakivaakah, which was a critical and commercial failure.[30][25] In the film she played the role of Zeena, a woman who is having a tragic and unfortunate love life where she is forced to separate from her lovers after dreadful events.[31] Her fourth and final release of the year was Aishath Rishmy's romantic drama Bos.[32] Penned and produced by Fathimath Nahula, the film tells the story of Ibaa (played by Mariyam Azza), a woman from a royal family and her battle with depression after the demise of her father.[33] Azifa played the role of June, a greedy woman going to extreme lengths for money, the love interest of Maish (played by Ibrahim Jihad) while duping other men in her trap.[34] A reviewer from Avas criticise the film for having resemblance with American coming-of-age romantic drama A Walk to Remember (2002) and Indian romantic drama Sanam Teri Kasam (2016), however applauded Azifa's performance as the greedy and ungrateful woman.[34] Though the film received mixed response from critics, it emerged as the highest grossing Maldivian film of 2017.

2018 was a dull year for Maldivian film-industry with regards to 2018 Maldivian presidential election, hence only one film of Azifa was released during the year; a suspense thriller film Dhevansoora (2018) written and directed by Yoosuf Shafeeu.[35] The film marks Shafeeu's thirtieth direction and features an ensemble cast of twenty-one actors.[36] Revolving around a murder investigation, she played an imaginary doctor counselling the character played by Shafeeu; a man suffering from dissociative identity disorder.[37] The film received positive reviews from critics and was considered a "norm-breaker" for the Maldivian cinema.[36] Ahmed Hameed Adam reviewing from VNews applauded Azifa's performance and found her to "sensuous yet convincing".[36] The following year, she starred in Yoosuf Shafeeu's horror comedy film 40+ (2019), a sequel to 2017 released comedy film Naughty 40, which was well received both critically and commercially.[38]

Media image[edit]

In 2012, Azifa was ranked at the sixth position in the list of "Best Actresses in Maldives" compiled by Haveeru, where writer Ahmed Nadheem considered her the "most promising actress" from the current generation and credited her "powerful performance" in Loodhifa for the same.[39] In 2018, Azifa was ranked in the sixth position from Dho?'s list of Top Ten Actresses of Maldives where writer Aishath Maaha opined that Azifa is a "promising" actress who perfectly pulls off several characters, mostly supporting roles.[40]

Personal life[edit]

On 2 September 2016, Azifa married one of her co-stars, Ahmed Saeed.[41] On 18 May 2019, Azifa gave birth to a daughter.[42]

Filmography[edit]

Feature film[edit]

Year Title Role Notes Ref(s)
2009 Happy Birthday Fazla [1]
2010 Niuma Model Special appearance [3]
2011 Hithey Dheymee Shifa [4]
2011 Loodhifa Areeka Gaumee Film Award for Best Supporting Actress
Nominated—Maldives Film Award for Best Actress
[5][7]
[8]
2011 Sazaa Zeena [9]
2011 Laelaa Neena [10]
2014 Raanee Nathasha [13]
2014 24 Gadi Iru Reesha [13]
2014 Aadheys Niha Nominated—Gaumee Film Award for Best Supporting Actress [16][17]
2015 Randhari Aisha [18]
2016 Baiveriyaa Herself Special appearance [20]
2017 Malikaa Jeeza [22]
2017 Naughty 40 Thaniya [27]
2017 Neydhen Vakivaakah Aishath Zeena [30]
2017 Bos June Nominated—Gaumee Film Award for Best Supporting Actress [34][43]
2018 Dhevansoora Shiyama Nominated—Gaumee Film Award for Best Supporting Actress [36][43]
2019 40+ Thaniya [38]

Television[edit]

Year Title Role Notes Ref(s)
2008 Hanaa Hanaa Main role
2008 Loabi Nuviyas Firumaaladhee Main role
2008 FB! Main role
2008 Loabin Hiyy Furenee Nathasha Main role; 6 episodes [44]
2009 Silsilaa Liusha Main role; 5 episodes
2009 Sirru Sirrun Kalaa Nisha Main role
2009 Vakinuvaan Bunefaa Vaudheh Nuvanhey? Reema Main role; 13 episodes [45]
2010 14 February Shima / Suma Main role; 4 episodes [46]
2011 Furaana Dheynan Aishath Rizna Main role; 4 episodes [47]
2012 San'dhuraveerey Main role; 5 episodes
2019–2020 Haasaa Nima Main role; 13 episodes [48]
2023 Mirai Mira's friend Guest role; Episode: "Faafa" [49]

Short film[edit]

Year Title Role Notes Ref(s)
2008 Girlfriend Raaya
2009 Lhakoe Herself Special appearance
2009 Santhi Mariyanbu 3 Zakiyya [50]
2010 Loabeege Ninja Jasmine [51]
2011 Farihibe 3 Shaheema [52]
2011 Bodu 13 Muassasaa Sharu [2]
2012 13 Ah Visnaa Dhehaas Zuleykha Gaumee Film Award for Best Supporting Actress - Short Film
Nominated—Maldives Film Award for Best Supporting Actress - Short Film
[53]
2013 Farihibe 4 Abidha Gaumee Film Award for Best Actress - Short Film
Maldives Film Award for Best Actress - Short Film
[54]
2020 KKB: Kuda Kuda Baaru Mariyam [55]

Accolades[edit]

Year Award Category Nominated work Result Ref(s)
2012 2nd Maldives Film Awards Best Actress Loodhifa Nominated [8]
2014 3rd Maldives Film Awards Best Actress - Short film Farihibe 4 Won [56]
Best Supporting Actress - Short film 13 Ah Visnaa Dhehaas Nominated [57]
Siyaasee Koalhun Nominated [57]
Best Makeup - Short film Farihibe 4 (Shared with Aishath Rishmy) Won [56]
Siyaasee Koalhun (Shared with Zeenath Abbas) Nominated [57]
13 Ah Visnaa Dhehaas (Shared with Niuma Mohamed) Nominated [57]
2016 7th Gaumee Film Awards Best Supporting Actress Loodhifa Won [7]
Best Makeup Loodhifa Nominated [58]
Sazaa (Shared with Niuma Mohamed) Nominated [58]
2017 8th Gaumee Film Awards Best Supporting Actress Aadheys Nominated [17]
Best Actress - Short Film Farihibe 4 Won [59]
Best Supporting Actress - Short Film 13 Ah Visnaa Dhehaas Won [59]
Farihibe 3 Nominated [17]
2019 9th Gaumee Film Awards Best Supporting Actress Bos Nominated [43]
Dhevansoora Nominated [43]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d Hassan, Nazim (29 June 2015). "The love for cinema from Moger". Vaguthu (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 15 June 2016. Retrieved 22 September 2018.
  2. ^ a b Adhushan, Ahmed (2 September 2016). "Fuad regrets his involvement in Happy Birthay". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 16 December 2018. Retrieved 16 December 2018.
  3. ^ a b Niyaza, Aminath (13 December 2010). ""Niuma" has exposed the reality of our society". Sun (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 28 September 2018. Retrieved 28 September 2018.
  4. ^ a b Adhushan, Ahmed (26 September 2016). "Whats up with Hatharu Udhares Ayya?". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 27 April 2019. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
  5. ^ a b c Naif, Ahmed (15 February 2011). "Loodhifa; Up-righting the fraternal film industry". Sun (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 2 September 2014. Retrieved 16 April 2018.
  6. ^ Nadheem, Ahmed (16 December 2010). "Expectations for "Loodhifa" is high". Haveeru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 16 December 2010. Retrieved 3 October 2018.
  7. ^ a b c Adhushan, Ahmed (22 December 2016). "With 10 awards, "Loodhifa" crowned as Best Film". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 31 March 2018. Retrieved 30 March 2018.
  8. ^ a b c "Feature Film Nominations Announced". Maldives Film Awards (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 17 April 2016. Retrieved 30 March 2018.
  9. ^ a b c d e f Nadheem, Ahmed (12 March 2015). "Director's start is worthy". Haveeru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 13 March 2015. Retrieved 30 March 2018.
  10. ^ a b Nadheem, Ahmed (6 October 2011). ""Laela": Why is a good screenplay needed?". Haveeru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 11 October 2011. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
  11. ^ Nadheem, Ahmed (7 August 2014). ""24 Gadi Iru" is set for release on 28 August". Haveeru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 11 August 2014. Retrieved 28 October 2018.
  12. ^ a b Nadheem, Ahmed (29 August 2014). ""24 Gadi Iru" premiered". Haveeru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 1 September 2014. Retrieved 28 October 2018.
  13. ^ a b c d Nadheem, Ahmed (4 September 2014). ""24 Gadi Iru" Review". Haveeru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 9 September 2014. Retrieved 28 October 2018.
  14. ^ a b Nadheem, Ahmed (8 September 2011). "Filming for "Aadheys" completed". Haveeru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 4 July 2012. Retrieved 3 November 2018.
  15. ^ Faisal, Ibrahim (24 April 2013). "Release of Aadheys postponed". Addu Live (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 3 November 2018. Retrieved 3 November 2018.
  16. ^ a b Nail, Ismail (10 October 2014). "Aadheys: A mixed bag". Vaguthu (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 3 November 2018. Retrieved 3 November 2018.
  17. ^ a b c d Adhushan, Ahmed (12 December 2017). "8th Gaumee Film Awards: Dark Rain leads nomination". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 30 March 2018. Retrieved 30 March 2018.
  18. ^ a b Nadheem, Ahmed (20 February 2015). "With over advertising, "Randhari" has been exposed" (in Divehi). Avas. Archived from the original on 13 June 2016. Retrieved 13 June 2016.
  19. ^ Naail, Ismail (25 May 2015). ""Aniyaa" and "Ran Dhari" released" (in Divehi). Vaguthu. Archived from the original on 9 June 2016. Retrieved 9 June 2016.
  20. ^ a b Hassan, Nazim (17 December 2016). "Baiveriyaa: A fun and entertaining film". Avas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 30 March 2018. Retrieved 30 March 2018.
  21. ^ Adhushan, Ahmed (2 January 2017). "What was the best film of last year?". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 30 March 2018. Retrieved 30 March 2018.
  22. ^ a b Adhushan, Ahmed (13 January 2017). "Malika Releasing on March 2". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 26 March 2018. Retrieved 26 March 2018.
  23. ^ Nadheem, Ahmed (14 February 2017). "Malikaa is not a copy of Bhaghban". Avas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 17 April 2018. Retrieved 26 March 2018.
  24. ^ Nadheem, Ahmed (4 March 2017). "Family's shadow being cast over Malika". Avas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 17 April 2018. Retrieved 17 April 2018.
  25. ^ a b c 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.
  26. ^ Nadheem, Ahmed (20 February 2017). "Malika is a commercial success, watch out for the red carpet". Avas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 17 April 2018. Retrieved 17 April 2018.
  27. ^ a b c 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.
  28. ^ Reehan, Mohamed (3 August 2017). ""Naughty 40" premiered; as promised it has all tastes". Sun (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 17 April 2018. Retrieved 26 March 2018.
  29. ^ 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.
  30. ^ a b Adhushan, Ahmed (20 April 2017). "Maaen'boo's "Neydhen Vakivaakah" releasing on 27 September". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 27 March 2018. Retrieved 27 March 2018.
  31. ^ Mujuthaba, Ahmed (28 September 2017). ""Neydhen Vakivaakah" premiered; audience found it "okay"". Sun (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 17 April 2018. Retrieved 17 April 2018.
  32. ^ Adhushan, Ahmed (2 December 2017). "Last two shows of "Bos"". Mihaaru. Archived from the original on 26 March 2018. Retrieved 26 March 2018.
  33. ^ Fareeha, Aishath (2 November 2017). ""Bos"; A Must Watch". Sun (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 17 April 2018. Retrieved 17 April 2018.
  34. ^ a b c "Trapped in the "kisses" of Yunaan". Avas (in Divehi). 14 November 2017. Archived from the original on 17 April 2018. Retrieved 17 April 2018.
  35. ^ Adhushan, Ahmed (21 October 2017). ""Dhevansoora": A suspense thriller by Eupe". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 28 March 2018. Retrieved 28 March 2018.
  36. ^ a b c d Adam, Ahmed Hameed (8 February 2018). "Dhevansoora: Re-writing History of Maldivian Cinema". VNews (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 19 April 2019. Retrieved 19 April 2019.
  37. ^ Fareeha, Aishath (4 November 2017). "Dhevansoora is a must watch". Sun (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 20 November 2018. Retrieved 20 November 2018.
  38. ^ a b Adhushan, Ahmed (3 January 2019). "40+ to be released on February 27". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 9 January 2019. Retrieved 9 January 2019.
  39. ^ Nadheem, Ahmed (23 February 2012). "Top 10 Actresses in Malives". Haveeru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 5 March 2012. Retrieved 26 November 2018.
  40. ^ Maaha, Aishath (28 February 2018). "Top 10 Actresses; who is the best?". Dho? (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 2 November 2020. Retrieved 2 November 2020.
  41. ^ Milna, Mariyam (25 March 2019). "Saeed and Azu blessed with a baby". MuniAvas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 1 June 2019. Retrieved 31 March 2019.
  42. ^ Maaha, Aishath (25 March 2019). "Azoo and Saeed blessed with a daughter". Dho? (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 1 June 2019. Retrieved 31 March 2019.
  43. ^ a b c d Adhushan, Ahmed (9 November 2019). "Nominations for 9th Dhivehi Film Awards". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 24 August 2020. Retrieved 24 August 2020.
  44. ^ Adam, Ahmed Hameed (11 December 2020). "Star's Story: Best Actor in Maldives". Avas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 11 December 2020. Retrieved 11 December 2020.
  45. ^ Adam, Ahmed Hameed (16 October 2020). "Star's Story: WAMCO brings a life revelation to Azifa". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 24 January 2022. Retrieved 22 January 2022.
  46. ^ Ashraf, Aisha (4 February 2018). "Where are all the drama series?". Avas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 27 May 2019. Retrieved 27 May 2019.
  47. ^ Adam, Ahmed Hameed (16 October 2020). "Star's Story: Azifa's life changing decision". Avas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 11 December 2020. Retrieved 11 December 2020.
  48. ^ Rasheed, Ahmed (14 November 2019). "Haasaa available for streaming". MuniAvas. Archived from the original on 26 December 2020. Retrieved 26 December 2020.
  49. ^ Jaishan, Ahmed (6 January 2023). "Azhan's "Mirai" on Baiskoafu". Sun (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 11 February 2023. Retrieved 11 February 2023.
  50. ^ "A sneak peak into local myths and folks". MuniAvas (in Divehi). 9 January 2018. Archived from the original on 5 November 2020. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  51. ^ Adhushan, Ahmed (6 April 2020). "Do you remember these actors?". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 3 September 2020. Retrieved 27 May 2019.
  52. ^ Hussain, Fazleen (11 March 2016). "Muhamma returns to film industry after five years". Sun (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 21 August 2020. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  53. ^ Adhushan, Ahmed (18 November 2016). "Niuma to defend the award". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 28 September 2018. Retrieved 18 August 2020.
  54. ^ "Muhamma's Farihibe swept all awards in Short Film category". Haveeru Daily (in Divehi). 30 April 2014. Archived from the original on 3 May 2014. Retrieved 8 October 2012.
  55. ^ Zihunee, Ibrahim (24 May 2020). "Lockdown film "KKB" airing today". MuniAvas. Archived from the original on 31 May 2020. Retrieved 4 December 2020.
  56. ^ a b "Maldives Film Awards Nominations ous". Sun (in Divehi). 29 April 2014. Archived from the original on 3 June 2014. Retrieved 27 October 2018.
  57. ^ a b c d Nadheem, Ahmed (29 April 2014). "Maldives Film Awards Nominations out". Haveeru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 5 April 2015. Retrieved 30 March 2018.
  58. ^ a b Adhushan, Ahmed (16 December 2016). "Nominations for 7th Gaumee Film Awards Announced". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 30 March 2018. Retrieved 30 March 2018.
  59. ^ a b Adhushan, Ahmed (20 December 2017). ""Vaashey Mashaa Ekee" wins majority awards". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 30 March 2018. Retrieved 30 March 2018.