ZAHARA WARRIOR EEQA MAZLAN

Ateeqah Mazlan (a.k.a. Eeqa) is a familiar name in the local entertainment scene, and it’s no wonder why. This young quadruple-threat (she’s only 26!) has been slowly honing her craft from a young age in terms of dancing, acting, directing and choreography. Did you know that her love for the performing arts blossomed when she was just a young girl, where she explored ballet, Chinese and Malay dance, jazz and hip hop? She also graduated from LASALLE College of the Arts and added acting and musical theatre to her repertoire. With a slew of TV, theatre and dance performances under her slim belt (such as Fried Rice Paradise the Musical, Step Puteri and E.A.T.), Eeqa has been keeping herself busy! Not only is she an accomplished dancer, actor, director and choreographer, she believes in giving back to the performing arts community by training young artists who are just starting out. And she does ALL this while looking gorgeous! How does she do it? Find out as Zahara had an opportunity to chat with Eeqa, who is currently working on a secret project.

The beautiful Eeqa herself!

What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I actually eat 5 times more than my husband or anyone else in my family per serving. I can finish 1kg of chicken wings at one go. (Yes, I LOOOOVE food!)

Describe a typical weekday.
– Cook Breakfast (My Husband works from home & I usually pack my lunch)
– Work
– Cook Dinner
– Reply to work emails, edit videos, etc.. (I call this the “Ateeqah” work)
– Watch TV sitcoms or series or movies with husband
– Sleep
– Repeat

The dynamically talented duo on the set of A.H.: Eeqa and her husband, Effendie

What projects do you have lined up next?
I am currently working on a really big project leading the artistic team. I can’t really expose much publicly but I am very happy as I have always wanted to pass my experience and knowledge to new talents.

As a Zahara Warrior, what advice would you give someone who wants to pursue the creative arts (like acting, choreographing or directing)?
I would say that other people, situation or anything around you doesn’t make you a better person or performer. It is your own positive mindset, hard work & dedication. If you want it badly enough, you have to work for it and there is no time for you to blame anyone or anything. Treat it like a business so you need to know the industry and do your own homework and research. You also have to pray because all this is from Allah s.w.t. And when you are “there”, you have to constantly upgrade and improve as there is never an end in this line of work. Be humble.

Eeqa on set, in Makeup with Suhaimi Yusof!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
I would love to see myself still doing what I love to do for a living with little mini me(s) in tow! Probably have a school for little kids or something.

Who are your style icons?
I don’t really have a fashion icon that I religiously follow as I am constantly looking at different people (well-known or not) for inspiration on fashion. But I always find myself loving Kourtney Kardashian looks. She makes something simple so chic.

What quote do you live by?
A person is a person, no matter how small. – Dr. Seuss

Getting ready to run the world in her Adidas platform sneaks! 

Follow the beautifully talented Eeqa on Instagram and Facebook and if you’d like to get your hands on her cool snoodies (a collaboration with By Harmoni), go check them out at http://www.byharmoni.com/ateeqah-collection.html!