Career in the entertainment industry can be challenging. Being a celebrity has its variety of ups, down, successes, failures, gossips, scandals, controversies and much more. It is such a colorful field. You can be famous and worshipped today and the next day can be the total opposite – you are booed and become despicable to the public. Ask Mawi. One wrong move and you’re bound for eternal curse. Edison Chen knows better.
However, back here in Malaysia, they are a few lot that keep on standing tall, regardless of age and era. Some have been at the heart of many Malaysians for more than a decade. Moreover, those people do not entirely depend on their look but it is the talent that bring them thus far. And because of that, they continue to be showered with handsome benefits, reaping in millions in cash and assets.
So who are Malaysian artistes who can be considered millionaires? Let’s see 5 of them.
1. Datuk Siti Nurhaliza
The darling of the entertainment industry, Datuk Siti Nurhaliza began her career at a tender age of 17 after winning the Bintang MHI singing competition. From there on, there’s no turning back for Siti. Over 200 entertainment awards, platinum album selling and a Datukship, are just some small part of her success testimony. She is also an avid businesswomen, having launched a series of businesses that include her latest cosmetic brand, SimplySity. Siti Nurhaliza is the country’s highest paid artiste (and most likely, ever).
2. Norman KRU
Together with his two brothers, Yusry and Edry, Norman founded the KRU rap band in the 90s which quickly became a sensation among the youths and teenagers. The evolution of KRU and its business entities is highly attributed to Norman, the eldest of the siblings, mainly due to his business prowess, creativity, vision, strong PR, and not to forget, his good look. With 4 different companies under the umbrella, KRU is now on major expansion plan with the addition of their newly constructed studio in Cyberjaya, said to be worth RM30 million.
Image: Flickr.com
3. AC Mizal
Mizal Zaini, or more popularly known as AC Mizal started as one of the leading singers for the now defunct 4U2C band in early 90s. He has since branched out into other fields including acting (both movies and soaps) and hosting (the most famous perhaps being Aznil’s replacement in the Akademi Fantasia, and his own AC Di Sini). While he has tasted success in those areas, many said it is his business venture that truly flies. His company, AC Konsortium, that distributes magnetic therapy products, is believed to be worth over RM200 millions.
Image: ACMizalShop.com
4. Aznil Hj Nawawi
Aznil Nawawi or Pak Nil was first spotted in the Pop Quiz show more than a decade ago and was recognized with his witty and cheeky behaviors, which later won him millions of fans. In Akademi Fantasia, Aznil stamped himself as a hosting legend, and in 5 seasons, he signed multimillion worth of contracts with Astro. Despite the very long years of fame, Aznil continues to stay low profile (perhaps with the exception that he drives a BMW 3-series) and keeps mum over his real net worth. Pak Nil now runs Jangan Lupa Lirik for the karaoke junkies, Tom Tom Bak for the discerning kids, and Macam Macam Aznil for pretty much everyone who loves him.
Image: mstar.com.my
5. Rosyam Nor
One of the country’s most versatile actors, Rosyam Nor is credited with his ability to play both hero or villain in films or dramas to great effects. Throw him a script (and the appropriate amount of money), Rosyam will play a successful businessman, a serial rapist, a struggling farmer, a gang leader and so on for you. Rosyam Nor is the most recognized ambassador for Power Root brand and products. He was voted as the Most Popular Artiste in Berita Harian Bintang Popular Awards for a record 7 times.
Image: penguin.com.my