Harissa Adlynn Says Public Only Sees the Glamour, Not the Real Challenges of Showbiz
PETALING JAYA: Actress Harissa Adlynn believes many people only see the glamorous side of being a celebrity without realising the sacrifices, discipline and emotional strength required to survive in the entertainment industry.
The 23-year-old actress said life as a performer is far more demanding than what is often portrayed on television or social media, where audiences are usually exposed only to the highlights of an artist’s career.
According to Harissa, criticism is an inevitable part of being in the public eye, especially in an era where social media allows anyone to express opinions instantly.
However, she does not view criticism as something entirely negative.
In fact, she believes constructive feedback can help artists improve and continue growing professionally.
“I have never seen every criticism as a bad thing.
“Sometimes, when I watch my previous performances, I also think there are scenes I could have done better if I had the chance to do them again,” she said.
Harissa explained that as a young actress who is still building her career, she remains open to comments that are delivered respectfully and with good intentions.
She believes that learning is a continuous process and that every project offers an opportunity to grow.
“If a comment is sincere and helps me improve, I will gladly accept it.
“I know it is impossible to satisfy everyone, but I can always strive to become a better version of myself,” she said.
At the same time, Harissa stressed that there is a clear difference between criticism and personal attacks.
According to her, social media has increasingly become a place where some individuals forget basic manners and empathy when expressing their opinions.
“When people give advice politely, I can accept it.
“But when it turns into insults or personal attacks, that is no longer criticism. Sometimes people forget that the person they are commenting on is also a human being with feelings,” she said.
Harissa said cyberbullying remains a serious concern as harsh words and hateful comments can have lasting emotional consequences.
Beyond criticism, she also spoke about the public perception of celebrities, saying many assume actors live comfortable and luxurious lives all the time.
She said the reality is very different.
“People see us attending events, appearing on television or sharing moments on social media.
“But they do not see the long shooting hours, sleepless nights and the pressure to complete scenes according to schedule,” she said.
Harissa added that there are occasions when actors work more than 12 hours a day while still being expected to deliver their best performances.
“That is part of our responsibility as entertainers.
“Every profession has its own challenges and acting is no exception,” she said.
The actress also addressed comments questioning the legitimacy of artists’ income, describing the issue as sensitive and one that should not be judged lightly.
“We should be careful when talking about whether someone’s income is halal or otherwise.
“We do not know their intentions, how hard they work or what responsibilities they carry in life,” she said.
Harissa said she chose acting because of her love for the art form and is grateful that the profession has allowed her to support her family and build a better future.
“I genuinely love acting and I’m thankful that this career allows me to help my family.
“That has been my motivation since the beginning,” she said.
She also believes freedom of speech should come with responsibility and respect for others.
“If we want to advise someone, we should do it kindly.
“Sometimes the intention may be good, but if the delivery is wrong, it only creates more negativity,” she said.
As she continues to establish herself in the entertainment industry, Harissa admitted she is still learning and improving every day.
“I’m still learning and gaining experience.
“No one becomes great overnight and I believe growth comes with time, effort and perseverance,” she said.
