KUALA LUMPUR: Acclaimed actor Azhan Rani has reaffirmed that his career is driven by a passion for quality work, not a desire for trophies.
Despite snagging two nominations for Best TV Drama Actor at the upcoming Anugerah Seri Angkasa (ASA) 2026 —for his roles in 'Seribu Tahun' and 'Wok' — the 50-year-old isn't too fussed about winning.
"To be honest, I always see myself as just making up the numbers on the nominees' list. I get nominated almost every year, but I've never actually won,' Azhan joked.
"I've had two or three nominations in a single year before and still walked away empty-handed. But I never lose sleep over winning or losing."
The actor, who made his TV debut in the 2007 drama 'Sesuci Cinta Sofiya', admitted it gets tiring when well-meaning peers tell him to "keep trying' after an awards show.
Even so, he keeps turning up to support fellow artistes and celebrate local talent.
'It gets tiring because when I don't win, people say, 'Never mind Azhan, try again'. But I was never trying for an award in the first place, so why would I need to try again?" he explained.
"I don't see it as a loss. I enjoy attending these shows, and being nominated is good enough. It lets me know I'm still on the radar, even if it's just to pad out the list."
Azhan stressed that he doesn't view ASA 2026 as a battleground to prove his talent.
"If I don't win, that' s fine — it isn't a competition. The artistic works aren't fighting each other, and I haven't set any targets," he added.
In the Best TV Drama Actor category, Azhan faces tough competition, including two posthumous nominations for the late Jalil Hamid ('Kalam Murabbi' and 'Pimpinan Ke Jannah') alongside Zamarul Hisham ('Terpadamnya Pelita Syawal').
The main ASA 2026 awards ceremony takes place at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre on Oct 24.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd