THE legend of Puteri Gunung Ledang has been part of Mila Mohsin's life for as long as she can remember.
Long before stepping into the shoes of Gusti Puteri Retno Dumilah for 'Puteri Gunung Ledang The Musical', the story had already taken root in her childhood.
It was brought to life through the gentle bedtime lullabies her mother sang, sparking her young imagination.
"Thinking about it now, I'm realising my first ever memories of Puteri Gunung Ledang were in my childhood bedroom," Mila recalls.
"Every night, my brother and I would look forward to hearing our mother sing us to sleep with her 'tembangs'."
Those Javanese songs offered far more than just comfort. Even at age 7, Mila vividly imagined the grandeur and weight of Majapahit history.
Slowly, she began to understand the significance of the world her mother, Puan Seri Tiara Jacquelina, had poured her heart into as an artiste.
Now, with Tiara directing the 2026 staging of the musical, Mila is discovering the legend from a completely new angle.
She is no longer the young daughter watching from the sidelines, but the lead performer responsible for breathing new life into one of Malaysia's most famous theatrical characters.
A STELLAR CAST
Running from Oct 31 to Nov 15 at the Jeffrey Cheah Performing Arts Centre in Sunway Square, the production features a star-studded ensemble.
Singer-songwriter Aisha Retno shares the role of Puteri Gunung Ledang, while Aqasha stars as Hang Tuah. Luqman Hafidz portrays the Sultan of Melaka, Yusof Hashim plays Gusti Adipati, and Mimi Fly and Nadia Aqilah share the role of Bayan.
For 30-year-old Mila, whose full name is Hani Karmila Hani Mohsin, the main challenge was not to copy her mother's famous performance, but to understand the Puteri on her own terms.
Although Tiara played the iconic princess, Mila has always viewed their interpretations as two distinct entities. Even so, growing up around the show gave her a deep, personal connection to the character's spirit.
"To me, she has always represented the most divine feminine energy: one of silent strength, measured power and unrelenting love," she says.
If she had to describe her own Puteri in three simple words, it would be curious, passionate and fearless.
OVERCOMING DOUBTS
But preparing for the role has been far from easy. Musical theatre requires actors to sing, dance and tell a moving story all at once — all while carrying the emotional and historical weight of the legend.
For someone who admits to being highly self-critical, the process can feel overwhelming. Her deep familiarity with earlier versions of the show created another hurdle.
Mila had to resist copying established choices, focusing instead on playing the character with a fresh mind.
"That meant finding ways to dismiss the colossal expectations others have put on me and deciding the only thing that matters is doing right by Gusti Puteri," she explains.
She has also had to master the power of quiet moments on stage — learning to let a scene breathe rather than forcing an emotion or movement. It's a lesson that mirrors the princess herself, whose true power lies in quiet clarity rather than loud defiance.
For Mila, the heart of the story is freedom: the freedom to choose, to love and to stay true to oneself.
She draws strong inspiration from Srikandi, the brave warrior princess revered in Javanese tradition.
"I take much inspiration from Srikandi," she says.
"Like Srikandi, my version of Puteri will always fight from a place of justice and compassion. Not just 'love', but compassion."
That distinction is vital to her. Her Puteri is not just a tragic romantic figure, but a warrior guided by deep principle.
"Puteri's refusal to be another victim of the status quo is what makes her an icon until today," she says, adding that the character shaped her early understanding of feminism.
"Her willpower, self-worth and sense of justice are something I keep with me wherever I go. I feel those aspects will transcend time and always resonate. After all, a big part of being human is fighting for what you believe is right."
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PERSPECTIVE AND COLLABORATION
Playing the princess has also helped Mila put her own life into perspective. She is now far more mindful of not letting minor setbacks or opinions overwhelm her.
Sometimes, she reminds herself, the Puteri was simply a young woman curious about the world outside her palace, who had to live with the choices she made.
"It's for this reason that I believe every moment is a choice, and we should take an active part in making them, rather than simply accept what is suggested to us," she reflects.
Sharing the leading role with Aisha Retno has further enriched the experience. Though similar in age, Mila feels their different backgrounds bring unique layers to the character.
Watching another actor approach the same scenes offers fresh insights she might have otherwise missed.
"Together, I feel we're able to present the most complete picture of Gusti Puteri for audiences to understand," she says.
MOTHER'S TUTELEGE
The production marks the first time the mother and daughter are working together as director and performer. Despite the potential complications of mixing family life with work, Mila says the experience has been wonderfully rewarding.
"I've always known her to be the strongest and most determined woman, but as an artiste it is tenfold. She insists. She is relentless. She prevails," she says of Tiara.
Having tasted the immense demands of the role herself, Mila now holds an even deeper respect for what her mother achieved over the years.
Watching Tiara direct has revealed a whole new level of that dedication. Their working relationship relies on one shared goal: doing what is best for the production. That clarity has built total trust between them.
Mila quickly clears up any doubts about favouritism. Being the director's daughter brings zero perks in the rehearsal room.
"I also get criticised and given notes, just like all the other cast members in PGL, even though I'm the type who likes to do my homework," she says.
Tiara's feedback to Mila and co-star Aqasha often focuses on staying fully present in the moment — building a genuine, living connection on stage rather than acting out a rigid routine.
Outside the theatre, the pair keep work and personal life strictly separate. Dinner conversations, for example, are kept completely free of rehearsal talk.
"As a director, she trusts me, and I trust her. Everything runs smoothly," Mila says.
Despite comparisons, Mila feels no bitterness. She accepts that audiences naturally compare a new actor to an iconic past performance.
She focuses on meeting her own high standards while honouring the show's rich legacy.
"My mother and I are very different people and, therefore, different performers," she points out.
"At the end of the day, I know in my heart the best way to honour my mother's legacy is not to try to live up to her achievements, but rather to carve my own path alongside her."
As opening night approaches, Mila's journey is about much more than taking over a famous role. It is about rediscovering a cherished story through her own eyes, stepping into her own strength and showing that a great legacy doesn't need to be cloned — only genuinely felt.
For Mila, the ultimate tribute to the Puteri — and to her mother — is having the courage to stand proudly in her own shoes.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd