Thasha Krishnakumar’s Bold Leap From Auditor To Actress

By V. Sankara

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 30 (Bernama) -- Leaving a stable corporate career for the unpredictable world of entertainment is a move many hesitate to make, but for actress Thasha Krishnakumar, the leap was necessary.

Before entering the acting scene, Thasha spent four years working as an auditor with two major international firms — KPMG and Ernst & Young.

“Acting had always been my passion, but I remained cautious about pursuing it, knowing the risks involved,” she told Bernama in an exclusive interview at Wisma Bernama here on Friday (Nov 28).

“For women especially, joining the entertainment industry earlier is better because certain roles come with age limits,” she said, explaining why she eventually chose to take the plunge.

Understanding she needed financial stability during the transition, Thasha started an online business in 2021 called Kedailah. The brand began on Instagram before expanding to TikTok, providing her with additional income while she pursued acting full-time. 

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Her acting journey took off with Unnodu Naan Iruppen, a Naavin Samrat short film released on YouTube in 2018.

Her performance caught the attention of prominent local director Dr Vimala Perumal, who cast her in Tamiletchumy 2 in a supporting role. She later appeared in her first feature film, Undercover Rascals, before securing a lead role in the Ramarajan pet-themed series.

Thasha’s major breakthrough came with the Astro Vinmeen series Uppuroti Chidambaram, directed by Shalini Balasundaram. Playing a negative character for the first time, she said the role opened new doors in her career.

“People started recognising me after that. Even kids and elderly viewers began noticing me,” said the 31-year-old actress from Seremban, who is the youngest of three sisters.

She also appears in Pasanga 3, the highly anticipated continuation of the popular Pasanga franchise. The third season will begin airing on Dec 8 with more than 200 episodes lined up for the year. Filming for the first half has been completed, with the next schedule set to resume in January.

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Beyond her roles, Thasha is vocal about improving working conditions for local artistes, noting that inconsistent shooting schedules make it difficult for actors to sustain themselves.

“Sometimes we shoot one month and then have a dry month. So a good payment structure is crucial,” she said.

She added that cinema owners should consider lowering ticket prices, especially for B40 families, to encourage more Malaysians to return to theatres amid competition from streaming platforms.

Thasha noted that many Malaysian Tamil talents move to the Indian industry due to limited opportunities and financial challenges locally. She encouraged agencies such as the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) to take a more active role.

“If FINAS can come forward to provide funding or co-produce films, it will give more hope to directors and aspiring actors,” she said.

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The actress has also faced cyberbullying, especially on platforms like TikTok where she livestreams regularly. While regulations have improved, she believes education begins at home.

“People who want to bully will always find a way. It begins with family. Children must be taught how to speak kindly and respect others,” she said. Over time, she has learnt to manage negativity with a balance of firmness and restraint, responding only when necessary.

Thasha, an accounting graduate from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), was raised by a single mother after losing her father at age 12. She credits her mother for instilling independence, resilience and financial discipline.

She continues to focus on television roles while keeping an eye on future opportunities in film. “I don’t mind supporting roles. As long as the character is important, I’m happy to play it,” she said.

-- BERNAMA

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