Ahmed Asim

Ahmed Asim
Born	(1981-11-29) 29 November 1981 (age 42) R. Rasgetheemu
Occupation(s)	Actor, editor, writer, Director
Years active	1999–present
Children	3

Ahmed Asim (born 29 November 1981) is a Maldivian actor, editor, director, and writer who has established a career in the Maldives Film Industry.

Career

Asim made his screen debut with a video single alongside Jamsheedha Ahmed. His first film release was Mohamed Abdul Hakeem and Mohamed Nasheed directed family drama Kaiveneege Furathama Rey (1999) though he was first offered to play a role Haajara Abdul Kareem-directed Ajaaib (2000) which was released a year later. In the latter, Asim starred alongside Mariyam Nazima, Koyya Hassan Manik and Waleedha Waleed which depicts the relationship of two exemplary wives and their respective families regardless of societal norms. ^[1]

Asim made a guest appearance in Yoosuf Shafeeu directed horror film Edhathuru (2004) which revolves around eight friends who go on a picnic to a haunted uninhabited island and their battle for survival. ^{[2] [3]} The film garnered critical appreciation specially for its sound effect and was a commercial success. ^[4] The same year, he starred alongside Niuma Mohamed, Ali Seezan and Sheereen Abdul Wahid in Ahmed Nimal's horror film Handhu Keytha (2005) which unfolds the story of a man who was enchanted by a spirit while witnessing a lunar eclipse. ^[5] In the film, he played the friend of Ziyan who has been possessed by the spirit. ^[5] He next appeared in a brief role in Abdul Fatthah's critically praised romantic film Vehey Vaarey Therein (2003). ^{[4] [6]} Featuring Yoosuf Shafeeu, Jamsheedha Ahmed, Khadheeja Ibrahim Didi, Mohamed Shavin, Amira Ismail and Aminath Rasheedha in crucial roles, the film narrates the story of unrequited love, and proved to be one of the highest-grossing Maldivian films of the year. ^[3] He rose to widespread prominence in the television industry with his performance as the only child in the family who marries his best-friend in the Arifa Ibrahim-directed critically acclaimed television series, Vairoalhi Ahves Sirrun (2005) which revolves around two best-friends involved in extra-marital affairs and who fail to practice their duty as husband and wife. ^[7] Starring alongside Niuma Mohamed, Lufshan Shakeeb, Aminath Rasheedha and Mariyam Shakeela, the series was listed as one of the most successful television series. ^[8]

His last release of the year was a collaboration with Fathimath Nahula in the critically appreciated and commercially prosperous project, a romantic drama film Zuleykha (2005) which narrates the journey of a nine years old girl seeking the lost love of her mother. ^[9] Featuring an ensemble cast including Sheela Najeeb, Yoosuf Shafeeu, Ali Seezan, Mohamed Manik and Mariyam Enash Sinan, he played a small role of a defeated man in love. ^{[10] [4]} Thirty three housefull shows of the film were screened at the cinema making it the highest grossing Maldivian release of the year. ^[11] The following year, Asim again collaborated with the team of Vairoalhi Ahves Sirrun for Arifa Ibrahim's another romantic television drama series, Vaguthu Faaithu Nuvanees (2006) which consists of fifty episodes. ^[8] The series which follows the vengeance and retribution two best-friends go through when they both love the same person, features Asim in a role as an overly-attached boyfriend who reconciles with his father. ^[8]

In 2009, Asim appeared in Ali Shifau's suspense thriller Happy Birthday which narrates the story of a simple man who receives a call on his birthday informing that his wife and son have been kidnapped, only to be returned for a ransom. ^[12] Asim played the role of Ahmed, the younger brother of a straightforward man who had an unfortunate birthday. ^[12] A total of five shows with little occupancy were screened at the cinema, declaring the film a commercial failure, despite the positive response from the critics. ^[12] Winning five Gaumee Film Awards and twelve Maldives Film Awards, the film was also screened at the Venice Film Festival. ^[13]

The next year, Asim starred in Abdul Fahtah's horror film Jinni alongside Ali Seezan and Mariyam Afeefa. ^[14] Based on true incidents that occurred in an island of Maldives, he played the friend of Thahumeena who ultimately proposes her. Prior to release the film was marketed to be full of "suspense and uniqueness" compared to other mediocre Maldivian horror films. Upon release, the film received mixed reviews from critics; majority of them complaining for having the "same old feeling" of prior horror flicks though the performance were noted to be satisfactory. Despite the mixed reviews, the film witnessed a positive response at the box office, screening a total of twenty two housefull shows in Male', declaring it as a Mega-Hit. ^[15]

In 2011, Asim played the role of Azeem, the boyfriend of an introverted prudent girl living a modest lifestyle, in the Moomin Fuad-directed crime tragedy drama Loodhifa . ^[16] Featuring an ensemble cast, the film deals with current social issues in the society told from different perspectives of the characters. ^[17] Made on a budget of MVR 600,000, the film was declared a commercial failure though it received widespread critical acclaim. ^[16] His work in the film garnered him several award nominations, including a Gaumee Film Award nomination as the Best Editor and a nomination for the Best Supporting Actor and Best Editor in 2nd Maldives Film Awards. ^{[18] [19]} Asim's only release of 2017 was Ali Musthafa-directed Malikaa which did not do well at the box office. ^{[20] [21]}

Asim returned to the mainstream film-making with the Moomin Fuad-directed psychological horror thriller Nivairoalhi (2019) which marks Niuma Mohamed's last onscreen film. ^[22] He spent two years in preparation for the character portrayal. ^[23] Starring opposite Mohamed and Yoosuf Shafeeu, the film received majorly positive reviews from critics; Aishath Maaha of Dho? favored the performance of the lead actors and mentioned the "neat arrangement" of its screenplay though pointed out its "weak ending" to be unsatisfactory. ^[24] Praising his performance as a religious extremist, Maaha wrote: "The most authentic and best performance by a leading actor in this film has to be Asim's performance fully justifying the hardworking undertaken behind the camera". ^[24] Similar sentiments were echoed from Aminath Luba of Sun, where she picked Asim to be "outstanding" from the cast and opined he still has the "acting touch" though absent from the cinema for around seven years". ^[25]

Filmography

Feature film

Year	Title	Role	Notes	Ref(s)
1999	Kaiveneege Furathama Rey	Sameer		[26]
2000	Ajaaib	Ahmed		[1]
2001	Dhumah Eri Thari	Javidh		[27]
2003	Vehey Vaarey Therein	Nathasha's boyfriend	Special appearance	[6]
2004	Dharinnahtakai	Junaid		[4]
2004	Edhathuru	Ahmed	Special appearance	[3]
2005	Handhu Keytha	Shahid		[5]
2005	Zuleykha	Hamid		[11]
2007	Aharen	Junaid
2009	Happy Birthday	Ahmed		[12]
2010	Mi Hiyy Keekkuraanee?	Asim		[28]
2010	Jinni	Ahmed		[14]
2011	Loodhifa	Azeem	Also the editor Nominated—Maldives Film Awards for Best Supporting Actor	[16] [19]
2017	Malikaa	Hassan	Also the editor	[20]
2019	Nivairoalhi	Moosa Haidhar "Hardy"		[24]
2024	Lasviyas	Fayyaz		[29]

Television

Year	Title	Role	Notes	Ref(s)
2003	Ujaalaa Raasthaa	Majid	Main role; 9 episodes	[30]
2003–2004	Vaisoori	Shafraz / Siraj	In the segments "Kurin Visnaa Dhevunu Nama" and "An'dhiri Hayaaiy"	[31]
2004	Kamana Vareh Neiy	Himself	Guest role; "Episode 2" and "Episode 4"	[8]
2005	Loabi Vaanama	Ibrahim Umar	Recurring role; 7 episodes	[32]
2005–2006	Vairoalhi Ahves Sirrun	Ahmed Nadheem	Main role; 52 episodes	[7]
2006–2007	Vaguthu Faaithu Nuvanees	Ahmed Shamin	Main role; 50 episodes	[8]
2007	Vimlaa	Shahidh	Main role; 26 episodes
2008	FB!		Main role; 5 episodes
2008	Loabin Hiyy Furenee	Ahmed Iyaz	Main role; 13 episodes	[27]
2008	Manzilakee Thee Ey Magey		Main role; 26 episodes
2008	Umurah Ekee Ulhen Bunefaa	Nihaz	Main role
2009	Silsilaa	Nahid	Main role; 5 episodes
2010	14 February	Mahil	Main role; 4 episodes	[8]
2013	Adhives Eloaibah Gadharu Kuran	Maan	Recurring role	[33]
2019	Mhendhan	Habeeb	Recurring role; 5 episodes Also the editor	[34]
2020	Gamini	Mohamed Siraj	Main role; 13 episodes Also the editor	[35]
2021	Loabi Vias	Fayaz	Main role; 7 episodes	[36]
2021	Sirru	Amir	Main role; 5 episodes	[37]
2021	Noontha?	Sanim	Main role in the segment "Rules & Regulations"	[38]
2022	Biruveri Vaahaka	Niyaz	Main role; Episode: "Rah"	[39]
2022	Netheemey	Rizvi	Recurring role; 5 episodes	[40]
2023	Yaaraa	Fayaz	Main role	[41]
2023	Hama Emme Meehekey	Hassan	Main role; 10 episodes	[42]

Short film

Year	Title	Role	Notes	Ref(s)
2001	Juhaage Buhdhi 1	Ahmed Ismail	Children's short film
2002	Juhaage Buhdhi 2	Ahmed Ismail	Children's short film
2003	Juhaage Buhdhi 3	Ahmed Ismail	Children's short film
2006	Handi Ganduvaru Dhonkamana	Mahesh		[43]
2007	Barbafar
2007	Magey Dharifulhu	Ali Abdulla
2007	Kuri Inthizaaruge Nimun	Fiyaz
2008	Lost Island	Zuhuree
2008	Noonekey Nubunaashey	Zeehaan		[43]
2008	Ummeedh	Mohamed		[44]
2009	Dhekunu Huvafen	Nadheem
2009	Kalaage Handhaanuga	Zanish	Also the director and editor	[45]
2011	Bodu 13 Muassasaa	Azman	Also the editor	[46]
2012	Kidnap	Nahu's friend		[47]
2020	Thadhu	Yoosuf	Special appearance	[48]

Other work

Year	Title	Director	Editor	Notes
2005	Dheke Dhekeves 2		Yes	Short film
2006	Dheke Dhekeves 3		Yes	Short film
2008	Lost Island	Yes		Short film
2010	Sirrun Hithaa Kulhelaafa		Yes	Television series; 10 episodes
2011	Loodhifa		Yes	Feature film
2011	Hithey Dheymee		Yes	Feature film
2017	Malikaa		Yes	Feature film
2017	Kalhaai Hudhu		Yes	Office Drama
2018	Akbar & Birbal		Yes	Television series; 13 episodes
2019	Raasthaa	Yes		Television series; 13 episodes
2019	Mhendhan		Yes	Web series; 5 episodes
2020	Gamini		Yes	Web series; 13 episodes
2021	Feehaali		Yes	Short film
2022	Vihaali	Yes	Yes	Web series; 4 episodes

Accolades

Year	Award	Category	Nominated work	Result	Ref(s)
2007	4th Gaumee Film Awards	Best Supporting Actor	Dharinnahtakai	Nominated	[4]
2012	2nd Maldives Film Awards	Best Supporting Actor	Loodhifa	Nominated	[19]
		Best Editing	Loodhifa	Nominated	[19]
2016	7th Gaumee Film Awards	Best Editing	Loodhifa	Nominated	[18]
2017	PSM Office Drama Competition	Best Editing	Kalhaai Hudhu	Won	[27]
2019	9th Gaumee Film Awards	Best Editing	Malikaa	Nominated	[49]

References

1. Nadheem, Ahmed (16 February 2012). "Top 10 Actors in Maldives". Haveeru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 19 February 2014. Retrieved 26 November 2018.
2. Musthafa, Mohamed (19 November 2018). "Soba returning to screen with "Kaaku?"". Sun (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 30 November 2018. Retrieved 30 November 2018.
3. Maaha, Aishath (13 June 2016). "Kuda Hajja will always be a star though she fails to fulfill her dreams". Avas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 30 November 2018. Retrieved 30 November 2018.
4. Nadheem, Ahmed (30 December 2007). "Winners of 4th Gaumee Film Awards". Haveeru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 30 September 2018. Retrieved 30 September 2018.
5. Musthafa, Mohamed (25 October 2018). "Henceforth, I will select film on a limited basis: Ali Seezan". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 17 December 2018. Retrieved 17 December 2018.
6. "Gaumee Inaam 2003 - Yoosuf Shafeeu". Presidency Maldives (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 20 January 2019. Retrieved 3 December 2018.
7. Adhushan, Ahmed (23 November 2017). "Filming of Niuma's last film to commence in January 2019". VNews (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 2 June 2019. Retrieved 2 June 2019.
8. Ashraf, Aisha (4 February 2018). "Where are all the drama series?". Avas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 27 May 2019. Retrieved 27 May 2019.
9. Adhushan, Ahmed (9 July 2018). "Empowering women in cinema". Dho? (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 3 December 2018. Retrieved 3 December 2018.
10. Maaha, Aishath (21 February 2018). "Best 10 Actors". Dho? (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 6 January 2019. Retrieved 4 January 2019.
11. Nadheem, Ahmed (6 September 2015). "Nahula Vs Tedry: Who among the two brought a revelation to Maldivian Cinema?". Avas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 8 September 2015. Retrieved 3 December 2018.
12. Hassan, Nazim (29 June 2015). "The love for cinema from Moger". Vaguthu (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 15 June 2016. Retrieved 22 September 2018.
13. Adhushan, Ahmed (2 September 2016). "Fuad regrets his involvement in Happy Birthay". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 16 December 2018. Retrieved 16 December 2018.
14. Naseer, Ismail (11 February 2010). "Positive comment for the film - Its a big achievement". Haveeru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 2010-02-12. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
15. Nadheem, Ahmed (29 April 2010). "Positive comment for the film - Its a big achievement". Haveeru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 2010-05-03. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
16. Naif, Ahmed (15 February 2011). "Loodhifa; Up-righting the fraternal film industry". Sun (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 2 September 2014. Retrieved 16 April 2018.
17. Nadheem, Ahmed (16 December 2010). "Expectations for "Loodhifa" is high". Haveeru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 16 December 2010. Retrieved 3 October 2018.
18. Adhushan, Ahmed (16 December 2016). "Nominations for 7th Gaumee Film Awards Announced". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 30 March 2018. Retrieved 30 March 2018.
19. "Feature Film Nominations Announced". Maldives Film Awards (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 17 April 2016. Retrieved 30 March 2018.
20. Adhushan, Ahmed (13 January 2017). "Malika Releasing on March 2". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 26 March 2018. Retrieved 26 March 2018.
21. Adhushan, Ahmed (31 December 2017). "2017: Is it a successful year for the film industry?". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 26 March 2018. Retrieved 26 March 2018.
22. Adhushan, Ahmed (3 January 2019). "Nivairoalhi released with a surprise". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 28 March 2018. Retrieved 28 March 2018.
23. Adhushan, Ahmed (27 September 2018). "Nivaroalhi yet again to be released in 2019". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 9 January 2019. Retrieved 8 January 2019.
24. Maaha, Aishath (11 January 2019). "Nivaroalhi Review: Its heartbreaking to say Good Bye". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 7 February 2019. Retrieved 7 February 2019.
25. Luba, Aminath (12 January 2019). "Nivaroalhi Review: A different yet satisfying film". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 7 February 2019. Retrieved 7 February 2019.
26. Adhushan, Ahmed (26 May 2016). "The fall and rise of Sajna". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 22 October 2020. Retrieved 4 January 2019.
27. Adam, Ahmed Hameed (11 December 2020). "Star's Story: Best Actor in Maldives". Avas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 11 December 2020. Retrieved 11 December 2020.
28. Nadheem, Ahmed (23 February 2012). "Top 10 Actresses in Malives". Haveeru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 5 March 2012. Retrieved 26 November 2018.
29. Rasheed, Ahmed (15 December 2023). "No further delays; here is the release date of "Lasviyas"". MuniAvas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 15 December 2023. Retrieved 15 December 2023.
30. Adam, Ahmed Hameed (18 December 2020). "Star's Story: The friendly actor in the industry". Avas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 8 February 2021. Retrieved 11 December 2020.
31. Milna, Mariyam (8 February 2019). "Arifa Ibrahim – Star of the Day". MuniAvas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 10 April 2019. Retrieved 10 April 2019.
32. Maaha, Aishath (11 June 2016). "Ali Waheed quits film industry". MuniAvas. Archived from the original on 19 December 2020. Retrieved 19 December 2020.
33. Ifraz, Ali (14 March 2018). "Who would excel in the acting field in "Huvaa"". Avas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 9 June 2019. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
34. Adhushan, Ahmed (26 May 2019). "Noor's "Mendhan" available to stream through Baiskoafu". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 17 June 2019. Retrieved 17 June 2019.
35. Ajeez, Gufthaq (10 October 2020). "Gamini; A Maldivian Netflix series?". Times (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 11 January 2021. Retrieved 11 January 2021.
36. Rasheed, Ahmed (8 October 2021). ""Loabi Vias" a must-watch romantic series". MuniAvas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 11 December 2021. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
37. Rasheed, Ahmed (7 October 2021). "Maaenboo's "Sirru" to release on October 21". MuniAvas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 11 December 2021. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
38. "Isn't this what love is?". Dho? (in Divehi). 15 November 2021. Archived from the original on 14 January 2022. Retrieved 14 January 2022.
39. Rasheed, Ahmed (16 September 2022). "Its time for "Rah" from "Biruveri Vaahaka"". MuniAvas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 7 October 2022. Retrieved 7 October 2022.
40. Hidhaya, Aishath (17 January 2023). "First five episodes of "Netheemey" raises several questions". Sun (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 18 February 2023. Retrieved 18 February 2023.
41. Latheef, Alim Abdul (25 April 2023). "No space for criticizing; Yaaraa deserves a 100". Sun (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 20 May 2023. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
42. Abdulla, Akram (16 July 2023). "Hama Emme Meehekey: A special offering for short film lovers". Dhauru. Archived from the original on 10 September 2023. Retrieved 10 September 2023.
43. Adhushan, Ahmed (6 April 2020). "Do you remember these actors?". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 3 September 2020. Retrieved 27 May 2019.
44. Jaishan, Ahmed (22 October 2019). "Short Film "Ummeedh" available for streaming on Baiskoafu". Sun (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 28 April 2021. Retrieved 28 April 2021.
45. Adhushan, Ahmed (5 September 2016). "Nahula searching for child to play an important role". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 20 August 2020. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
46. Adhushan, Ahmed (2 September 2016). "Fuad regrets his involvement in Happy Birthay". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 16 December 2018. Retrieved 16 December 2018.
47. Saeed, Yaamin (18 February 2018). "Niuma into politics". Vaguthu (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 15 December 2018. Retrieved 15 December 2018.
48. Eeman, Aishath (10 December 2020). "The pain of COVID in the form of a short film". Avas (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 5 January 2021. Retrieved 5 January 2021.
49. Adhushan, Ahmed (9 November 2019). "Nominations for 9th Dhivehi Film Awards". Mihaaru (in Divehi). Archived from the original on 24 August 2020. Retrieved 24 August 2020.