Ahmed Asim
{{Short description|Maldivian actor (born 1981)}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Ahmed Asim
| image =
| imagesize =
| alt =
| caption =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=y|1981|11|29}}
| birth_place = R. Rasgetheemu
| alma_mater =
| occupation = Actor, editor, writer, Director
| yearsactive = 1999–present
| spouse =
| children = 3
| works =
| awards =
}}
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.{{cite news|url=http://www.haveeru.com.mv/dhivehi/entertainment/117146 |title=Top 10 Actors in Maldives |language=Divehi|work=Haveeru |last=Nadheem |first=Ahmed |date=16 February 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219100014/http://www.haveeru.com.mv/dhivehi/entertainment/117146 |url-status=dead |archivedate=19 February 2014 |access-date=26 November 2018}}
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.{{cite news|url=https://sun.mv/111827 |title=Soba returning to screen with "Kaaku?" |work=Sun |language=Divehi |last=Musthafa |first=Mohamed |date=19 November 2018 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20181130061619/https://sun.mv/111827 |url-status=live |archivedate=30 November 2018 |access-date=30 November 2018|df=dmy-all}}{{cite news|url=https://avas.mv/18535 |title=Kuda Hajja will always be a star though she fails to fulfill her dreams |work=Avas |language=Divehi |last=Maaha |first=Aishath |date=13 June 2016 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130061630/https://avas.mv/18535 |url-status=live |archivedate=30 November 2018 |access-date=30 November 2018|df=dmy-all}} The film garnered critical appreciation specially for its sound effect and was a commercial success. 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.{{cite news|url=https://sun.mv/110754 |title=Henceforth, I will select film on a limited basis: Ali Seezan |language=Divehi |work=Mihaaru |last=Musthafa |first=Mohamed |date=25 October 2018 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20181217081910/https://sun.mv/110754 |url-status=dead |archivedate=17 December 2018 |access-date=17 December 2018 |df=dmy-all}} In the film, he played the friend of Ziyan who has been possessed by the spirit. He next appeared in a brief role in Abdul Fatthah's critically praised romantic film Vehey Vaarey Therein (2003).{{cite news|url=http://haveeru.com.mv/dhivehi/news/56402 |title=Winners of 4th Gaumee Film Awards |language=Divehi|work=Haveeru |last=Nadheem |first=Ahmed |date=30 December 2007 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930060753/https://archive.mv/dv/articles/wYrDB |url-status=dead |archivedate=30 September 2018 |access-date=30 September 2018 |df=dmy-all}}{{cite news |url=http://inaamu.presidencymaldives.gov.mv/Index.aspx?lid=177&wid=658lid=177&wid=186 |title=Gaumee Inaam 2003 - Yoosuf Shafeeu |work=Presidency Maldives |language=Divehi |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20190120142623/http://inaamu.presidencymaldives.gov.mv/Index.aspx?lid=177&wid=658 |url-status=dead |archivedate=20 January 2019 |access-date=3 December 2018 |df=dmy-all }} 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. 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.{{cite news |url=http://www.vnews.mv/91868 |title=Filming of Niuma's last film to commence in January 2019 |language=Divehi |work=VNews |last=Adhushan |first=Ahmed |date=23 November 2017 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20190602052327/http://www.vnews.mv/91868 |url-status=live |archivedate=2 June 2019 |access-date=2 June 2019}} Starring alongside Niuma Mohamed, Lufshan Shakeeb, Aminath Rasheedha and Mariyam Shakeela, the series was listed as one of the most successful television series.{{cite news |url=https://avas.mv/59849 |title=Where are all the drama series? |language=Divehi |work=Avas |last=Ashraf |first=Aisha |date=4 February 2018 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20190527043138/https://avas.mv/59849 |url-status=live |archivedate=27 May 2019 |access-date=27 May 2019}}
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.{{cite news|url=https://dho.mv/baiscope/35686 |title=Empowering women in cinema |work=Dho? |language=Divehi |last=Adhushan |first=Ahmed |date=9 July 2018 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20181203082808/https://dho.mv/baiscope/35686 |url-status=live |archivedate=3 December 2018 |access-date=3 December 2018 |df=dmy-all}} 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.{{cite news|url=https://dho.mv/baiscope/31481 |title=Best 10 Actors |work=Dho? |language=Divehi |last=Maaha |first=Aishath |date=21 February 2018 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20190106182050/https://dho.mv/baiscope/31481 |url-status=live |archivedate=6 January 2019 |access-date=4 January 2019 |df=dmy-all}} Thirty three housefull shows of the film were screened at the cinema making it the highest grossing Maldivian release of the year.{{cite news|url=https://avas.mv/7801 |title=Nahula Vs Tedry: Who among the two brought a revelation to Maldivian Cinema? |work=Avas |language=Divehi |last=Nadheem |first=Ahmed |date=6 September 2015 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908184812/https://avas.mv/7801 |url-status=live |archivedate=8 September 2015 |access-date=3 December 2018 |df=dmy-all}} 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. 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.
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.{{cite news|url=http://www.vaguthu.mv/evaguthu/292986/ |title=The love for cinema from Moger |language=Divehi|work=Vaguthu |last=Hassan |first=Nazim |date=29 June 2015 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160615140410/http://www.vaguthu.mv/evaguthu/292986/ |url-status=dead |archivedate=15 June 2016 |access-date=22 September 2018 |df=dmy-all}} Asim played the role of Ahmed, the younger brother of a straightforward man who had an unfortunate birthday. 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. Winning five Gaumee Film Awards and twelve Maldives Film Awards, the film was also screened at the Venice Film Festival.{{cite news |url=https://mihaaru.com/entertainment/5325 |title=Fuad regrets his involvement in Happy Birthay |language=Divehi |work=Mihaaru |last=Adhushan |first=Ahmed |date=2 September 2016 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20181216105808/https://mihaaru.com/entertainment/5325 |url-status=dead |archivedate=16 December 2018 |access-date=16 December 2018 |df=dmy-all }}
The next year, Asim starred in Abdul Fahtah's horror film Jinni alongside Ali Seezan and Mariyam Afeefa.{{cite news |url=http://www.haveeru.com.mv:80/?page=details&id=93070&category=ihUfinum |title=Positive comment for the film - Its a big achievement |language=Divehi|work=Haveeru |last=Naseer |first=Ismail |date=11 February 2010 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100212110900/http://www.haveeru.com.mv/?page=details&id=93070&category=ihUfinum |url-status=dead |archivedate=2010-02-12 |access-date=19 September 2018 }} 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.{{cite news |url=http://www.haveeru.com.mv:80/?page=details&id=95729&category=ihUfinum |title=Positive comment for the film - Its a big achievement |language=Divehi|work=Haveeru |last=Nadheem |first=Ahmed |date=29 April 2010 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100503053202/http://www.haveeru.com.mv/?page=details&id=95729&category=ihUfinum |url-status=dead |archivedate=2010-05-03 |access-date=19 September 2018 }}
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.{{cite news|url=https://sun.mv/5254 |title=Loodhifa; Up-righting the fraternal film industry |language=Divehi|work=Sun |last=Naif |first=Ahmed |date=15 February 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140902184704/https://sun.mv/5254 |url-status=live |archivedate=2 September 2014 |access-date=16 April 2018}} Featuring an ensemble cast, the film deals with current social issues in the society told from different perspectives of the characters.{{cite news|url=http://haveeru.com.mv/?page=details&id=104588&category=ihUfinum |title=Expectations for "Loodhifa" is high |language=Divehi|work=Haveeru |last=Nadheem |first=Ahmed |date=16 December 2010 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101216122531/http://haveeru.com.mv/?page=details&id=104588&category=ihUfinum |url-status=dead |archivedate=16 December 2010 |access-date=3 October 2018}} Made on a budget of MVR 600,000, the film was declared a commercial failure though it received widespread critical acclaim. 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.{{cite news|url=https://mihaaru.com/entertainment/10378 |title=Nominations for 7th Gaumee Film Awards Announced |language=Divehi |work=Mihaaru |last=Adhushan |first=Ahmed |date=16 December 2016 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180330160950/https://mihaaru.com/entertainment/28015 |url-status=live |archivedate=30 March 2018 |access-date=30 March 2018}}{{cite news|url=http://maldivesfilmawards.com/?page=detail&id=34 |title=Feature Film Nominations Announced |language=Divehi|work=Maldives Film Awards |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417013119/http://maldivesfilmawards.com/?page=detail&id=34 |url-status=dead |archivedate=17 April 2016 |access-date=30 March 2018}} Asim's only release of 2017 was Ali Musthafa-directed Malikaa which did not do well at the box office.{{cite news|url=https://mihaaru.com/entertainment/11594 |title=Malika Releasing on March 2 |language=Divehi|work=Mihaaru |last=Adhushan |first=Ahmed |date=13 January 2017 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326140615/https://mihaaru.com/entertainment/11594|archivedate=26 March 2018 |access-date=26 March 2018 }}{{cite news|url=https://mihaaru.com/entertainment/28542 |title=2017: Is it a successful year for the film industry? |language=Divehi|work=Mihaaru |last=Adhushan |first=Ahmed |date=31 December 2017 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326162251/https://mihaaru.com/entertainment/28542 |archivedate=26 March 2018 |access-date=26 March 2018}}
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.{{cite news|url=https://mihaaru.com/entertainment/48037 |title=Nivairoalhi released with a surprise |language=Divehi|work=Mihaaru |last=Adhushan |first=Ahmed |date=3 January 2019|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180328111609/https://mihaaru.com/entertainment/25449|url-status=live |archivedate=28 March 2018 |access-date=28 March 2018 |df=dmy-all}} He spent two years in preparation for the character portrayal.{{cite news|url=https://mihaaru.com/entertainment/42980 |title=Nivaroalhi yet again to be released in 2019 |language=Divehi |work=Mihaaru |last=Adhushan |first=Ahmed |date=27 September 2018 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20190109111317/https://mihaaru.com/entertainment/42980 |url-status=live |archivedate=9 January 2019 |access-date=8 January 2019 |df=dmy-all}}
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.{{cite news|url=https://dho.mv/baiscope/48258 |title=Nivaroalhi Review: Its heartbreaking to say Good Bye |language=Divehi |work=Mihaaru |last=Maaha |first=Aishath |date=11 January 2019 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20190207141326/https://dho.mv/baiscope/48258 |url-status=live |archivedate=7 February 2019 |access-date=7 February 2019 |df=dmy-all}} 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". 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".{{cite news|url=https://sun.mv/113652 |title=Nivaroalhi Review: A different yet satisfying film |language=Divehi |work=Mihaaru |last=Luba |first=Aminath |date=12 January 2019 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20190207142019/https://sun.mv/113652 |url-status=live |archivedate=7 February 2019 |access-date=7 February 2019 |df=dmy-all}}
Filmography
=Feature film=
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" |
| style="background:#ccc; text-align:center;"
!scope="col"| Year !scope="col"| Title !scope="col"| Role !scope="col"| Notes ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Tooltip|Ref(s)|Reference(s)}} |
| 2000
!scope="row"| Kaiveneege Furathama Rey | Sameer | |
| 2000
!scope="row"| Ajaaib | Ahmed | |
| 2001
!scope="row"|Dhumah Eri Thari | Javidh | |
| 2003
!scope="row"| Vehey Vaarey Therein | Nathasha's boyfriend | Special appearance |
| 2004
! scope="row" | Dharinnahtakai | Junaid | |
| 2004
!scope="row"| Edhathuru | Ahmed | Special appearance |
| 2005
!scope="row"| Handhu Keytha | Shahid | |
| 2005
!scope="row"| Zuleykha | Hamid | |
| 2007
!scope="row"|Aharen | Junaid | | |
| 2009
!scope="row"| Happy Birthday | Ahmed | |
| 2010
!scope="row" | Mi Hiyy Keekkuraanee? | Asim | |
| 2010
!scope="row"| Jinni | Ahmed | |
| 2011
!scope="row"| Loodhifa | Azeem | Also the editor |
| 2017
!scope="row"| Malikaa | Hassan |Also the editor |
| 2019
!scope="row"| Nivairoalhi | Moosa Haidhar "Hardy" | |
| 2024
! scope="row" |Lasviyas | Fayyaz | |
=Television=
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" |
| style="background:#ccc; text-align:center;"
!scope="col"| Year !scope="col"| Title !scope="col"| Role !scope="col"| Notes ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Tooltip|Ref(s)|Reference(s)}} |
| 2003
!scope="row"| Ujaalaa Raasthaa | Majid | Main role; 9 episodes |
| 2003–2004
!scope="row"| Vaisoori | Shafraz / Siraj | In the segments "Kurin Visnaa Dhevunu Nama" |
| 2004
!scope="row"| Kamana Vareh Neiy | Himself | Guest role; "Episode 2" and "Episode 4" |
| 2005
!scope="row" | Loabi Vaanama | Ibrahim Umar | Recurring role; 7 episodes |
| 2005–2006
!scope="row"| Vairoalhi Ahves Sirrun | Ahmed Nadheem | Main role; 52 episodes |
| 2006–2007
!scope="row"| Vaguthu Faaithu Nuvanees | Ahmed Shamin | Main role; 50 episodes |
| 2007
!scope="row"|Vimlaa | Shahidh |Main role; 26 episodes | |
| 2008
!scope="row"|FB! | | Main role; 5 episodes | |
| 2008
!scope="row"|Loabin Hiyy Furenee | Ahmed Iyaz | Main role; 13 episodes |
| 2008
!scope="row"|Manzilakee Thee Ey Magey | |Main role; 26 episodes | |
| 2008
! scope="row" |Umurah Ekee Ulhen Bunefaa | Nihaz |Main role | |
| 2009
!scope="row"|Silsilaa | Nahid | Main role; 5 episodes | |
| 2010
!scope="row"| 14 February | Mahil | Main role; 4 episodes |
| 2013
!scope="row"| Adhives Eloaibah Gadharu Kuran | Maan | Recurring role |
| 2019
!scope="row"| Mhendhan | Habeeb | Recurring role; 5 episodes |
| 2020
!scope="row"| Gamini | Mohamed Siraj | Main role; 13 episodes |
| 2021
!scope="row"| Loabi Vias | Fayaz | Main role; 7 episodes |
| 2021
!scope="row"| Sirru | Amir | Main role; 5 episodes |
| 2021
!scope="row"| Noontha? | Sanim | Main role in the segment "Rules & Regulations" |
| 2022
!scope="row"|Biruveri Vaahaka | Niyaz | Main role; Episode: "Rah" |
| 2022
!scope="row"|Netheemey | Rizvi | Recurring role; 5 episodes |
| 2023–2024
!scope="row"|Yaaraa | Fayaz | Recurring role; 22 episodes |
| 2023
!scope="row"| Hama Emme Meehekey | Hassan | Main role; 10 episodes |
| 2025
!scope="row"| Loaiybahtakaa | Mamdhooh | Recurring role; 3 episodes |
=Short film=
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" |
| style="background:#ccc; text-align:center;"
!scope="col"| Year !scope="col"| Title !scope="col"| Role !scope="col"| Notes ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Tooltip|Ref(s)|Reference(s)}} |
| 2001
!scope="row"|Juhaage Buhdhi 1 |Ahmed Ismail | Children's short film | |
| 2002
!scope="row"|Juhaage Buhdhi 2 |Ahmed Ismail | Children's short film | |
| 2003
!scope="row"|Juhaage Buhdhi 3 |Ahmed Ismail | Children's short film | |
| 2006
!scope="row"| Handi Ganduvaru Dhonkamana | Mahesh | |
| 2007
!scope="row"|Barbafar | | | |
| 2007
!scope="row"| Magey Dharifulhu | Ali Abdulla | | style="text-align: center;"| |
| 2007
! scope="row" | Kuri Inthizaaruge Nimun | Fiyaz | | style="text-align: center;" | |
| 2008
!scope="row"|Lost Island |Zuhuree | | |
| 2008
!scope="row"| Noonekey Nubunaashey | Zeehaan | |
| 2008
!scope="row"| Ummeedh | Mohamed | |
| 2009
!scope="row"| Dhekunu Huvafen | Nadheem | | style="text-align: center;"| |
| 2009
!scope="row"| Kalaage Handhaanuga | Zanish | Also the director and editor |
| 2011
!scope="row"| Bodu 13 Muassasaa | Azman | Also the editor |
| 2012
!scope="row"| Kidnap | Nahu's friend | |
| 2020
!scope="row" | Thadhu | Yoosuf | Special appearance |
=Other work=
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" |
| style="background:#ccc; text-align:center;"
!scope="col"| Year !scope="col"| Title !scope="col"| Director !scope="col"| Editor !scope="col"| Notes |
| 2005
!scope="row"| Dheke Dhekeves 2 | | {{Yes}} | Short film |
| 2006
!scope="row"| Dheke Dhekeves 3 | | {{Yes}} | Short film |
| 2008
!scope="row"|Lost Island | {{Yes}} | |Short film |
| 2010
!scope="row"|Sirrun Hithaa Kulhelaafa | | {{Yes}} | Television series; 10 episodes |
| 2011
!scope="row"| Loodhifa | | {{Yes}} | Feature film |
| 2011
!scope="row"| Hithey Dheymee | | {{Yes}} | Feature film |
| 2017
!scope="row"| Malikaa | | {{Yes}} | Feature film |
| 2017
!scope="row"| Kalhaai Hudhu | | {{Yes}} | Office Drama |
| 2018
!scope="row"| Akbar & Birbal | | {{Yes}} | Television series; 13 episodes |
| 2019
!scope="row"| Raasthaa | {{Yes}} | | Television series; 13 episodes |
| 2019
!scope="row"| Mhendhan | | {{Yes}} | Web series; 5 episodes |
| 2020
!scope="row"| Gamini | | {{Yes}} | Web series; 13 episodes |
| 2021
!scope="row"| Feehaali | | {{Yes}} | Short film |
| 2022–2024
!scope="row"|Vihaali | {{Yes}} | {{Yes}} | Web series; 5 episodes |
Accolades
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" |
| scope="col"| Year
!scope="col"| Award !scope="col"| Category !scope="col"| Nominated work !scope="col"| Result ! scope="col" class="unsortable"| {{Abbr|Ref(s)|Reference(s)}} |
|---|
| 2007
! scope="row"| 4th Gaumee Film Awards | {{nom}} |
| rowspan="2"| 2012
! scope="row" rowspan="2" | 2nd Maldives Film Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Loodhifa | {{nom}} |
| Best Editing
| Loodhifa | {{nom}} |
| 2016
! scope="row" | 7th Gaumee Film Awards | Loodhifa | {{nom}} |
| 2017
! scope="row" | PSM Office Drama Competition | Best Editing | Kalhaai Hudhu | {{won}} |
| 2019
! scope="row" | 9th Gaumee Film Awards | Malikaa | {{nom}} |
References
{{Reflist}}
{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Asim, Ahmed}}
Category:21st-century Maldivian male actors