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SINGAPORE : Performer Norleena Salim is best remembered for two things: That she doesn't mince her words, and her role as the rotund neighbour Rosnah in the MediaCorp Channel 5 sitcom "Under One Roof".
These days though, things are different. Ever since leaving our shores and moving to Brisbane, Norleena hasn't been living on TV - she's been working as a performer on a cruise ship and seeing the world.
And while she still doesn't mince her words, you would be forgiven for not recognising her. After all, she's literally half the woman she used to be, after shedding more than 50kg. Just don't ask her for her weight-loss formula.
"What can I say? S**t happened," she joked. "Literally, a lot of it! Honestly, I have no answer. It's not an overnight thing ... It took years to lose more than 50kg."
"I exercised," she explained. "It's still not easy because I love food. My whole family loves food. We're all big people. It's just moderation and a lot of discipline.
"I was staying away from all that delicious Asian food when I was away. You know how bland food in Europe is?"
Norleena was recently back in Singapore for the launch of the Malay Artistes Association and told TODAY how much she misses home.
You left Singapore when you were at the height of your fame ...
I was doing way too much in Singapore. I was getting sick of my own face!
I was spring cleaning my house and found old VCDs of "Under One Roof" - they were still in their wrappers.
I finally sat down and watched myself and I was cringing. That was like a decade ago or more! I put the VCDs back in their wrapper and put them away.
You said that you were tired of touring.
I mentioned on Facebook that I've been singing on a cruise ship for the past three years and going all over the world and I said, this year, I'm tired of touring, I miss Singapore.
I want to concentrate on doing stuff in Singapore. I was going to come back and say hi to people and do my PR stuff.
Do you see yourself based in Singapore again?
I've seen the scene in Singapore and this year it looks really healthy, with Resorts World and all that. I'm glad it's all going so well. I want to be a part of it. I want to do the National Day Parade. Do you know how long I haven't sung "Count On Me, Singapore"? I cannot believe I'm actually saying I miss singing it!
Is going with your gut your philosophy?
If you want to do something just go and put your whole heart in it. That's pretty much how I live my life. Of course we're all smart enough to know that if it doesn't work out, you cut your losses and step out. But when you want to do something you don't think about failure - you think about potential and how much you can grow.
So what's the first dish you looked for back here?
Satay. Oh dear, there goes my weight again!
- TODAY/il
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