Imagine going for an audition without knowing much about the project, only to find yourself on set with Zendaya. Sounds like something straight out of a move, right? Well, for Malaysian model and actress Vibha, that is exactly what happened!
The Petaling Jaya-born talent recently landed a role in a campaign for sportswear brand On, alongside Hollywood star Zendaya. But what makes her story even more interesting is how unexpectedly it all came together.
From starting modeling to help pay for her sick cat’s treatment to building a career in Prague and working with international artists, Vibha’s journey has been full of surprises.
We caught up with the Malaysian talent to hear about her experience working with Zendaya, the challenges of building a creative career overseas and why she hopes her story will encourage others to dream a little bigger.
It All Started With A Cat Named MJ
Before the international campaigns and celebrity collaborations, Vibha was simply a 16-year-old trying to help her family.
When her beloved cat, MJ, fell seriously ill and needed expensive treatment, she decided to give modelling a try to help her parents cover the costs. Although she didn’t end up making money from it, the experience helped her discover something she genuinely loved: being in front of the camera.
Her journey later took her to Prague, where she moved to continue her studies. Within a few months, a modeling agency spotted her.
Vibha was shorter than the height expected of models. However, what could have been a setback opened another door when her agency began putting her forward for acting roles.
And just like that, she discovered another passion.
Q: Let’s start with your journey. How did you first get into modelling and acting, and what took you from growing up in Malaysia to building your career in Prague?
A: It’s a funny story, my cat was the reason I started modelling! When I was 16, He (MJ) was really sick and had to go through a very long and expensive treatment. I really wanted to help my parents with the expenses and I thought why not start modelling? In the end I did not make any money (lol) but I found my passion for being in front of the camera.
I moved to Prague to study, and within a few months I was scouted by a modelling agency. Since I was shorter than the usual model, they put me in some acting roles and I fell in love with it too!
The Audition That Led Her to Zendaya
Landing a campaign alongside Zendaya would be a dream opportunity for many aspiring models and actors. For Vibha, it almost didn’t happen.
She was initially invited to audition for a project described only as “sportswear”. With a wedding in Belgium already planned, she wasn’t even sure whether she would attend.
Thankfully, she decided to give it a shot.
Q: You recently landed a campaign with On alongside Zendaya! Can you walk us through how this opportunity came about, from being approached by the casting agency to finding out you had secured the role?
A: I got a call to come for an audition for “sportswear”, didn’t think much of it, in fact I was not going to go at first because I was going to be in Belgium for a wedding for most of the dates they needed me. But I thought why not, it’s a good practice.
Then when I was in Belgium they called me saying they needed me back in Prague asap, and I needed the money for my upcoming trips so it made sense financially. Only when I got on set did I find out Zendaya was gonna be there!
A Pizza Moment With Zendaya And Meeting Law Roach
Of course, we had to ask what it was actually like sharing a set with Zendaya.
Vibha revealed that she filmed several scenes with Zendaya and had the opportunity to meet her in person. And among all the memorable moments from the shoot, one involved something surprisingly ordinary: pizza!
Q: What was the experience of filming the On campaign like? Did you get the chance to meet or work directly with Zendaya and were there any memorable moments from the shoot that stood out to you?
A: It was a great experience, other than Z, I also got to meet Law Roach who I’ve been a fan of for ages, as I am a fashion enthusiast. I also got to meet so many lovely ladies who were stunt professionals and martial artists and we all got along so well and we still keep in touch.
I did get to meet her! We shot quite a few scenes together, she was so lovely. There was a point where we were practicing our scenes and she was eating pizza on the side. I was looking over to her, because Zendaya was right next to me, and she came over to offer me some.
From Adéla to Zara Larsson, Her international Journey Continues
While working with Zendaya is certainly a major highlight, Vibha has already been building an impressive list of international projects.
One of her recent experiences was appearing in Adéla’s “Ain’t in LA” music video, which felt exciting because she was already a fan of the singer
She has also worked with artists including Zara Larsson, Tayc, Luciano, and Dina Ayada.
“I think it’s amazing to be able to tie my name to these artists that I admire so much as it has helped me gain some recognition back home, but the goal is to be able to make the headlines myself one day”, Vibha shared.
These opportunities have helped her gain more recognition back in Malaysia, but Vibha has an even bigger dream: making headlines for her own achievements.
And it seems something exciting is brewing for Vibha!
“I also just got back from Paris where I did an international campaign, which I can’t talk about till it’s out so stay tuned for that!”
Breaking Away From Traditional Career Expectations
Behind the exciting campaigns and international opportunities, Vibha’s journey hasn’t always been easy
Growing up in Malaysia, she felt that creative careers weren’t always taken as seriously as more traditional professions.
Even while pursuing a Business degree and working as a model and actress, she found that people back home often saw her creative work as a temporary phase rather than a real career.
Q: As a Malaysian building a career in the international entertainment and fashion industry, what have been some of your biggest challenges, and what has kept you motivated along the way?
A: In my experience, I think us Malaysians are more supportive of traditional careers, doctors, lawyers, etc, and growing up if you mentioned you have ambitions to be creative it was generally not encouraged. And I found that quite challenging, because even if I was getting my degree in Business and working as a model/actress at the same time, when I am home I was always just a ‘student’ and me working in this field was just a phase, or to make some side income, never a career.
It feels amazing now to be validated for staying in this industry and doing what I love and bring pride to my country. My parents and close friends have been my support system from day 1 and without them I would be able to have accomplished everything I have so far!
‘I’m Just A Girl From PJ’
For Vibha, working with Zendaya is more than another project to add to her portfolio. It’s a moment that connects her present success with the little girl who once watched Zendaya on television after school, still dressed in her school uniform.
Q: Looking back at how far you’ve come, what does landing a campaign alongside Zendaya mean to you personally, and what are you hoping to achieve next in your career?
A: I always say “im just a girl from PJ”, and it’s crazy that this girl got to work with one of the biggest stars of our time and in her prime at that. It means the world to me and especially to the little girl who used to watch Z on TV in my uniform after school. I would love to do more acting in the future and try my hand at some local projects, and of course to work with more big stars wouldn’t hurt.
But most of all I hope it inspires more Malaysians out there to dream big, because if this girl from PJ could do it, you could too.
From a teenager hoping to help her parents pay for her cat’s treatment to sharing a set with one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, Vibha’s journey is a proof that careers don’t always begin with a huge plan.
Sometimes, they begin with a small decision, an unexpected opportunity and the courage to see where it takes you.
And for this girl from PJ, the journey is just getting started!
