Rising to the challenge

IT was a true rags-to-riches story. Plucked from obscurity in 2008 when he was crowned champion of the comedy series Raja Lawak, former dispatch driver Nabil Ahmad is now living the dream.
Nabil, 33, immediately embarked upon a successful career as a comedian, actor and TV host, helming numerous popular local variety and awards shows.
One of his most recent achievements was being selected to host the second season of HBO Sentral, taking over from actress Lisa Surihani.
Initially deemed an odd choice for the job, Nabil soon endeared himself to audiences, proving himself a perfect match for the show.
HBO Sentral is a monthly Malay-language programme that serves as a fun, creative and interactive guide to Hollywood blockbusters and award-winning HBO Original as well as HBO Asia Original productions currently airing on HBO (Astro Channel 411 / 431) and Cinemax (Astro Channel 412).
The bubbly funnyman also recently got to step on the Oscars red carpet, and was able to interview stars like Jackie Chan and Salma Hayek, both of whom are his idols.
During a recent press conference, Nabil spoke about his experience, which he described as something "money can't buy".
"I asked Jackie Chan about [making] it to Hollywood and he said, 'You don't have to chase Hollywood. You just have to do good in your own country and Hollywood will come looking for you'," Nabil said.
He described the Oscars stint as his ultimate dream. "The host I have always looked up to is Datuk Aznil Haji Nawawi. He went to the Oscars two years ago and ... I got the chance this year," said Nabil, with much humility.
"I still can't get over it. To be there means I got selected, and to be selected means I am the best right now."
Nabil is now back for the show's 12-episode fourth season, which premieres on HBO on April 30 at 3.45pm.
The new season will see the show's format given a revamp, with new on-air graphics and a new logo, as well as the addition of short weekly programme highlights to inform movie buffs of the channel's latest content.
The show will also continue to bring viewers closer to their favourite films by hosting fun contests and on-ground challenges.
Nabil himself will also be travelling the world to bring viewers exclusive insights about upcoming releases, and interviewing the people behind the scenes. Some lucky contest winners may even get the chance to accompany him on these travels.
Viewers can also count on local and international celebrities to make guest appearances on HBO Sentral to talk about their plans in the entertainment scene.
Apart from blockbuster titles, fans of HBO Sentral can look forward to hearing more about award-winning HBO Original shows, such as the worldwide TV phenomenon, Game of Thrones.
The seven-episode seventh season premieres in Asia on July 17 at 9am, exclusively on HBO, with a same day primetime encore at 9pm.
Nabil said the new season of HBO Sentral will challenge his abilities as a host, but added that he loves a challenge.
HBO Sentral will also be available on Astro Maya HD (Channel 135) and Astro Ria (Channel 104).