Sex symbol and women’s rights activist. Chirpy VJ and wry host. Local celebrity and international star. Asha Gill has worn more hats and acquired more labels in her 34 years than most people do in their lifetime.
“I’m sure I’ve always wanted to do everything,” said the multi-talented self-confessed schizo-phrenic in an interview with KLIA Times. “My brain goes a mile a minute sometimes. I just fall into things. And when I see the door and what’s behind it and I like it , I’m like a dog with a bone. So far, so good.”
Born July 3,1972 in Kent, Asha was schooled and raised in the United Kingdom. She came to Malaysia to be with her parents in Seremban. But she returned to the UK to take her O-Levels and A-Levels and went on to do her Bachelors in Science in Quantity Surveying at Kingston Poly, Surrey.
After a stint in production work in the UK, Asha decided to come to Malaysia to stay for good. This decision proved instrumental in shaping her career. Her talent in modeling and hosting was quickly recognized. She began getting one high-profile job after another and firmly launched her career.
Asha first made a name for herself as a Channel [V] VJ (1999-2003), though she did get credits for directing, producing and writing for the company.  “Now that is what I love. To be a proper part of the team,” she said.
“I was lucky in V. everyone there was so supportive up in Hong Kong. We all pitched in. No one just rocked by, did their job and left.
“We were all there, all the time, writing, coming up with ideas, helping each other out. I’ll never forget the time or the people. That was one of the most precious moments of my life when it comes to work. All four years of it!”
In 2002, she went on to host The Weakest Link-a gameshow where she assumed the persona of a ball-cutting host. It was a far cry from the happy and relaxed VJ she usually portrayed on Channel[V].
“Didn’t you know? I’m schizophrenic,” she joked.
Today, Asha’s major claim to fame is as the host of Lonely Planet’s Six Degrees-a travelogue focusing on one contact person from one country which would lead to another contact, and another. The programme airs on Discocery Channel.
“Well they kinda found me,” said Asha. “I was filming The Weakest Link in Singapore and that’s where I was abducted. Did a quick screen test by storming a little drinks booth outside of my hotel, guerrilla style, and within a week or two-my memory is shot-I got the job. Lucky break.”
Seeing how the series has turned out, it probably wasn’t just luck that got her the job. If at all luck was involved, the beneficiaries are the producers who landed Asha.
Six Degrees received some criticism locally for its strangely unfamiliar portrayal of Malaysia-with a Malaysian host at the helm at that-but the show nevertheless elevated Asha’s credentials as one of the industry’s top hosts.
As a result, she has been traveling extensively, often being the face of Malaysia and an informal ambassador of sorts for the country. It took a toll on her passport. Sorry, passports.
“The electronic thing sure helps but I’m not so sure I like the whole ‘Big Brother’ chip thing. That is scary with a capital S! I’ve been through three passports since the Channel V days,” she said.
Asha has also modeled for products such as L’Oreal, Sony and in 2005 became an ambassador for Tag Heuer. She has acted in a film, 1998’s Mimpi Moon; a theatre production (The Vagina Monologues); and a TV series for two years (City of the Rich).
In between, she managed to find time for such things as being an ambassador for Amnesty International and spokesperson for the “Stop Violence Against Women” campaign. This is a cause which Asha feels strongly about.
She was involved in various events in Malaysia dealing related to the movement, such as the International Women’s Day event “A Girl’s Day Out” in MidValley Megamall in March, and the Mix. FM “Massive Appeal” in June, where she sold “Banashas” (bananas dipped in sweet sauces and toppings) to raise funds for Amnesty International and Women’s Aid Organization.
“Women face many challenges,” she said.
“Unfortunately society is slow to let go of certain things. The slave trade is not gone. Don’t get me started here. Women are still abused on so very many levels.
I’m not a bra-burner if that is what you mean by referring to feminism. My boobs need a lift.
“But I’m serious, deadly serious about the rights of women and children in this world. You’d have to be a blind moron not to challenge so many things.
“Think on this – a guy walks into a bar. Sees four ‘chicks’ sitting at a table having a good time. He decides to approach them and says, ‘hi there ladies, are you on your own tonight? Can I buy you all a drink?’. Now what’s wrong with this scenario?
“He’s not trying to be sexist, or rude. In fact he’s trying to be charming. But without knowing it, even charming language can hide the flaws in this society- that FOUR women, are perceived to be ALONE.
“Can anyone explain this? I’ve seen it happening time and again. Women without a man around are considered alone. Ridiculous. Four human beings are a group and therefore certainly not alone. It’s damning on such subliminal levels. But you started this by asking.”
Well, no complaints here. However, some quarters might point out that actresses and TV personalites, like Asha herself, rely on their good looks to get ahead. True?
“This is a ridiculous question! Looks and appearance get you only so far. And believe it or not, if you saw my casting tapes you would not be asking me this,” she said, unamused.
Indeed, looking at her body of work and what she has accomplished, Asha has done more than her share of casting off stereotypes about women.