Atasha Muhlach is stepping out of her comfort zone for her first major acting role, playing a serious and calculating student in the Philippine adaptation of Bad Genius: The Series, which premieres July 17 on Viva One.
Known for her cheerful and easygoing personality, the newcomer admitted during the show’s grand media conference that it was a big adjustment portraying Lin, a brilliant high school scholar who masterminds an academic cheating scheme
“It’s very hard because my personality is very bubbly and happy-go-lucky,” Atasha said. “But we did a lot of workshops with direk [Derrick Cabrido] and a lot of meetings, and I think I was able to channel my character because of everyone right beside me, our cast, and the production. This was all just one big team effort.”
Atasha credited the director’s guidance for helping her build confidence and settle into the role despite her nerves at the start of taping. “Direk spoke to me and gave me advice on the first day. I was able to carry that throughout the shoot, and it helped,” she said.
Director Derrick Cabrido, who previously helmed Mallari and Clarita, said he was impressed by Atasha’s growth and preparation, particularly in emotionally charged scenes that challenged her range.
“There were things she did in some scenes that I didn’t expect. Those moments were hers. I saw how well she studied the character,” the director said.
Atasha stars alongside Jairus Aquino, Gab Lagman, and Hyacinth Callado in the Filipino adaptation of the hit Thai series and film. The show centers on a group of high school students who develop a complex cheating operation for profit, but the local version adds a distinctly Filipino lens, including storylines involving family and emotional stakes.
“I always give my 100 percent,” Atasha said when asked how she approached the role. “That’s my rule from the beginning of my career until now.”
Although new to the scene, Atasha, the daughter of Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzalez, said she is serious about growing as an actress and trying different types of roles, including more dramatic ones in the future.
“I’m enjoying the process and learning so much,” she said. “And I’ll never take this opportunity for granted.”
