Maleeha Waheed

In 2016, Waheed made her film debut in Hussain Munawwar's Neyngi Yaaru Vakivee alongside Aminath Rishfa and Ahmed Azmeel.^[1] Critics gave the film bad reviews and considered her performance as Laila, to be "boring" while criticising the character development.^[2] Despite the negative reviews, the film did average business at the end of its run.^[3] At the 8th Gaumee Film Awards Waheed received a nomination for Best Female Debut award.^[4] Her next release of the year was Ali Seezan-directed romantic film Vafaatheri Kehiveriya.^[5] The film received a mixed to negative reception from critics.^[6] Similar sentiments being echoed as to her previous work, Nadheem severely criticised her "weak portrayal" of the character and "bad dialogue delivery".^[6] Yoosuf Shafeeu-directed Baiveriyaa (2016), a comedy film featuring an ensemble cast was her second release of the year.^[7] The film revolves around an aspiring actress who flees from her family to pursue a career in the film industry and the suspicions and confusions that arise.^[8] Upon release the film was positively received by critics. Nazim Hassan of Avas applauded the comical timing of the characters and mentioned that Waheed showed "improvements from her earlier work".^[9] The film emerged as one of the highest grossing Maldive films of the year.^[10]

In 2018, Waheed appeared in Mariyam Moosa's directorial debut romantic film Thiya Loaibaa Dhurah.^[11] The entire film was shot in Sri Lanka.^[12] It was moderately received by critics; Aminath Lubaa reviewing from Sun praised the music and story of the film though she opined the performance from the actors including Waheed, could have been better.^[13] In May 2018, it was premiered in Sri Lanka, and played two housefull shows at Mount Lavinia Cinema.^[14]

On 27 August 2019, Waheed was accused and charged of diamorphine trafficking.^[15] On 11 August 2022, Criminal Court finds the actress not guilty of the charge due to insufficient evidence to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt.^[15]