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Self-assured Bront Palarae engages his creative intelligence by pushing boundaries and re-shaping the film landscape. This Renaissance man is here to stay. By Jiman Casablancas. Styled by Kenneth Goh. Photographed by Chin Too.

he name behind Bront Palarae is two stories combined,” says the Malaysian actor. My surname is derived from my mother's Thai family name whilst Bront is a nickname from high school which has stuck like glue. I decided to combine these two as my stage name because they go well rhythmically, and it evokes the type of mystery and curiosity I would want as a then newbie in the industry. You could say it’s also marketing. But I'm very much attached to this name as much as I am to Nasrul Suhaimin. However, last year, I found out that Bront in Greek means ‘thunder.’ So that kind of gives the name a new depth, don’t you think?” For nearly 15 years now, Bront Palarae, 38, whose real name is Nasrul Suhaimin Saifuddin, has brought new meaning to the local film industry and to the way movies are written and understood. Born in Alor Setar of PakistaniMalay-Siamese descent, Bront creates a community around him with his graciousness, creativity, and curiosity – characteristics that play a vital role in his work. I’d be lying if I said that looks don’t come into it. But what it’s really about is pure, undeniable talent. Recently named Best Actor at the Asean International Film Festival & Award (AIFFA) 2015 for his performance in Terbaik Dari Langit, 2014, Bront never questions the veracity of the medium but uses it