Reel-istic moments

It’s art imitating life for popular actress Nur Fazura who played the titular role in Janji Zehan.

BEFORE popular actress Nur Fazura Sharifuddin tied the knot with Fattah Amin last November, she had a taste of marriage, thanks to the role she portrayed in Bernard Chauly’s latest film, Janji Zehan. In the film, Fazura’s character Zehan dealt with a plethora of challenging moments in her marriage with an Iranian man, who she tied the knot with upon getting to know him after a short time.

“Similarly for Fattah and I, we had only known each other for seven months before we got married,” she said.

“Many scenes in the movie painted a picture of married life with someone you just got to know,” she added.

Going through a similar emotional journey with her character while filming the movie last September in Iran was a challenge for Fazura as the couple were in the midst of planning their wedding.

“I was stressed out being far away from Fattah, so naturally that made things a little tensed between us.

“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have cold feet at the time. But I guess that was just part of our journey to finally become husband and wife.”

Having been married for several months now, the 34-year-old said that her relationship with Fattah had blossomed after marriage.

“We’re still getting to know each other but married life is sweet. We fight like any couple but it’s usually over petty things.

“He’s a good husband. If I had known he is my soul mate, I would’ve married him sooner!” she said with a laugh.

CLOSE TO ZEHAN

Having worked with Bernard previously, Fazura has had roles which were related to her personal life.

“In Gol & Gincu, my character Puteri is a lot like me then — we were young and carefree, and liked to party!” she joked.

“In Manisnya Cinta Di Cappadocia ,my character Ifti was on a journey to find herself and I went through the same thing at that time.

“Now in Janji Zehan, she knows what she wants in life. She works as a successful TV producer and makes her own decisions. I can relate to her very well.

“So if anyone asks me if there were challenges in portraying this character, I’ll say ‘no’ because I feel like she’s a part of who I am in real life.”

ACTING IN IRAN

The film was fully shot in Iran at picturesque and breathtaking settings in 43 locations.

But prior to leaving for Iran, Fazura admitted she felt anxious about spending two weeks there.

“I asked Bernard about the safety when he told me we were going to Iran,” said Fazura.

“He assured me that it was safe as he has surveyed and checked out thelocations. So I kept an open mind.”

Sure enough, there was nothing to worry about.

“I felt very safe during the entire filming. I didn’t worry much and the locals were extremely friendly and that put my mind at ease.”

The Sayangi Dirimu singer revealed that it took time to get to like Iranian dishes.

“I love to eat ― I’m a big eater. When I arrived there, I discovered that they ate yogurt, bread, boiled eggs and cucumber for breakfast.”

“It was difficult for me at first to eat these every day. But along the way, you embrace the change and are grateful for what you have,” she said, adding that her trip to Iran is one of her most memorable experiences.

CO-STAR

Fazura was paired with Iranian actor Amir Rezazadeh for the first time in the film.

“It’s always fun to work with someone new, what more a foreign cast member. Earlier, Bernard flew him to Kuala Lumpur so that we could spend a few days rehearsing our lines together.

“We made sure to use the time wisely and viewers will see the chemistry between us. I think we pulled it off pretty well.”

Janji Zehan is on Astro First.

So if anyone asks me if there were challenges in portraying this character, I’ll say ‘no’ because

I feel like she’s a part of who I am in real life.

Nur Fazura