AMERUL AFFENDI AS AZMAN

Tell us a bit about the character you play, Azman.

Azman is the nephew to Datin Azizah, which is played by Adibah Noor, and he’s not from a rich family. He too is adopted by Datin Azizah’s family, which is where he has a taste of wealth and turns into a rather rude character, who is also a playboy.

What are some of the similarities and differences between Azman and yourself?

Well, he’s a man, like me, and has the male instincts. In terms that he enjoys beautiful women, and things that challenge him. Although, I must say I’m not a playboy myself. On the other hand, I’m more of a quiet person, I’d call myself an introvert, who usually only speaks when necessary.

However, I don’t really associate nor like any of Azman’s qualities; he’s in fact quite a useless man. I guess, his role goes to show viewers who not to become like, as I’m sure there are quite a number of ‘Azmans’ out there.

Why did you pick the role then?

The director Al Jafree probably saw something in me that I wasn’t aware of, and he thought I would make a good Azman. I guess because I’ve a basic in theatre and am familiar with the works of Oscar Wilde, and of course, the major thing was that... most characters who previously played his role weren’t free!haha. So I got picked.

What challenges did you face preparing for the role?

Learning how to become a playboy! haha. Well one of the main challenges were the long scripts and dialogues, as this was adapted from a stage play after all. This isn’t like your regular film, so it was a bit more difficult.

How did you prepare for the role of Azman?

Aside from the rehearsals with the director, I also had some extra input from my studies back then, in Akademi Seni Budaya Dan Warisan Kebangsaan (ASWARA), where we studied some of the plays by Oscar Wilde, including this. So I was extremely thrilled and excited when Al Jafree approached me to play this role.

How long were rehearsals?

Each day we’d practise about five hours, for about a month before we began shooting.

What was your favourite scene within the film?

My favourite scene was when Azman was getting to know the real Ratna (Sharifah Amani). Previously Azman only heard of Ratna through Razak, so when he actually met her, he was truly surprised.

But also I enjoyed that all the cast were so easy to work with, and they all have had some experience with theatre before, so we all got along really well, both on and off screen.

“AL JAFREE PROBABLY SAW SOMETHING IN ME THAT I WASN’T AWARE OF, AND HE THOUGHT I WOULD MAKE A GOOD AZMAN”