KUALA LUMPUR: It is often said that popular actress Erra Fazira met rock singer and actor Datuk Awie on the set of Datuk Yusof Haslam's cult movie Sembilu.
However, the 45-year-old former beauty queen admitted that she and Awie had known each other "much earlier" than that.
In fact, it was Awie who persuaded her to join him in the movie which also starred veteran singer Ziana Zain.
In a recent YouTube video with DJ Nazz on his talk show Begitu Begini DJ Nazz, Erra said: “Awie and I first met not long after I won Miss Malaysia/World 1992. I was surprised to learn that he was my big fan, I had quite a number of male fans back then, since I was a beauty contest winner."
Erra, however, gravitated towards Awie as he was honest and forthright.
Furthermore, she was also a fan of rock musicians, including his band Wings.
“We soon became friends, and it was he who invited me to star in Sembilu. At that time, Datuk Yusof (Haslam) was looking for the lead actress, and I was eventually offered that role."
Erra had also been offered another major role, to play the lead actress in Putera opposite Awie's then bandmate Joe. However, Awie successfully persuaded her to star in Sembilu, and convinced Yusof to offer her the role of Rosmawati Sofian.
Romance blossomed between Erra and Awie on the set of Sembilu in 1994, and two years later they were engaged. Sadly, their relationship ended in 1998.
“Even though we didn't end up together, we are still good friends and have great respect for each other. I admit that there have been fans of both of us who want us to get back together again, but we've decided to be just friends, plain and simple."
Erra subsequently married Yusry Abdul Halim of KRU in 2003, but their union only lasted three years.
In 2007, she wed businessman Engku Emran Engku Zainal Abidin. They have a daughter Engku Aleesya, 10. But the marriage also ended in divorce.
Erra’s interview