KUALA LUMPUR: Danish Hakim, 19, has always wanted to follow the footsteps of his parents, Gerak Khas stars Norman Hakim and Abby Abadi.
His golden opportunity has finally arrived, as he is now one of 12 contestants of TV3's new acting reality show Fit For Action, which begins its six-week broadcast on Sept 3.
"My parents told me to go for it, as it will have me trained by the best mentors of the film industry — Datuk Yusof Haslam, Aziz M. Osman, Heykal Hanifah and Ellie Suriaty Omar," said Danish at the launch of Fit For Action in TV3's Studio 1, Glenmarie, Shah Alam yesterday.
Danish, the eldest of Norman's and Abby's three children, added that he had always wanted to follow his parents' footsteps, and even though he enjoys action films and dramas most, he would love to be a character actor like Faizal Hussein and Datuk Rosyam Nor.
"My parents are both my heroes and role models. When I was a kid, I imagined playing a crime fighter as they did in Gerak Khas produced by Yusof.
"But now that I've seen a lot of local films and dramas, I find that I'm more drawn to character acting, playing men who are not clear-cut heroes or villains," said Danish.
Fit For Action, which is screened every Saturday at 10pm on TV3 has six men and six women undergo various assignments as part of their training to become versatile actors and actresses.
The contestants are Syahmie Thsaqeef, 28, Ahmad Syahmie, 23, Amanda Tan, 29, Zoey Amir, 29, Amir Mirza, 24, Kavitha Gnanesageran, 34, Muaz Zabir, 25, Erne Marina Ainalisa, 28, Aidil Afizin, 20, Raden Zaharatul, 23, Lenny Jemat, 29 and Danish.
Selected in February following nationwide auditions, they have to undergo several physical fitness challenges as well as play various drama characters.
The aspiring actors and actresses are trained by wellness coach Nana Al-Haleq, and acting coaches Heykal, Aziz and Ellie.
Yusof is the chief judge of their weekly performances, and he will also be joined by guest judges such as Datuk Ahmad Tarmimi Siregar, Datuk Aaron Aziz, Erra Fazira, Farid Kamil, Nabila Huda Suhaimi and Janna Nick.
Media Prima Television Networks deputy chief executive officer Nini Yusof said that Fit For Action aimed to discover new talents to keep the television and film industry growing.
"It is always a challenge for producers and directors to scout for new talents, and we believe a reality show such as this will greatly help the process.
"The contestants undergo lots of difficult challenges which will test their physical and mental strength, and this is necessary for them to become credible TV and film stars of the future," said Nini.
Fit For Action is co-hosted by singer and radio announcer Hunny Madu and actor Fahrin Ahmad. It is sponsored by Dutch Lady and Centrum and supported by Hot FM, Oh Bulan! and Xtra.