Comedian Nabil Ahmad will play a serious role this Raya, writes Dennis Chua
FUNNYMAN Nabil Ahmad takes on a serious role in new telemovie Nang Nok.
Nabil, who will spend Hari Raya in his hometown, Seremban, says his character is a lonely man who falls in love with a mysterious woman, not realising she is a ghost. The movie also stars Dira Abu Zahar.
“Although my character is not entirely humourless, he is far more serious than any of my previous characters,” he says.
“Dira is a fantastic co-star and the best thing about her is that she can slip into any role with ease. She can be serious, hilarious or scary.”
Nang Nok is directed by Michael Ang, best known for Biar Mimpi Sampai Ke Bintang which starred Elfira Loy and Indonesian Randy Pangalila.
“Michael is fun to work with. He is down to earth and full of creative ideas. I also enjoyed his culinary skills and sporting ways in Master Chef Selebriti last year.”
SERIOUS ROLE
Nabil also has a serious role in The Chini Saga, to be released next year. The RM20 million film is produced by Versaeye Consultant and Versaeye Digital and directed by Pveezi Zain.
It centres on the legend of Tasik Chini in Pekan, Pahang, most notably about a dragon called the Naga Seri Gumum. Other cast members are Soffi Jikan, Natassia Malthe of Vikingdom fame, Raja Lawak graduate Johan, Radhi Khalid and Raja Ilya.
The film, which uses CGI, is shot in Thailand, Indonesia, China, India, South Korea and Malaysia.
“It’s great to be in this ambitious movie which will expose the young audience to our folk tales. The story excites me because I grew up reading about the Chini dragon legend, and it’s interesting to translate it into a modern adventure.”
Nabil is not letting his funny side take a break though, and his next zany role is in the TV sitcom Cakap Melayulah!
“It’s a witty, wordy comedy, just what I like. I play a jobless youth who is roped in by a relative to teach expatriates basic Bahasa Malaysia at her night school. In the beginning, my character stumbles, because he fakes his prior teaching experience, but slowly, he gains the respect of his students, and begins to love his job,” he says.
While the Astro sitcom has some similarities to Oh My English! Nabil insists it is a “different ball game”.
“Its humour plays on words from standard Bahasa Malaysia, regional dialects and several other languages. The underlying message is that there is beauty in every language and no teacher can stop learning, even from his own students.”
Cakap Melayulah! will be on Astro Warna and stars Jasmin Hamid, Phoon Chi Ho, Khatijah Tan and Zaid Zahari of Alamak fame as well.
ROMANTIC COMEDY
Nabil recently filmed telemovie Strawberi Dan Karipap in Paris, France. The romantic comedy is directed by Prem Anand Pillai and stars Zizan Nin, Lisa Surihani, Nelydia Senrose, Mia Sara Nasuha and Rykarl Iskandar.
“I’m a busy man. I’ve been juggling my duties as an actor/television personality and radio presenter for the last five years. But I always make sure that I spend quality time with my loved ones. They are my strength and inspiration to better myself. They are always there for me.”
Nabil, 30, began his film career in 2009 with Sifu Dan Tongga directed by A Razak Mohaideen in which he played a member of a lost aboriginal tribe. A year later, he appeared in Lu Pikirlah Sendiri The Movie based on his famous tagline used during Raja Lawak 2, the comedy competition which he won.
Nabil’s natural ability to tickle audiences earned him the Most Popular Artiste title in Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian 2009, and last February, he took home the Anugerah Meletop Promising Radio Presenter Award for his work in radio station Era FM.
Married to Nazira Ayub, he has a daughter, Naira Mikayla Nabil, 2.
Nabil, who hosted talk show Meletop and participated in comedy challenge Super Spontan last year, would love to star in more musicals.
“I had a fantastic time with my sifu Afdlin and the brilliant Awie and Hans Isaac in Cuci The Musical three years ago. They taught me a lot about theatre. I realise it’s a lot more difficult to entertain audiences in theatre than in film and television.”
IMPROVISED COMEDY
After Hari Raya, Nabil will be rehearsing for a new season of Super Spontan which begins in October.
“Comedy is never easy, especially improvised comedy. But I love it so much that the hard work makes me feel great. I always love comedic challenges because they help me improve my talent,” he says.
Last year, he appeared in the remake of Ramadan television series Rumah Kedai with Didie Alias, Nora Danish, Amyza Aznan, Nabila Huda Suhaimi, Azlee Khairi and Miera Liyana.
“It was an honour to be part of this wonderful family drama which I grew up watching. It promotes wholesome values, and funny characters,” says Nabil whose next project for the big screen is Tulis Kampung (for October release). It is directed by Mohd Nor Kassim and stars Taiyuddin Bakar of Apa Celop Tok fame.
He is also collaborating with young Indonesian singer Tegar Septian in OK Lah!, composed by DJ Fuzz of Teh Tarik Crew fame. “It’s my first collaboration with Fuzz and Tegar, and I admire their professionalism. I would be happy to work with them again in more catchy, hilarious and uplifting songs,” he says.
Nabil recently took part in Shell V-Power’s Hari Raya campaign Jalan-Jalan Balik Kampung Dengan Shell V-Power with Farid Kamil, Diana Danielle and Heliza Helmi. The month-long contest (which began July 14) gives Malaysians a chance to share their balik kampung experiences for an opportunity to drive and dine with their favourite celebrities.
Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd managing director Azman Ismail says participants stand a chance to win a dinner for two with their chosen celebrity, and two winners will be paired with each celebrity.
Details at www.shell.com.my/balikkampung
Nang Nok airs on Aug 3 on Astro Ria (channel 104).