Actor Shaheizy Sam reveals to Bibi Nurshuhada Ramli the qualities he looks for in a life partner
HE is not only one of Malaysia’s most talented actors but also one of the country’s most eligible bachelors. However, heartthrob Shaheizy Sam is leaving it to fate when it comes to marriage.
“It’s up to the Almighty to point me in the right direction. I have no candidates yet,” he says in an interview.
The 32-year-old admits to being extremely picky. “Since I can be quite flustered at times, I will need someone calm and collected.
“She also needs to be patient with me and be humble. Most women today are independent, which is a good thing, but at the same time, I want to feel needed.”
He reveals that in the past, he wanted someone who looked good, but experience has taught him that appearance is not an important factor.
“Some people may be plain looking but have a heart of gold,” he says.
It’s also important for his mother, actress Khaty Fauziah, to like her. “My family’s blessing is essential.”
ALL ABOUT ROMANCE
As an actor, Sam is no stranger in playing a person in love. He has starred in various romantic films such as Sekali Lagi, Dua Kalimah and SAM — Saya Amat Mencintaimu, among others. Currently, Sam can be seen in Bernard Chauly’s rom-com Manisnya Cinta Di Cappadocia (MCDC), now in cinemas.
“It’s hard to say ‘no’ to (production house) Red Films because it always come up with impressive movies. Knowing that Bernard would be directing, I jumped at the chance because I’d never worked with him.”
MCDC tells of the recently single Ifti (Nur Fazura) who meets and falls for Nazim (Sam) but is in a dilemma when she is proposed to by her late sister’s husband.
Sam says “acting has to come from the inside to get the most natural results on screen.”
He says he is sensitive by nature and tends “to go very deep into character.” It’s emotionally draining and I usually need time to psychologically get out of the role that I was playing. In MCDC, I play a person in love. On screen, of course it would appear as if I’m in love. It’s gotten me into trouble in the past when some linked me to my co-stars. But I was just doing my job.”
DEDICATED TO HIS TRADE
Forever the dedicated actor, Sam recently shed eight per cent of his body fat for his role as Inspektor Khai in the upcoming crime action film Polis Evo. Besides exercising at the gym, he also cut down his carbohydrate intake, which affected his emotions. “I felt angry and at other times, I felt exhausted.”
Furthermore, Sam was discharged from hospital after being treated for dengue just two days before filming began.
“I was advised to recuperate at home, but since I’d already committed to the project, I had to ignore the fatigue.”
For his role as a police inspector, Sam didn’t undergo any training.
Sam explains that Khai lost his brother to drug abuse, and is heartless towards anyone in drug trafficking.
“He’s called a Supercop. He’ll be the one to lead an ambush and he doesn’t care about his own safety as long as he brings down the bad guys. However, no matter how tough he is, he’s still human.”
Polis Evo also stars Zizan Razak, Nora Danish, Harun Salim Bachik, Mimi Ernida and Pablo Amirul. Zizan plays Khai’s partner Inspektor Sani. “He provides the comedy but we keep it at a minimum,” Sam says.
The film, shot in Kuala Lumpur and Terengganu, is directed by Ghaz Abu Bakar and produced by Astro Shaw, a talented team to work with, Sam says. “Ghaz is a fantastic storyteller. He has a great vision and knows what looks best for his films. The technical team is one of the best around too.”
Sam has just wrapped up Kasut Ku Kusut, a comedy film directed by Pierre Andre. “I enjoy situational comedy, but these require a great script for it to work.”
He observes that the local entertainment industry doesn’t have many good comedy writers. “Instead, we have simple storylines where the comedians have to resort to slapstick to elicits laughs. I can’t relate to that.”
He enjoys watching funnyman Jim Carrey. He says: “Look at Carrey. He’s not trying too hard and he plays it safe. If his jokes don’t quite work, audiences still continue to watch.”
Naturally, Sam finds it more difficult making people laugh than cry. “We get great help from the accompanying music that plays during those emotional scenes. But to make people laugh, you should be able to do it without any props. That’s the mark of a true comedian, but how do you do it? So, yes, it’s tough for me.”
Meanwhile, the actor believes he isn’t ready to sit in the director’s chair yet. “I haven’t gained sufficient experience yet.”
In the future, he hopes to star in a biography. “I’ve always wanted to play someone iconic. I believe I can portray anyone, but give me ample time to research and prepare for it.”
He names Tun Mahathir Mohamad, and Malaysian heroes Adnan Saidi (Leftenan Adnan) and Kanang anak Langkau as some of the individuals he would like to portray.
“Not everyone has the power to sway people’s emotions — make them cry, laugh or feel happy. That’s why I really love my job.”