WE MET Fattah Amin at Pop Studio, a commercial photography studio in Shah Alam. His stylist Vee and his makeup artist Razzi Musa were busy at work making the handsome actor-cum-singer look more dashing for his upcoming photoshoot.
These photos will be used to promote his latest single Bebas, a song meant to inspire people to greater heights. To date, Bebas is Fattah’s fourth single. There are also plans to produce a full album with at least six songs in the near future.
Fattah first shot to stardom in 2011 when he won the male beauty pageant Hero Remaja. The win opened doors for him in the entertainment industry. Producers were keen to hire the handsome lad to star in their television series.
Slowly, he managed to build a successful acting career. Some of his best-known roles include Raja Adrian Benjamin in Playboy Itu Suami Aku, Inspector Haikal in Gerak Khas, Captain Ejaz Fakhri in Suri Hati Mr. Pilot and Tengku Ian Uzzam in Hero Seorang Cinderella. In 2014, he jumped to the big screen, appearing in Bernard Chauly’s romantic comedy Manisnya Cinta Di Cappadocia.
In late 2017, Fattah made a huge life change by tying the knot with actress, singer and TV host Fazura. He also began taking risks in his career, starring in the action-packed KL Special Force in 2018.
In this exclusive interview, theSun managed to ask Fattah about his future plans.
Tell us some of the exciting roles that audiences will see you take on in the future.
“Last year I [shot] three films, and hopefully audiences will get to see them this year. The first is the historical epic titled Mat Kilau (The film is based on the real-life Malay warrior who fought against the British occupation in Pahang).
“I play Awang who is the brother of Mat Kilau, and both of them have a close relationship. I underwent three months of training in silat. I even spoke to one of Mat Kilau’s descendants just to get into the skin of my character.
“My second film is called Deleted, where I play a cop who brings down a child trafficking ring, while my third film is Mimiland, which focuses on a film crew shooting a documentary about an abandoned haunted theme park.”
You got married at the age of 27. Some say your marriage may have harmed your career, as single actors are more marketable. Do you have any regrets marrying early?
“Some said I would lose my female fans if I got married. But I feel marriage has made me a better man, and a better actor.
“My wife has been in the industry longer than I have. She has won many awards for her performances. She gave me a lot of useful advice to [help] improve my career. She told me to be picky and to choose good scripts and good characters.
“I am following my wife’s advice. I feel my rezeki (fortune) has increased after I got married.”
Of late, you have been choosing action film roles. Did you stop taking romantic roles because you are a married man now?
“I started my career playing romantic roles. But I do not want my fans to keep seeing me in the same type of genre. As an actor, I should expand my portfolio and accept different roles in different genres. That is what I [did] in 2019.
“[But] I have not completely abandoned romantic roles. There are two upcoming TV series where I am playing romantic roles.”
Your uncle is the famous filmmaker Yusof Haslam. Some believe you achieved your success in the entertainment industry because of your family connection.
“When I wanted to be an actor, I went to see my uncle. He did not give me any roles [in his films].
“He told me that I have to start from the bottom, being a crew member in his production house.
“His sons (actor-director Syamsul Yusof and director Syafiq Yusof) have gone through the same process. They also started out as crew members in his production house.
“Being a crew member is not easy. When the director [wraps up] shooting for the day, the actors’ work is done. But the crew members still have to work. They have to stay back and clear all equipment on the set. You are totally exhausted by the end of the day.
“[Opportunity came] when I won the Hero Remaja pageant in 2011. I began to get acting offers. [But] I will always be grateful to my uncle for showing me the ropes.”
Over the years, you started several businesses, including a gym, a café and a clothing line. What is currently happening with your businesses?
“I no longer run the gym any more. My café (Stalkers) is under renovation. It will have a new look and a brand new menu. I am also planning to change the name. It will no longer be called Stalkers.
“As for my clothing line called Fattastic, I am working on a new Raya collection.
“In future I want to produce films and own a production house. Currently, I am pursuing a degree in management production.”
Tell us what you do when you are not working?
“I go to the gym five times a week. I have a trainer.
“My wife and I love to [travel]. Last year we went to New York and Los Angeles. I liked Los Angeles more than New York. I found New York to be a little too crowded for my taste. In future, we have plans to visit Italy.”
Describe your childhood years.
“My dad was a police officer and my mother was a housewife. I am the eldest of five children.
“I was studying for a diploma in Business Management. I had to work as a model and as an extra in films for money to pay for my studies.
“But I have no complaints. Your struggles make you a better man. You learn to be independent at a very early age.”
This year you will be turning 30. Do you have any reservation leaving behind your 20s?
“They say life begins at 40, so I have to wait another 10 years for my life to begin (laughs).
“Frankly speaking, I am just enjoying every moment of my life with my wife without worrying about the numbers.”
