When Yasmin Ahmad passed away on 25 July 2009, the news not only shocked her friends and family, but her fans as well. The Malaysian film industry had just lost one of its most talented directors. Even though her works were considered controversial, they always portrayed the realities of life, the various races in Malaysia, love, forgiveness and many other values of life. Her second last film, "Muallaf" which was 'stuck' for almost two years at the Censorship Board (LPF) was finally released on 24 December 2009. Cinema Online had the chance to interview the lead actress of the film, Sharifah Amani or fondly known as Nani, who was extremely close to the late director during a press preview of "Muallaf" at Cathay Cineplex Damansara on 16 December 2009.
Congrats! After two years, "Muallaf" will finally be on Malaysian screens. Nani, how do you feel? Extremely happy! I hope that Malaysian audiences would like this film, as tickets were sold-out in Singapore. In fact, when "Muallaf" was screened at the Jakarta International Film Festival (JiFF) held recently, it got a standing ovation. Indonesian audiences gave a good response and asked intelligent questions. Nani, tell us about your character in "Muallaf". I play Rohani. She is a calm, patient, forgiving person and is trying to find herself through religion. Rohani lives only for Allah SWT and her sister, Rohana who's played by my very own sister, Sharifah Aleysha. How has the character of Rohani changed your life? When Yasmin gave me the script and explained the character of Rohani, at that time I just thought how great it would be if I could be just like her. I felt a little jealous of Ani. Frankly, I'm a straightforward, stubborn, impatient, not too forgiving and over-confident, which might scare some people. The difference between Ani and I is that she is a humble, calm, and knowledgeable. But the more I acted as Ani, unwittingly I started to gain some of Ani's traits in real life. Alhamdulillah, I'm much calmer now. Before the release of "Muallaf", the media bombarded you over the shock that you had your head shaved bald for the role. What are your comments on this? I just don't understand the fuss surrounding me when I shaved my head. I did it because of work and I feel it was worth it. It's a way of presenting the story and gives an impact to the audience. I am someone who is committed to her work. Even Natalie Portman's shaved her head before. Maybe it's a way to be in the news (laughs).
Today "Muallaf" was screened for the first time to the press. How do you feel with Yasmin not being here during the preview? Of course I 'm nervous, what more with my protector not being here and having to face the press by myself. To add insult, even my own mother Fatimah Abu Bakar is busy! You were very close to the late Yasmin. How are you coping with life, now that she is not here anymore? Honestly, if felt like losing my own mother. It's affected me deeply. I met Yasmin when I was 17-years-old and we shot the film "Sepet". Since then, Yasmin's been the one who has helped me become who I am today. My parents gave me my name but Yasmin gave it meaning. My life is no longer the same as before, especially since she's the one whom I tell everything to. I've cried and isolated myself for so long. Even then I asked myself, "How long do I have to act this way?" So I would like to continue with what I'm doing which is to act and make films. Whatever ideas I have shared with her or her ideas that were not realised, I want to complete it. Of course in my own way. I could never or even try to be like her. This is my way of showing my appreciation to Yasmin as she was the one who taught me about life. Thanks a lot, Nani! You're welcome.