Endearing Flame Of Love
Model-turned-actor Eizlan Yusof gives the lowdown on his role in the drama Dari KL Ke Queenstown. SHUIB TAIB writes.
ALTHOUGH model-turned-actor Eizlan Yusof has played various roles in 13 different films and hundreds of made-for-TV dramas, he is not prepared to make his directorial debut yet.
Winner of the Most Promising Actor award at the 14th Malaysian Film Festival for his role in Perempuan Melayu Terakhir in 1999 and Best Supporting Actor at TV3’s Skrin award (Panas, 1997/98), the 37-year-old actor who has just had a baby girl is happy with his life now.
“I have been offered to direct a few times but I think directing is not my call. I still love to act and although I’m not young anymore, getting a supporting role in a movie or TV drama is good enough for me,” said the actor, who also runs a trading business with his partner.
Despite his busy schedule (he travels to Jakarta regularly as his business is based there), Eizlan still finds time to act. He can be seen on ntv7’s Dari KL Ke Queenstown every Friday at 8.30pm.
Directed by Haris Fadzillah and produced by noted actor/producer Ahmad Idham Omar, the series also features Intan Ladyana, Tengku Puteri Najuwa and veterans such as Datuk Ahmad Tamimi Siregar, Aznah Hamid, Dian P. Ramlee and Khatija Tan. Upcoming talent Almy Nadia adds to the strength of this touching drama.
The story revolves around Saiful Bahrin (Eizlan), the only child of single mother Hasnah. Saiful studies in Queenstown, New Zealand. Away from home, he gets to know other Malaysian students such as Lily John (Tengku Puteri Najuwa), Sofia (Intan Ladyana) and Mimi (Efa Nareesha).
Surrounded by fellow Malaysian students whose wild lifestyles differ from his quiet existence, Saiful is nevertheless determined to get to know more about those different from him. He grows close to Lily John whose cheerful and caring attitude endears her to him.
As fate would have it, a chance encounter with Sofia, the socialite, eventually leads to a lifelong romance although at their first meeting, Saiful is taken aback by her arrogance and westernised ways.
Saiful’s and Sofia’s relationship is ultimately doomed as the latter’s family decide to pair her with Jefri, who is from an equally wealthy family as hers. However fate brings the two together again 20 years later. But will their love be strong enough to withstand the changes in their lives?
“This story is actually based on a true story about an old friend of mine. He is handsome, successful and eligible. After that first love, he has remained single to this day,” explained Eizlan, adding that his friend, a well-known corporate figure, is in his 50s.
Eizlan adds that Dari KL Ke Queenstown (DKKQ) has similarities with P. Ramlee’s Antara Dua Darjat except that DKKQ is a bit more modern and urban in its landscape.
Shooting for the drama, which runs for 13 episodes, was done in Christchurch, Queenstown and Akaroa, New Zealand.
“The story features two different eras, the ’80s and the present. I’m sure the audience can relate to this drama about “forbidden” love. Hopefully, they can also see that being rich or poor doesn’t mean anything if you don’t have love,” said Eizlan, who also does script-writing, where his works have been nominated at Anugerah Sri Angkasa several times.
For more details, log on to www.ntv7.com.my. For re-runs, check out CatchUp TV online.
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