#SHOWBIZ: Nabila adds flair to Che Chom
The 40-year-old artiste, daughter of rock icon Datuk Suhaimi Abdul Rahman, better known as Amy of Search, often takes the extra step of hiring her own wardrobe designer to ensure the creation of a specific look that perfectly embodies the character she portrays.
This dedication to authenticity is evident in her latest film, 'Gayong', which opened in cinemas yesterday.
In this action drama and biopic, directed by Faisal Ishak and produced by Sol Pictures Sdn Bhd, Nabila plays Che Chom, the female lead, alongside Beto Kusyairy, who portrays the protagonist, Meor Abdul Rahman.
'Gayong' is inspired by the true story of the late Datuk Meor Abdul Rahman, a silat grandmaster and the revered founder of Pertubuhan Seni Silat Gayong Malaysia.
This first instalment of a planned series (a sequel has already been filmed) delves into the early life of Meor and the origins of his martial art, spanning from the late 1930s to the tumultuous period of the Japanese occupation of Malaya.
For her portrayal of Che Chom, a housewife from a humble background, Nabila collaborated closely with her wardrobe team to craft a look that would do justice to the character and the historical context.
"We developed her image and look based on the references provided by the director and producer, coupled with our own thorough research into that era," Nabila explains during a recent interview.
"When I finally saw it all come together on the big screen, I was filled with immense pride. Everything, from the wardrobe to the hair and make-up, had been carefully curated to evoke the essence of a woman living in a small village in Perak, and later, in a seaside village in Singapore."
Che Chom's wardrobe, predominantly featuring earthy tones and shades of brown, reflects the modesty and simplicity of the people of that time.
"I'm incredibly pleased with the final result. Everything we had envisioned came across as effortlessly authentic," Nabila says, adding that she is willing to invest personal funds to achieve the desired look for her characters.
"This is because I like to preserve most of the period pieces I wear in films. They serve as cherished mementos for me to look back on in my later years," she reveals.
When asked if she needed to seek approval from the director before embarking on her elaborate sartorial preparations for the film, Nabila explained that Faisal trusted her judgment, given their previous working relationship.
"I've worked with Uncle Faisal before, and he knows that I wouldn't do anything without careful consideration and a clear artistic purpose," Nabila says confidently.
While she felt confident in her approach to Che Chom's visual presentation, Nabila admitted to some initial apprehension before filming, primarily due to the film's subject matter: silat.
"I don't have any background in silat or any other form of martial arts. Naturally, I felt a little self-conscious about being involved in a production centred on such a discipline.
"But fortunately, I received excellent guidance from many people, including Kang Yayan (Indonesian actor Yayan Ruhian, who was both in the cast and the film's action director), members of the stunt team, and my co-star, Beto himself."
Nabila underwent a day of training to learn the silat movements choreographed for her character.
Despite playing the role of a housewife, Che Chom does have a moment to showcase her own fighting skills in a memorable scene.
"We spent a day training, but when it came to filming, they changed the choreography on me! Can you believe that?" she recounts with a laugh, recalling the initial shock of that unexpected change.
Beyond the silat sequence, Nabila cited the underwater scene as the most challenging aspect of filming 'Gayong'.
"Of course, there were experienced divers present underwater, and I had access to an oxygen tank while submerged.
"But filming the scenes of me being on the water's surface and then climbing back onto the boat was quite exhausting.
"I remember gasping and panting for air for quite some time after we wrapped up that particular sequence," she recalls.
When asked if she anticipates receiving accolades for her performance, Nabila humbly stated that her primary objective was to serve the narrative and to enhance Beto's portrayal of the legendary Meor.
"I was there to provide the necessary support and strength for him to fully embody and elevate his character, the iconic Meor," she said.
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