BEFORE he became a popular comedian, television host and actor Zizan Razak, 33, had one more talent which he has pleaded guilty to sidelining — dancing.
Not many fans know this, but the actor is a self-taught street dancer who participated in B-boy competitions in his hometown of Kuala Terengganu prior to joining Raja Lawak a decade ago.
“Being an actor has always been my ambition, but I also
love dancing.
“I spent my teen years practicing hip-hop dance with schoolmates and even performed traditional dance for Citrawarna in Kuala Lumpur,” he told the New Straits Times recently.
“As a teenager, I strongly identified with singers who could dance, too.
“Michael Jackson, Will Smith, Justin Timberlake, KRU and Da-tuk AC Mizal were my favourites, and they still are!”
However, since becoming an actor, apart from impressing his Akademi Fantasia (AF) co-hosts Alif Satar and Faizal Ismail with brief demonstrations in its concerts, he has not been dancing seriously.
“I’ve danced with Showdown 2010 winners Wakaka Crew and shown my moves to AF dance instructor Linda Jasmine Hashim. She was impressed and suggested that I continue to nurture my dance skills.”
Zizan said he hoped to star in a dance-themed film inspired by Showdown The Movie and the Hollywood’s Step Up movie series.
“Even though I’ve not danced for a long time, I’ve watched most of the dance films and followed dance reality shows.
“So, I’m informed about the progression of the craft for the past decade,” said Zizan, who looks up to American actor Channing Tatum for his dance moves.
“If I were to star in a dance film, I hope it will be directed by Ghaz Bakar (of Polis Evo fame), who is known to produce great music videos. Dance films are just like prolonged music videos!”
For his co-stars, he has AC and all-girl pop and dance trio De Fam in mind.
“The De Fam girls are a must for dance films. They’re a triple ‘threat’ in singing, dancing and acting.”
Zizan vows to get “back in shape” as a dancer once his film idea becomes a reality.
“I’m prepared to attend dance classes to prepare myself for the role of a street dancer.
“And while the story celebrates dance and showcases talented troupes, it’ll have important social messages about friendship, honesty and self-esteem, just like my other films,” said Zizan who stars in Abang Long Fadil 2, which opens in cinemas on Thursday.