AFTER introducing television viewers to fictional character Mak Cun three years ago, actress-director-entrepreneur Erma Fatima, 49, will soon showcase another winsome female character, Joyah Vegas.
Unlike Mak Cun though, Joyah is based on an actual person.
Joyah, whose real name is Pon Jumat, 51, is a Malaysian woman who resides in Las Vegas, Nevada, the United States.
“I’ve been in contact with Joyah through WhatsApp and email. Further discussions with her will take place when I meet her in person next month. I will interview her to get a real picture of who she is,” said Erma of her drama.
Joyah migrated to the US in 1988 to be with her American husband, and has since become a businesswoman.
“I find her rags-to-riches story inspiring and hope that Malaysians will love the drama and the character as much as they have with Mak Cun.
“I’ve heard that many Malaysians who’ve met her in Las Vegas sayshe’s warm and welcoming,” she said of Joyah who grew up in a rubber estate in Pagoh, Johor.
Erma herself can’t play Joyah as she has been deeply associated with Mak Cun. She initially approached actress Jihan Muse to take the role.
“But since she’s now pregnant, I will have to scout around for another talent.”
Before meeting Joyah, Erma will be in the United States’ East Coast as a dozen of her apparel under the Mak Cun label will be paraded during the Spring-Summer 2018 New York Fashion Week.
“I’m excited about this and I’m grateful to Peniagawati (Association of Bumiputera Women in Business and Profession) for inviting us to be part of the delegation to New York City next month,” she said about the label
She took part at a fashion show in Torino, Italy, two months ago.
Erma, who will spend three weeks in the US, will be accompanied by her sister, actress Datin Umie Aida.
“We will film scenes for the new season of Mak Cun in New York, Las Vegas and Niagara Falls.”