RIDING high with songs like Portret, Mewangi and Lygophobia, singer-songwriter Akim Ahmad of Akim And The Majistret has also impressed viewers with his decent acting, in comedy-drama series such as Kampung Girl and musical films like Hoore Hoore.
Akim’s last acting project before tying the knot with Sabahan singer Stacy Angie Anam in 2016 was Kampung Girl Raya, a 2015 Hari Raya Aidilfitri spin-off of the popular series Kampung Girl.
After marrying Stacy and becoming the proud parent of 10-month-old Eshaal Akim in February, the Akademi Fantasia 8 (AF8) second runner-up was widely believed to have called it a day with regards to acting.
Some fans even thought that Stacy had discouraged Akim from acting to “strengthen their marriage”.
“No, nothing can be further from the truth. I’m still interested in acting, and I’d love to return to TV and cinema, but I’ve been rather busy with my band since it was formed two years ago,” said Akim in a recent interview.
“My bandmates love my TV appearances, especially Kampung Girl, and likewise, Stacy.
“In fact, she commended me for having ‘superb’ on-screen chemistry with Nad Zainal in the romantic series,” he added.
Akim may be a dad today but since his wife is also an entertainer, it is “perfectly okay” for him to star alongside popular and beautiful actresses on the big and small screens.
“Stacy and I understand each other since we’re both in showbusiness. Furthermore, we graduated from the same reality talent show, Akademi Fantasia.
“We’ve been trained in music and acting by the same professional instructors, and thus we are both pragmatic when it comes to pursuing our respective careers,” explained Akim.
Akim’s interest in acting started during his days in AF8.
His principal, Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina, encouraged her 14 students to go beyond singing by participating in musicals — on television, cinema and in the theatre.
JOKER BY NATURE
The 2010 Astro Ria musical series Kau Dan Aku was Akim’s acting debut, and it was a coming-of-age story involving college students.
Akim’s co-stars were his fellow AF alumni such as Mila Jirin and Hafiz Suip.
To date, Akim has been involved in 10 television series and telemovies, as well as two films — Jumbo Gajah Biru and Hoore Hoore.
“Jumbo was the Bahasa Malaysia edition of the Thai animated movie of the same name. I voiced the protagonist, a brave, fearless blue elephant who served the Kings of Siam in their wars with Myanmar or Burma,” said Akim, who loves tigers and least wanted to be an elephant.
All of Akim’s TV and cinema roles to date have been lightweight but he is not complaining since he is a relatively new actor.
“I’ve played mostly good guys — boys next door as well as young professionals in love. All my characters have been rather funny, not intense, since I’m a joker by nature,” he said.
As he gains more experience, Akim would love to play handicapped people as well as “smooth-talking criminals”.
“I don’t think I’m cut out to be a ruthless villain. I look way too tame.
“Perhaps I can play ‘white collared’ conmen, tthose who initially seem good but are later revealed to be crooks.”
His ideal role is to be a wheelchair-bound handicapped person or a terminally ill patient.
“I loved how Eddie Redmayne played scientist Stephen Hawking in The Theory Of Everything. He certainly deserved the the Best Actor win at the Oscars.”
AVID READER
Of the actors he has worked with, Akim “clicked” best with his Kampung Girl wife Nad.
“We both share an interest in good movies, such as science-fiction adventures and thought-provoking thrillers. Furthermore, we’re avid readers,” said Akim, adding that he and Nad have kept in touch via Instagram after the series ended.
Nad also became a parent four months before Akim, and shared with him useful tips on baby care.
“I’d love to have a TV series reunion with Nad in the next two years.
“Kampung Girl gained a strong following and many people gave Nad and I good feedback, endorsing our on-screen chemistry with a big thumbs-up,” explained Akim.
Is there any chance of Akim co-starring with Stacy in a TV series or film?
“No, I’m afraid that Stacy isn’t keen on acting. However, she doesn’t mind appearing in musicals where she can put her dancing skills to great use.
“Perhaps we can appear together in a musical some day!” said Akim.
I’d love to return to TV and cinema but I’ve been rather busy with my band. Akim