KUALA LUMPUR: Popular actress Janna Nick loves challenging roles, but preparing for some of them can be tough.
In fact, the 24-year-old artiste’s on-going drama series Leftenan Zana has proven to be her toughest role yet.
To prepare for the character of pampered girl Zana, who dreams of following her father’s footsteps by joining the army, Janna spent a month of “nightmarish” military training at an army camp in Port Dickson.
“It was hell there. My trainers forced me to undergo difficult obstacle courses for team-building and endurance and I was a slow-learner.
"As a result I had to face lots of scoldings and the occasional punishments like push-ups on my fists," said Janna at the launch of Drama Festival Kuala Lumpur 2019 in Balai Berita yesterday.
“Every day seemed like an ordeal for the first two weeks, and I cried myself to sleep every night.”
Janna is thankful that the 20-episode drama’s director Azman Yahya had “lots of faith” in her, and motivated her to not give up.
“He told me that training may be painful but great actors dare make sacrifices to give convincing portrayals of inspiring characters.
“This, and the example of my friend Hairul Azreen who gave his all in Paskal last year, soon fired me up to endure training till the end,” said Janna.
Janna said that army training opened her eyes to the enormous sacrifices Malaysian soldiers make to keep the country safe.
“Not only did training toughen me up, it made me realise that the army is a real unsung group of heroes who endure hardship without expecting much in return. It’s time all of us appreciated them more.”
Leftenan Zana which also stars Sheila Rusly and Tunku Hanis is currently airing on TV3 since Feb 8, at 9pm from Wednesdays to Fridays.
It is produced by JS Pictures Sdn Bhd.