KUALA LUMPUR: Pop legend Datuk Jamal Abdillah, 65, has never expected his character Zack from the 1984 movie Azura to be a hit with the younger generation.
In a recent interview with Harian Metro, Jamal said that Azura may have been screened four decades ago, but fans of the cult movie have also introduced it to their children and grandchildren.
"It's great to know that fans of Azura have shared their love of this movie with their children and grandchildren. Back then, many fans of the movie called me Zack whenever they met me in town, and this habit has been emulated by their offspring today," said Jamal, adding that he was moved by their support.
"The Zack and Azura phenomenon is alive and well. I thank God that Malaysians still remember the movie and have popularised it with the new generation."
Jamal also said that one of his fans who wrote to him back then, was suffering from leukaemia and wanted to meet him.
"This fan was one of hundreds who wrote to me back then, addressing her letter to Warner Music," he said.
"Coincidentally, this fan was from Ipoh, where I grew up and she invited me to visit her."
Jamal, accompanied by his late father, soon paid a visit to the fan but never heard of her again after that.
"We posed for some photos and I signed my autograph on her book. She was overjoyed and told me that her dream had finally come true."
Jamal is preparing for his next major concert Konsert Datuk Jamal Abdillah Sandarkan Pada Kenangan Mencari Azura, at Zepp Kuala Lumpur on Feb 15 next year.
The concert is organised by Live Injection and NJ Resources, and pays tribute to his hit songs especially those from the movie such as Sandarkan Pada Kenangan, his duet with his then co-star Fauziah Ahmad Daud.
In the coming concert, Jamal will perform Sandarkan Pada Kenangan with singer Wany Hasrita.