Erra Fazira tells Dennis Chua she is happy with a lighter workload.
SHE may be 42, but bubbly actress Erra Fazira looks as youthful as she was during her heyday in the 1990s.
Often asked about her “magic formula” for staying young, she says it’s eating healthy, exercising and getting a good night’s sleep.
Another reason is perhaps, love, specifically that for her only daughter, Engku Aleesya Engku Emran, 7.
“Aleesya is my soul mate. My life is dedicated to her well-being,” says Erra in an interview at the Royale Chulan Hotel, Jalan Conlay, Kuala Lumpur.
She is happy that Aleesya, who is growing up fast, is independent and can look after herself. However, she hopes Aleesya will overcome her shyness and socialise more with kids her age.
“She is on the shy side, but I believe she will gradually learn to be more sociable. Attending school and going for extra-curricular activities does the trick,” she says.
When asked about her “other love”, the award-winning Erra flashes a radiant smile and retorts: “And who are you referring to?”
A journalist promptly scribbles the name “Shahir Zawawi” in his notebook, and Erra’s smile turns to laughter.
“Shahir and I are good friends. We enjoy each other’s company and admire each other’s talents. I’ve known him since he won Akademi Fantasia 8 in 2010. While we seldom meet up, we do occasionally visit each other’s families,” says Erra.
Are they planning to take their friendship to the next level?
“Sorry I can’t answer that question for now,” she says with a laugh.
About her new projects, Erra reveals that she will soon appear in a 13-episode romantic comedy, tentatively titled Andartu Kau Bidadari Ku, produced by Datuk Yusof Haslam. Erra plays a 40-something single woman who is unlucky in love.
“There’s going to be a younger man who falls for my character... it will most likely be (played by) Fattah Amin,” says Erra, who describes Fattah as a talented and promising star.
She is always ready to star in films produced by Yusof, the man who made her a screen legend in the Sembilu movies in the early 1990s.
“We have not worked together for almost two decades, so it’s good to return to my roots,” says Erra.
She will also make guest appearances in Yusof’s long-running, popular crime drama series, Gerak Khas, next year.
“I remember appearing in Gerak Khas’ first movie. My no-nonsense character, Inspector Syafiqah, died in a shootout with drug smugglers. But the tough policewoman may be back in action, courtesy of an interesting plot twist by Yusof,” says Erra.
Her year-end movie, Soul Mate, directed by Prof Datuk A. Razak Mohaideen of Anak Mami fame, marks her first starring role with Singapore Idol Taufik Batisah.
“I’m delighted to team up with Taufik. I admire his soulful and manly voice. While I don’t play his love interest, I’m a trusted friend who helps him through his many problems,” she says.
Erra and Taufik have also recorded the theme song of the movie, also titled Soul Mate. “It’s a sweet and memorable song which captures the essence of the story, that of a lonely man who has lost his wife and is longing for new love. Composer Azmeer has done a great job.”
Saying that she is comfortable and happy where she is in life now, with a lighter workload and more time to spend with her daughter, she says: “Popularity is not a priority anymore. I’ve been there and it doesn’t excite me. It’s time for new talents to take centrestage.”
Erra won two Best Actress awards at the Malaysian Film Festival for her performances in Soal Hati (2000) and Hingga Hujung Nyawa (2004).
“I now go for quality, rather than quantity. I am more selective about roles and I always look for those that are challenging,” she adds.
Her image as a hijab-wearing actress has made her more picky about her roles; she insists they need to suit her image.
Erra has hosted Astro Prima talk show, Primadona, which completed its sixth season late last year. “I enjoy hosting talk shows as I am interested in the goings-on in the local entertainment scene. Besides, the shows also touch on other issues of public interest, such as the role of parents.”
As for singing, Erra still receives offers to perform at events and functions, even though she has not released an album for a long while.
Her collaboration with Indonesian singer and composer Opick, in a charity concert titled Ku Mohon Tuhan Berikan Aku Cinta last year, was well-received by fans. “It was an enjoyable event, and while I still love singing and the occasional big concert, singing is more of a pastime,” she says.
Erra is now an entrepreneur. She recently launched her own range of perfumes and air fresheners, named Forget Me Not and Lovable, respectively.
Developed by Hot Perfumes And Air Fresheners Industries Sdn Bhd, these are approved by the International Fragrance Association.