Handsome actor Saharul Ridzwan is excitedly preparing for the arrival of his first child, writes Bibi Nurshuhada Ramli.
BECOMING a first-time parent is both exciting and nerve-wracking. For the most part, actor Saharul Ridzwan, 28, is over the moon about stepping into that role with his wife Deena Emir, currently five months pregnant.
He even thinks the baby takes after him in behaviour. “One day, the baby started kicking. Deena wanted to take a video of it but whenever she focused the camera on her tummy, the baby stopped moving,” the actor says, chuckling, during this interview. “It’s as if he was playing hide and seek! I’m a bit of a clown myself, so I like to think that the baby has my personality.”
Despite the excitement, Saharul is a little nervous. He helps his wife out whenever he can. He downloaded a mobile app that compares a baby’s size at each developmental stage with that of a fruit.
“I showed it to my wife and she was surprised because only women would download it,” he says, laughing.
With his wife, who is due in June, heading into her third trimester, Saharul plans to work extra hard now so that he can take a break during Ramadan, to be by his wife’s side.
“I work hard every day. When I get home, I’m exhausted, but after touching my wife’s belly, my exhaustion disappears,” he says.
He adds that even though he has asked for parenting advice from many people including his parents and in-laws, he still feels inadequate.
His biggest concern is educating his child on being a useful individual. “I’m worried I may not able to take care of his schooling, meals and religious studies, for example.”
“I also fear unforeseen complications in delivery. I just pray that everything goes well.” He and his wife will only name their baby seven days after birth following their parents’ suggestions. The couple also chose not to find out the baby’s gender beforehand. “We don’t mind not knowing, as long as our child is healthy.”
Becoming a father also has changed how he chooses his acting projects. “Now that I’m older and have a family, I hope to deliver more mature performances that show how much I’ve grown as an artiste and an individual.”
MORE DRAMA
One of Saharul’s upcoming TV series is Arluna, to air on Astro Prima from May 8. The 15-episode series also stars Anzalna Nasir. Over the past few years, Astro has had a fair share of popular drama series such as Suri Hati Mr Pilot and Dia Semanis Honey.
To present more drama productions to its viewers, Astro is turning four of its channels into a hub for its best Malay dramas through their selective drama slots. The channels are Astro Ria (Channel 104), Astro Prima (Channel 105), Astro Warna (Channel 132) and Astro Oasis (Channel 106). Each provides a different drama genre to cater to audiences’ diverse preferences.
Originally, there were just two drama slots, namely Astro Ria’s Mega Drama that features light romance series airing from Mondays to Thursdays at 10pm; and Astro Prima’s Tiara which mostly offers long episodic series every Monday to Thursday at 6pm.
Astro is adding two more drama slots: Skrin Komedia on Astro Warna, airing Wednesdays to Fridays at 9pm offering comedy series, and Raihana on Astro Oasis, airing Mondays to Wednesdays at 9pm and offering religious-themed drama series that are adapted from novels.
The demand for local Malay dramas is increasing, says Astro Malay channel head Raqim Ahmad. “The successes of Astro Ria and Astro Prima’s drama series indicate the need to supply more similar productions. The addition of two new drama slots will also provide opportunities for local arts practitioners to showcase their craft.”
Interestingly, Astro Oasis’ Raihana will only feature married celebrity couples as the stars of its dramas. “We try to be as syariah-compliant as possible when it comes to our actors,” Raqim adds.
CLOSER TO FANS
To further celebrate its range of drama series, Astro is organising Karnival Throwbaek Drama until March 26 at Nu Sentral’s concourse.
Fans can see their favourite drama stars, and watch special drama presentation and stage performances.
A talent search will also be held to unearth new faces. “The carnival aims to show appreciation to our viewers who have supported our dramas since day one,” Raqim says. “At the same time, we hope to gain feedback regarding our drama releases, in order to improve the quality of our selection.”
Some of the drama series that are highlighted at the carnival are Dia Semanis Honey, Suri Hati Mr Pilot, Isteri Tuan Ihsan, Memori Cinta Suraya and Imam Mudaku Romantik.
THANK YOU TO STARS
The carnival closes with Malam Throwbaek Drama, a tribute to the artistes who helped to popularise Astro’s various drama series. To be held on April 1 at 8.30pm at Hotel Premiera Kuala Lumpur, the event allows fans to vote for their favourite stars through eight different categories.
They are Kapel Throwbaek, Watak Paling Meminta, Otai Throwbaek, Scene Paling Win, Pelakon Paling Membantu, OST Throwbaek, Hero Throwbaek and Heroin Throwbaek.
The nominees will be announced via hlive’s Instagram account. The ones with the highest number of likes (recorded between March 23 and 30) in each category are the winners.
The fans’ votes for each of the eight categories make up 50 per cent while the remaining 50 per cent is based on jury’s votes.
Three other categories, namely Drama Throwbaek, Fan Club Throwbaek and Most Hardworking Actor/Actress, are based on jury’s votes.
Fans can also attend the star-studded Malam Throwbaek Drama. Passes are priced at RM150 each. VIP passes, at RM550, also comprise a one-night stay at Hotel Premiera Kuala Lumpur and dinner for two.
Visit www.premiera.com.my or call 03-26151000 to purchase.
A delayed telecast of Malam Throwbaek Drama will air on April 8 at 8.30pm on Astro Ria.