#Showbiz: Aiman keeps his passions going

NOT many fans of dashing actor Aiman Hakim Ridza remember that he began his foray into showbiz as an aspiring singer back in 2011. That year, Johor Baru-born Aiman, 29, participated in the fifth season of TV3's popular reality talent show Mentor, as veteran crooner Rahim Maarof's protege. Sadly, he suffered an early elimination and finished fifth in the 10-week contest, which saw singer-actress Erra Fazira's Sabahan protege Salma Asis win the top prize.

Aiman was also a national footballer, representing the country in the Youth World Cup (2004-2005). In the showbiz industry, he was best known for his appearances in TV dramas Diandra, Isteri Separuh Masa and Pengantin 100 Hari.

Aiman recently decided to reexplore his musical roots.

STUDIO PLANS

He has just established his own recording studio in Ara Damansara, Petaling Jaya, and it will begin operations from next year. Enterprising Aiman founded the studio with his Singaporean friend, singer-songwriter Awi Rafael, and they have plans to sing, write and compose songs together in the coming years.

"Besides the studio, Awi and I are also forming our own record label. Since he's more experienced, he'll be writing most of the songs."Nevertheless, I've learnt to be a songwriter too over the last five years with his guidance,” said Aiman at the launch of his latest TV series #siscuba at Balai Berita in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur recently.

Aiman said all aspiring singers were welcome to make use of his studio, likewise established ones.

"It's actually a studio cafe. This means users can hang out and have a meal and drink there," he said, adding that he had been longing to have his own eatery. Awi had encouraged him to be a "jack of all trades" in showbiz, to be more bankable.

"It's always good to be more than just an actor or singer, and with this new studio, label and cafe, I'm on my way to add ‘producer, entrepreneur, lyricist and composer’ to my resume."

His mentor, Rahim, had also encouraged him to "diversify". "The best artistes in the market are self-reliant and create their own products and services and do not just take up acting roles or songs created by others," said Aiman.

He added that his studio cafe would be a great venue for musicians, singers and bands to hold meetings and create new songs and albums.

"Awi and I conceptualised the studio as a digital music hub. In the long run, we plan to create our own online platform and applications to enhance it. This hub will expose new singers to the latest music technology."

BIG BROTHER

On his acting projects, Aiman said he had learnt to be more selective with scripts, and only wants to appear in dramas with "strong storylines".

"As an actor, I must give feedback when I find that a script needs improvement. Not that I'm outspoken, I just want to make sure I play characters who viewers can identify with."

Aiman, who recently appeared in two Singaporean Malay dramas Damia, and Mekah Di Hati, directed by Razi Salam, said #siscuba is a female-driven romantic comedy.

"I'm the only man in the story, which is primarily about three young ladies who have been best friends since primary school," he said. "My character Azril is the elder brother of one of the girls, the outspoken and rather tomboyish Yasmin. He is like a peacemaker and ‘big brother’ to them, and while he is mature and tactful, there is also a wild and crazy side to him."

#siscuba which is produced by Lumatic Films and directed by Nik Amir Mustapha of Kil, Terbaik Dari Langit and Rise: Ini Kalilah fame. It also stars Akademi Fantasia 2013 graduate Nabila Razali, Big Stage 2018 winner Sarah Suhairi and model-turned-actress Syifa Melvin, the sister-in-law of Polis Evo 2 star, Shaheizy Sam.

Asked about his experience working with the trio, Aiman said as newcomers to the industry, Nabila, Syifa and Sarah were "eager to learn the ropes" from him.

"They may have little or no acting experience but they've shown great commitment and professionalism. Nabila and Sarah share something in common with me; the three of us are singer-actors, but they are more into singing while I am more into acting," he said.

PURSUING DREAMS

Nabila said #siscuba is a light-hearted tale about true friendship and pursuing one's dreams. "My character Mawar has always dreamt of becoming a successful hijab and fashion designer since schooldays. Her best friends Yasmin and Nora promise to help her set up a boutique, but over the years, they forget their common goal.

"Now that they are all grown up, Mawar seeks Azril’s help to persuade Yasmin and Nora, who have fallen out, to reconcile and kick-start their project. Mawar needs Nora's business acumen and Yasmin's communication skills to make her dream come true."

First-time actress Sarah, who plays Nora, said shooting the series was tiring but rewarding, as she learnt the basics of acting on the set.

"We worked long hours, from 7am to past midnight. Nevertheless, Nik Amir was friendly and has taught me a lot about acting."

First-time actress Syifa, who has hosted Astro Oasis' documentary Pesona Muslimah, said her elder sister Syatilla Melvin encouraged her to take up the role. "Yasmin is an interesting character, she is the loudest of the girls. She speaks her mind and occasionally ruffles feathers, but Mawar, Nora and Azril love her honesty and compassion."

Nabila added that the four of them chatted a lot between scenes, and this helped them develop good on-screen chemistry.

"Since Aiman, Sarah and I are reality show graduates, we're able to understand each other a lot better. And it's great that Syifa has been following our respective careers too."

The five-episode #siscuba is currently screening at 9.50pm on TV3 every Tuesday, as well as at 4.50pm on ntv7 every Saturday.

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