OUT PERFORMED

Rules and guidelines according to Izzue Islam, the epitome of a true performing artist.

- John Ng

When Izzue Islam got nominated in one of the most prominent award ceremonies which celebrates the very best of Malaysian cinema, he decided that choosing not to expect anything would be the best form of preparation. According to Izzue, it was surreal, amazing, crazy when he was announced the winner because he didn’t even at the first place expect himself to be in the running for the award. “I didn’t set high expectations because the other nominees in the category were all great actors,” says Izzue, candidly. “Of course, I felt very grateful to be honoured the Most Promising Actor category at the 2013 Malaysia Film Festival.”

If he has to name one work which catapulted his career, it’d got to be Sebenarnya, Saya Isteri Dia! “I think the TV series made the biggest impact on my career. I think my acting in it left the audience with a great impression. Until now, wherever I go, fans still call me Firash Arshad (the character Izzue played in the drama),” says Izzue. The chameleonic artist believes he’s set with crucial skills both as an actor and a singer which enable him to challenge the entertainment industry’s status quo. “Acting and singing, they differ from one another – and being actively involved in both, I believe that I’m equipped with the know-how to come up with my own original style and character which in turn allow me to be different from the others. In this line of business, it helps to be able to stand out – that’s how people remember you.”

Here, Izzue shares with Men’s Folio his passion and purpose.