It’s a new career step as Jaclyn Victor delves into acting.
JACLYN Victor is definitely going places. It seemed only a while ago that she clinched the first Malaysian Idol title (in 2004) and now she is making her debut on the big screen.
Though her acting debut is in a supporting role, Jaclyn - or Jac as she’s known to her fans - is very excited about it. The movie, titled Talentime, has generated some early buzz and it is helmed by none other than award-winning director Yasmin Ahmad.
“I’m nervous and excited at the same time. This is my first attempt at acting,” said Jac recently during the filming of Talentime in Ipoh.
But Talentime was definitely not the first acting offer she has received. The 30-year-old was reported to have declined an offer from Mamat Khalid to act in his latest movie, Estet.
“People may think I’m choosy, but that’s not true,” she explained.
“I declined the role in Estet because I was busy with Asean Idol then.”
Jac added that Yasmin had offered her the role of Bavani in April, when she was not too occupied.
“In fact, Yasmin asked me a couple of times when we were shooting the Here In My home video clip at KLPac. She also asked whether I could speak Tamil and I said yes.”
While singing is second nature to this artiste, the idea of being in front of the camera was a daunting one.
Fortunately, she underwent three months’ training with the cast members. Also, she had on-screen chemistry with Mahesh Jugal Kishor (who plays Mahesh, Bavani’s younger brother).
On her role as 19-year-old Bavani, Jac said it was bit tough because the teenager was full of angst.
“Though Bavani loves her brother Mahesh to death, she is also jealous that her deaf and dumb brother is showered with all the love and attention by their family.”
How would Jac sum up her acting experience?
“Acting for the first time was really fun and working with Yasmin was a great experience. She knows what she wants from all of us. I was amazed to see how the other actors got into their characters so quickly. I guess that’s the difference between professionals and an amateur (like me),” she laughed.
“I learnt a lot about the relationship between the cast and the director. Yasmin gave us what we needed in order to play our roles convincingly. Acting is a different (challenge), compared with singing. It’s another level that you can feel all sorts of emotions.
“I’m still a singer, first and foremost,” said Jac, adding that she is currently busy selecting material for her latest and third studio album.
“My goal is to be involved 100% all the way to make sure that I’m happy with the result. My first album was just an introduction to who I am. My second album featured songs that are really beautiful and catchy. My third album will feature (songs with) more emotions on top of vocal techniques.
“Somehow, I’ve learnt to be patient and not rush things. I want to take my time in doing the album.”
Jac, who admits to being a perfectionist, takes great pride in the creative process and wants only the best from her recordings.
“I believe that the album is for keeps and I don’t want any mistakes. Your album will remind pople of who you are.”