Actor Beto Kusyairy Building His Body For Role In 'Gayong'
By Norhidayyu Zainal
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 19 (Bernama) – Beto Kusyairy has no trouble taking on roles that require him to perform silat as he has been learning this traditional martial art since the age of seven.
Over the years, this popular actor has become skilled in silat gayong, a style of silat, to the extent that his talent has been recognised by directors, enabling him to star in films of that genre. That was how he landed the role of Wahid in the box-office hit ‘Mat Kilau: Kebangkitan Pahlawan’.
Beto, 44, whose real name is Nurkusyairy Zakuan Osman, takes any role given to him seriously. In his upcoming movie ‘Gayong’, the filming of which will begin next month, he portrays silat master the late Datuk Meor Abdul Rahman Daeng Uda Mohd Hashim, who founded Pertubuhan Silat Seni Gayong Malaysia (an association for the gayong silat art form).
Beto, who won the Best Supporting Actor award at the 32nd Malaysian Film Festival two years ago, admitted it is not going to be easy for him to portray the late master as he was no ordinary character. The ‘Bisik Pada Langit’ and ‘Imaginur’ actor is currently preparing rigorously for the role.
The preparations include meeting several veteran silat masters, such as Cikgu Awang Daud in Gurun, Kedah, who knew Meor Abdul Rahman for over 20 years to learn more about the late master’s character, while also honing his own silat gayong skills.
"We are well aware that the late master’s heirs and friends are still around and we want to honour his name... the responsibility of taking on this role is immense especially since the public will have high expectations. God willing, I will do my best with everyone’s support.
"My own research revealed that the late master was a well-built man so much so that he was nicknamed 'pendekar sendo' (strong warrior). Hence, I took the initiative to hire a personal trainer to train me in the gym. I am also adhering to a strict diet," he said at a recent press conference to announce the launch of ‘Gayong’.
The film will be directed by Faisal Ishak, and besides Beto, the cast also includes Nabila Huda, Syafie Naswip and Yayan Ruhian. Filming will begin on Oct 5 and the movie is expected to be released in the middle of next year.
Beto’s impressive portrayals of various characters in the past two decades have made him a respected actor. But Beto has remained humble, saying for him, it has never been about chasing awards but rather the impact his acting has on the audience.
“I want the roles I play to guide them towards a better direction. This is the recognition I truly appreciate. However, if I do receive an award, it is a bonus and I am grateful if anyone chooses to give me one. I never underestimate local awards because they come from my own country and it shows that the audience watches and values our work,” he added.
-- BERNAMA