A new beginning

EXCITEMENT is written all over his face whenever producer, director, and actor Hans Isaac talks about his upcoming wedding on July 29.

His bride-to-be is 28-year-old Aileen Gabriella Robinson, affectionately known as Gabby, who is a former dancer and beauty queen (Miss Tourism International 2011), and who currently does emcee duty for corporate events. 
In this exclusive interview, Hans, 45, talks about his two loves – his Gabby, and his career.
Was your relationship love at first sight?
"I do not believe in love at first sight. How can you love someone at first sight when you have not met her before?
"You do not know her character. You have to take time to know people.
"We have been friends for six years. Our turning point was last year when we realised we were still single, and decided to take our friendship to another level."
What do you like and dislike about Gabby?
"Money is not everything to her, and I find that refreshing. She does not define a person through wealth.
"She also knows how to pamper me and accepts my strength and my weaknesses.
"What I dislike about her ... well, she loves to procrastinate."
Gives us a sneak preview of your wedding plans.
"I had wanted my parents to be a big part of my wedding. [But since] they have passed away, I will include elements of them in my wedding.
"For my church wedding, I will be wearing barong (traditional Filipino attire) because my mother was Filipino.
"After the church wedding, there will be a lunch reception for family members and close friends. The food will feature Indian cuisine (his dad was Indian-Eurasian).
"At night, the wedding reception will have more of a European atmosphere, and that comes from Gabby's side.
"At the reception, [local music legend] Micheal Verappan, with his 40-piece band, will entertain the guests.
"I'm also getting [English actor-singer] Stephen Rahman Hughes to fly in for my wedding and perhaps perform a duet with [singer] Jaclyn Victor."

Are you getting married because you are getting older and facing pressure to tie the knot?
(Laughs) "If I had not found the right woman, I would not be getting married.
"I will never commit myself to the wrong person. I am not the type who gives in to pressure."
You once said that if you had gotten married earlier, you would be a divorcee by now.
"I was too wrapped up in my career. I was filming every day. My career would have interfered with my marriage.
"Then, I had to take care of my mother who was suffering from cancer. I wanted to spend my time looking after her (she passed away three years ago).
"Now, I'm ready to settle down."
What's next in your career?
"I [will be playing] a commander in Police Evo 2. I have never played a military role before.
"Also, I will be producing a free motivational tour all over Malaysia in August and September.
"There will be 10 comedians who will perform comedy sketches and give motivational talks to members of the public.
"I am also planning to direct an epic film entitled Rejang (a reference to the Rejang river in Sarawak), focusing on the Iban and Dayak communities. This [is] my dream project."
What change would you like to see in the local film industry?
"[For] our cinemas [to show] 60% Malaysian films and 40% foreign films. South Korea has done that, and it has boosted its film industry."
You also founded Tall Order Productions, which among other things, stages musical theatre shows. What is the concept behind the shows?
"[They] are mostly about underdogs achieving success.
"For example, Lat the Musical is about a kampung boy who goes on to become an international cartoonist; Cuci the Musical is about four window cleaners who want to wash the windows of Petronas Twin Towers; Supermokh the Musical is a biopic about a young boy who becomes a famous footballer.
"I wanted to motivate Malaysians so that they can achieve any dream if they put their minds to it."
Hans also revealed that he has already planned his next musical, which will be about a "prominent sports personality".
He kept mum about the individual's identity, but it might very well be our local badminton hero Datuk Lee Chong Wei.
Fans will just have to wait and see.