Malaysian actress Bella Rahim sent fans into a frenzy following her appearance in “Train To Busan: Peninsula”. Spoiler alert: She plays the character Major Jane, the leader of the United Nations (UN) in charge of rescuing the victims from the zombie attack.
Speaking to us recently, the chatty starlet was all smiles as she answered a series of questions regarding her experience working in the Korean blockbuster. For those interested, check out the full interview here:
1. Tell us about the audition process. How did you land this role?
So basically I got a call from my agent sometime around May last year. She told me, ‘Do you want to try for this film directed by Yeon Sang Ho?’ I said ‘Sure! Why not?’ Then I was like ‘Hang on. The name sounds familiar.’ So I searched his name on Google and found out that he is actually the director of “Train To Busan”.
So I went for the casting but I didn’t hear anything from them for about a month. So I assumed that I didn’t get the role. However, one day, while I was having a meal at a mamak stall, I received a text from my agent asking me for my clothes measurements. And from there, I got to know that I was shortlisted.
A couple of weeks after that I didn’t hear anything from them – until I received another text in June asking for my schedule. That’s when I knew that I had the role.
PENINSULA ADA PELAKON MALAYSIA?!
Perkenalkan @therealbellarahim , seorang pelakon teater Malaysia yg menjadi watak cameo di dalam filem blockbuster Korea Selatan, PENINSULA! pic.twitter.com/0fnUUSFhPv
— #ZHAFVLOG (@zhafvlog) July 14, 2020
2. How did the audition process go?
During the casting, I was given a dialogue. I read it through with my agent and made it into a file. The director was off-camera at that time. That file was sent online to the agency in Korea.
3. How long did it take for you to finish your scene in South Korea?
It actually took only 2 days to film the scene. I was there for less than a week.
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4. What was the moment like when you wore the uniform in the movie for the first time?
Actually, it was the first time that I had to go through a fitting process where I was given an outfit. I went into the changing room and before I changed into my uniform there was someone knocking on the door.
There was this girl who asked, ‘May I come in?’ She offered to change the clothes for me, to which I rejected. She responded, ‘It’s okay, it’s my job.’ (The girl in question apparently works as a stylist). The Koreans are very serious. They’re very precise in doing that stuff. So, when that person was given the duty to do that, they will insist on doing it.
And then, the jacket came in. After I put it on, I turned around and that’s when I saw the Malaysian flag logo. I was thrilled after coming across that. I even asked my Korean agent to snap a photo of it.
5. We’re sure it feels surreal when you saw your name during the ending credits. What was that like?
I couldn’t stop screaming in the cinema! Yeah, I couldn’t believe it. It’s so surreal even till now.
6. How has your appearance in “Train To Busan: Peninsula” impacted you and your career?
I don’t know. I’m actually not used to with all the treatment and spotlight. I’m a very shy person. So, it’s quite difficult to adapt to this situation.
7. Why should movie-goers check out “Train To Busan: Peninsula”?
If you don’t know much about the first movie “Train To Busan”, it was the highest box-office in Malaysia in 2016. Not only that, this movie has also opened the door for Korean movies to the world! So that’s one point. The second point is, the sequel has a lot more zombies and a lot more actions. And last but not least, there’s a Malaysian representative in the movie and that’s me! I feel so blessed and grateful for this opportunity.
8. What are your goals or hopes moving forward?
I wish that I can continue working. Be it in Hollywood or even small theatres, I want to gain knowledge in any production or projects that I’m in. That’s what I’m striving for.
“Train To Busan: Peninsula” is currently screening in cinemas nationwide.
