“Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties.” - Erich Fromm
From childhood sets to award-winning roles, known as a thinking artiste, Norman Ishak’s journey through the entertainment world has been anything but ordinary. In this heartfelt episode, the acclaimed actor reflects on growing up in the industry, inspired by his father’s legacy, and the winding path that led him to a decade-long hiatus. Norman opens up about the grief of losing his father, the silence that followed, and the introspection that shaped his return.Â
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Chapter Markers/Timestamps:
00:00 - IntroductionÂ
04:15 - How did He Get His Start in the Industry?Â
07:31 - Definition of a Thinking Artiste
08:24 - An Actor’s Guiding PrincipleÂ
12:33 - The Takeaway Lessons Working with Other Talents Â
13:51 - What He Learned about Himself Through ActingÂ
15:49 - His Journey from a Child Actor until NowÂ
17:42 - This Generation’s Actor in Singapore
19:30 - SegueÂ
19:44Â - Choice of 2 Shows
21:37 - His Role in Firasat
23:39 - His Role in Identiti
28:02 - How He Prepares Himself to Play a Heavy CharacterÂ
29:07 - Method Acting
30:54 - His Accolades Over The Years
32:52 - Questions from Ngee Ann Polytechnic StudentsÂ
38:07 - Messages from Fellow Actors
41:34 - The Influence His Father, Ishak Ahmat Had on Him
44:39 - How He Process His GriefÂ
51:38 - His Relationship with His Mother
53:27 - Lessons Learnt So Far in the Industry
55:48 - What Excites Him About the Industry Now
58:19 - His Advice for Young Aspiring Artistes
01:03:05 - Episode Takeaways
01:03:17 - Upcoming Projects
01:05:35 - Closing
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This podcast is in collaboration with Ngee Ann Poly School of Film & Media Studies.
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