The former Singapore Idol winner will star in the upcoming musical, Fried Rice Paradise. The UrbanWire caught up with Taufik on what can we expect from him in the  updated musical.

1) How does it feel working with Dick Lee again after Singapore Idol?

It’s feels quite natural for me to be working with Dick. We’ve worked on a few projects and we’ve chatted before on the possibility of working on a musical together. I’ve read and heard many good things about the musicals Dick has written and produced. I know he is a master of his craft and I’m looking forward to learning as much as I can from him.

2) Are there any differences between how you prepare for this musical and how you prepared for Singapore Idol?

There’s a set of rules I go by with every opportunity that comes my way. Seize it, make sure you deliver and learn from it. Personally I feel doing a musical is an extension of what I’m already doing but in a different setting. The ingredients are all the same but the challenge is to adapt to the new working environment and delivery as I am required. Any shortcomings, I’ll have to learn from it and polish my skills. At the end of the day I love to sing and entertain and from Singapore Idol to Fried Rice Paradise, I feel blessed and grateful for every opportunity that comes my way.

3) What can we expect from your character?

Johan is a pretty honest and laid back guy whom you would definitely want as a friend. He’s always concerned about the people around him and ready to help at a drop of a coin. But underneath his jovial exterior, he is pretty insecure about his future and the goals that he has set for himself. The love triangle, that develops as the story unfolds, isn’t helping him much but still, he carries on his day, with a smile on his face.

4) Is it difficult to adapt to the characteristics of your character?

It does take time for me to adapt to the whole idea of stage acting. On my part, I’m trying to approach it as how I would when I’m given a song to sing. It’s important that I understand the story and message that is being conveyed. With a better appreciation and grasp of the story only then will I be able to adapt to portraying my character. Other than that, I look forward to advice and tips from Dick, Dexter (Director) and my peers who have better experience in theatre. That to me is quite a privilege.

5) Over 30% of the tickets are already snapped up even thought the musical only starts in August. Are you excited about the hype the musical is receiving?

I’m definitely excited and appreciative of the hype that Fried Rice Paradise has been receiving. I’m confident that with the team and the line-up of the amazing cast, the musical will be a success and that the viewers will enjoy themselves, laugh, cry and we’ll leave them wanting more!

6) The wide variety of music genres that you can perform is certainly impressive. What would you say is the genre that you are most comfortable with?

I grew up listening to many different kinds of music like The Carpenters,The Eagles, Nirvana, Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson. Although it’s obvious and probably cliché that I would say I’m most comfortable with singing Soul/R&B, interesting enough, whenever I’m driving or on my own, I find myself singing a lot of popular jazz numbers like “Feeling Good”, “Georgia on My Mind” and my favorite, “The Way You Look Tonight”. Some kind of calling maybe?

7) Since the time of your debut, what about you has changed the most?

My mind set on the music industry. I have a better understanding and umpteen appreciation of my position.  There are many more things I wish to learn about this entertainment industry, but for now I’ve come to acknowledge that it’s not all bed of roses and you can only reap the rewards with hard work and persistence.

8) Any new things you’ve tried recently besides starring in a musical?

I’ve started producing music for other artistes like Mark Bonafide and Hady Mirza. For me, producing for yourself and writing for other musicians is a different approach altogether. I’m usually on my own when I write or arrange my songs. When working with other artistes, I enjoy the interpersonal interaction with the purpose to derive a creative output. It makes the process much more conducive for productivity.

9) Where do you go to get a good fix of Fried Rice?

There’s a nice stretch of good makan places at Bukit Timah. Usually, that’s where I get my fix.

10) Fried Rice Paradise is a musical based on the 70s. What about that decade do you like?

The cars and EARTH, WIND & FIRE!

Fried Rice Paradise weaves drama, romance and plot twists in a backdrop of nostalgic Singapore circa the 1970s. The musical, which features veteran singer Rahimah Rahim, radio deejay Denise Tan and popular stage actors Sebastian Tan and Lim Yu Beng will definitely be a hit with the Singapore audience. Be sure to be part of this wonderful experience when it hits The Esplanade on August 20.

For more information on ticket sales, visit www.sistic.com.