Indonesian Natalie Portman Acha Septriasa has paid tribute to the late Sophian Sophiaan, her co-star in the film Love.
Acha described Sophian, affectionately known as Pak Sophian (Pak = Uncle in Bahasa Malaysia aka Bahasa Indonesia) to juniors in the republic's entertainment industry, as a father figure to all aspiring Indonesian actors.
"Pak Sophian was always generous in sharing his knowledge of acting and directing with his juniors in showbusiness and was never shy of giving us fatherly advice," she said.
"Indonesian cinema has lost a true father figure and leading man. Condolences to his family and may God bless him."
Acha, who is currently studying in Malaysia, is best known for her romantic films such as Heart where she starred with her off-screen partner, actor Irwansyah. The duo also performed the hit romantic duet My Heart from the 2006 film which was a hit on both sides of the Straits of Melaka.
In Love, Acha played a 20-something former college student who was dumped by her playboy fiance and sought the help of a 20-something journalist to find him.
Acha's character was played by popular Malaysian actress (and my ex-neighbour) Sharifah Amani Syed Zainal Rashid of the films Sepet and Gubra fame in the original 2006 Malaysian film Cinta.
Sharifah Amani is also known as Malaysia's answer to Natalie Portman.
Cinta and Love director Kabir Bhatia described Sophian as a gem of Asian cinema who would be hard to replace.
Sophian, a high-powered motorcycle enthusiast who also biked around Malaysia during the country's 50th anniversary celebrations last year and who is idolised by fans on both sides of the Straits of Melaka, died after being crushed by his motorcycle in an accident near Jogjakarta two days ago.
He was participating in a month-long, high-powered motorcycle expedition around the island of Java to mark the 100th anniversary of Indonesia's struggle for independence.
