Jins Shamsuddin facts for kids

Mohamed Zain "Jins" Shamsudin (born 5 November 1935 – died 1 March 2017) was a famous Malaysian actor, director, and politician. He was also a writer and producer. Many people knew him for his role as Jefri Zain, a cool spy character in action movies.

Early Life and Film Career

Jins Shamsudin was born in Taiping, Perak, on 5 November 1935. He went to school at SMK King Edward VII in Taiping. After finishing school in 1956, he hoped to study at the University of Malaya in Singapore. However, his application was put on hold.

While waiting, Jins took English classes at night. He stayed with a relative who worked at Radio Malaysia. Nearby, a play was being rehearsed, and Jins often watched. One day, the main actor had to leave because his mother was sick. Jins was chosen to take his place! He did so well that he became the permanent lead actor.

The play opened at the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall in Singapore. There, someone from Shaw Brothers Studio saw him and asked if he wanted to act in a movie. Jins said yes, and his first movie was Keadilan Illahi in 1956. He quickly became a main star in 1957 with the film Pancha Delima, directed by the legendary P. Ramlee.

Becoming a Star and Other Projects

From 1966 to 1968, Jins Shamsudin starred in several action movies. He played Jefri Zain, a spy who was a bit like the famous character James Bond. These movies were made by Malay Film Production.

Jins also loved learning. From 1970 to 1972, he studied at the London Film School. He earned a special diploma in movie technology with top honors!

In 1981, Jins worked with the Royal Malaysia Police to make a film called Bukit Kepong. This movie showed a true story about a tough battle between the Malayan police and gunmen during the Malayan Emergency. The film cost about RM1.3 million to make but earned RM1.7 million at the box office. It won eight awards at the 3rd Malaysia Film Festival, including Best Film. Later, in 2014, the movie was restored so more people could enjoy it.

Jins Shamsudin always dreamed of making a film about the events that led to the death of a British official named J.W.W. Birch in Perak in 1875. He started working on it in 1992, but it was never finished. In 2004, he announced plans for a big English-language film called The King of the River: Pasir Salak. Even in 2009, he still hoped to complete this project, which he called his "lifelong ambition."

Political Career

On 13 October 2004, Jins Shamsudin made history. He became the first actor-politician in Malaysia! He was chosen to be a member of the Dewan Negara, which is like a Senate in Malaysia's Parliament. He served as a Senator for two terms until 11 February 2011.

Personal Life

Jins Shamsudin was married twice. His first wife was actress Rahmah Rahmat. They married in Singapore in 1961 and had a son named Jeffry Jins. They divorced in 1963.

In 1986, he married Halijah Abdullah. They had two sons together, named Putera Hang Jebat and Putera Hang Nadim.

Death

Jins Shamsudin passed away on Wednesday, 1 March 2017, at the age of 81. He died at a clinic in Taman Melawati after choking on a traditional snack called cekodok. His second son, Putera Hang Nadim, confirmed the sad news.

Honours and Awards

Jins Shamsudin received many awards and honors throughout his life for his contributions to film and public service:

• Ahli Mangku Negara (A.M.N.) (1986)
• Silver Crane Award at the Asia-Pacific Film Festival (1987)
• Datuk Paduka Mahkota Perak (DPMP), which gave him the title 'Datuk' from the Sultan of Perak (1990)
• Kesatria Mangku Negara (K.M.N.) (1990)
• Johan Setia Mahkota (J.S.M.) (1993)
• Honorary Master of Letters by Universiti Sains Malaysia (1999)
• Veteran Artist Award at the Anugerah Bintang Popular (2004)
• Panglima Jasa Negara (P.J.N.), which gave him the title Datuk (2004)
• Panglima Setia Mahkota (P.S.M.), which gave him the title Tan Sri (2007)
• Anugerah Seniman Negara (National Artist Award) (2009)

Filmography

Film

Television series

Telemovie