She strode in purposefully, her entourage in tow, wearing a Harley Davison baby tee underneath a casual jacket coupled with a pair of fitted Levis. Understated and yet glamorous – it takes someone with great charisma to make something so casual appear oh, so sophisticated.

That someone is none other than Malaysia’s darling of the acting world, Erra Fazira. Beautiful in a stunning and commanding manner, you can’t help but feel drawn towards the beauty icon. No stranger to the Malaysian entertainment scene, the 33-yearold carries a few titles to her name: Miss Malaysia/World 1992, actress, singer, entrepreneur and model.

Now, Erra has added yet another feather to her cap – Wife. Just last October, Erra wed Engku Emran Engku Zainal Abidin in an intimate and tender affair witnessed by family and friends. Their courtship had been brief – the couple only knew each other for slightly over three months before deciding to tie the knot. And like any other celebrity couple, their love affair was the highlight of the Malaysian media, especially when a rumour concerning a love triangle surfaced amidst their relationship.

However, only one thing matters now – the future that awaits the two. With the said publicity now behind the newlyweds, it is time for Erra to move on to a new chapter in her life. This is not the first time she’s tied the knot – Erra was previously married to KRU’s Yusry for three years before they divorced in 2006. The experience had made Erra anything but the wide-eyed bride she once was. Finding the courage to love again just one year from her divorce is definitely brave and the once-again blushing bride has certainly learnt a lesson or two from this thing called love. “Love to me is now looking at a lot of other more practical factors and not just solely focusing on the romance,” she says.

Congratulations on your marriage. How has married life been treating you so far?
Erra Fazira:It has been good but I am definitely dealing with some drastic changes. My husband’s working hours are from nine to five while mine’s uncertain. My first marriage was with someone from the industry so that wasn’t an issue then.

This being your second marriage, how are you approaching it differently?
Erra Fazira: I feel I can right the wrongs I have done in my previous marriage. Back then, I had a very naïve perception; I thought marriage was going to be rosy and beautiful all the time. I realise now even roses have thorns. So, I feel I am more ready this time because I am in the right frame of mind..

From your experience then and now, what have you learnt about marriage?
Erra Fazira:Marriage involves responsibility; a lot of give and take. It also takes a lot of sacrifice to make things work between a couple. In my first marriage, I tried to do a balancing act between the two but failed. This time round, I am giving my marriage top priority and career takes second place.
.
You don’t seem to have any illusions about love. So what is your take on love and marriage now?
Erra Fazira:It is about whether you can get along with your life partner and his family. It is also important that his family accepts my career. My perception of love and marriage is more grounded because I now have more practical expectations.

Have you ever thought you would get married again this soon?
Erra Fazira:Absolutely not. I even told my husband that I wasn’t expecting to get married so soon. This relationship is a first for me of its kind. It is weird for me to actually decide to be with Emran in such a short time. It normally takes me two years to get to know someone in order to be sure it is really love. I have only been seeing my husband for a few months! But it is really different with my Emran because of the way he approached me.

For the full story, get your copy of Female Brides, edition 6