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Insomnia, weight loss, immeasurable stress, and the not-too-flattering honour of lying in a coffin. Malaysian actor Zzen Zhang endured the above to play a leading role for the first time.

Before this, the Star Search 2001 played supporting characters. He received a Best Supporting Actor nom at last year's Star Awards for his role as the really evil Robert Zhang, the man who raped Joanne Peh in the 2008 blockbuster drama The Little Nyona..

Currently starring in Priceless Wonder, he says that the glitz and fame that come with helming the Channel 8 drama is earned through hard work

"There are more scenes, more lines, but also more chances for viewers to see me. There's pressure everywhere. I will always heave a huge sigh of relief when I get home after a day of filming."

The 20-episoder had a tight film schedule of just seven weeks, with more than 10 scenes to be shot per day. As Zzen's character Caishun is bubbly and chatty, the number of lines to memorise each day almost killed the actor. He revealed that he would keep the script behind his back at all times "to save [his] life."

There were only two rest days during the entire filming, and the 31-year-old eventually lost four kilos. "I did it through shi li (quality effort), not ba li (eight-pack abs)!"

Then there was the usual coffin, in which Zzen will lie for the third time running.

With experience, comes familiarity, they say. The fellow was not apprehensive and jumped into the coffin without hesitation.

He quipped, "Don't underestimate the wooden box. It's actually quite soft and comfortable. I can fall asleep inside."

The Malaysian even believes good things come his way with the coffin-lying experience. After all, he is set to marry his longtime girlfriend this year.

Priceless Wonder airs weekdays, 9pm, on Channel 8.

Credits: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/xin/20100224/ten-782-its-tough-lead-zzen-zhang-3c1b9bc.html