A SOUTH Essex-born professional fighter and movie star is starring in a major film with Hollywood legend Jackie Chan.
Tam Khan, who grew up on Canvey but now lives in Dubai, acted alongside the martial arts expert in his new blockbuster, Vanguard.
Fighter - Tam Khan
Star - Jackie Chan
On set - Tam in character
The film is set for release worldwide in February 2020 and Tam plays the plot’s villain, Marder.
Tam left Essex in 2008 to pursue a business idea of introducing the sport of mixed martial arts (MMA) to the Emirates country.
He also planned to build the first ever MMA fight centre in the country.
And with his business now booming, he hasn’t looked back.
The 37-year-old said: “Now my business is well established, I am looking to franchising branches into the UK, Essex especially.
“There are no limitations like with boxing or kickboxing.
“I got the film role after casting agent contacted my gym for extras for stunts and fight scenes.
“Then [they] came across my profile which suited a support role. I went to the casting and got the role.
“This is my debut in acting and the movie business. It just spontaneously happened.
“It was a superb experience and I really have the bug now.
“It’s something I will pursue and on set I gained a lot of good advice and knowledge which will only help me improve for the next time.”
The former Cornelius Vermuyden School student added: “Working on set with a superstar like Jackie Chan was an honour.”
And the fighter has already been approached by a producer about starring in a new flick which will be filmed in the US and Europe.
Work is set to begin in September.
“I have been approached now by a producer who wants me in a new upcoming action movie being filmed in the US and Europe which begins in September.
Fighter Tam added: “That’s exciting. The script looks good.
“It was an amazing experience to work with Jackie Chan.
“Not to sound too cliché but I felt like a movie star.
“I played a villain, Marder. He is a mercenary and is not someone you bring home to meet the family.
“The role was fun with amazing action sequences and I was involved in a few stunts myself.
“Maybe I can hold a premier of the movie in Essex for my home town, support, friends and family.
“That would be super cool to show how a boy from Canvey made it to Hollywood.”
Tam still finds time to visit the island regularly despite his busy schedule.
To date, Tam has fought in ten professional MMA fights in both the UK and the Middle East.
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