Emerald Hill Drama: Real Fight Scene Involves Tasha Low, Herman Keh, and Zhu Zeliang

In the upcoming drama Emerald Hill, actors Tasha Low, Herman Keh, and Zhu Zeliang experienced a real physical altercation while filming in Batu Pahat. The scene involved Tasha hitting Zeliang on the back of his head with a broom, stepping on Herman’s hand, and other intense moments. Despite being choreographed, the actors had to endure real blows for authenticity.

(From left) Zhu Zeliang, Nick Teo, Herman Keh and Tasha Low posed for a photo on the set of Emerald Hill in Batu Pahat.

Tasha, who portrays Zhang Xinniang, admitted feeling nervous about injuring her co-stars but was encouraged by the stunt director to hit with full force. Zeliang humorously reflected, “I would like to think she didn’t use 100 percent of her strength... I’m okay. Physically I’m here, mentally, I don’t know where.”

The fight scene, choreographed by Hong Kong martial arts director Douglas Kung, demanded real punches for visual impact. Herman explained that softer hits didn’t look convincing on screen, which led to moments where the actors had no choice but to engage more forcefully.

One particular scene involved Tasha stepping on Herman’s hand after rescuing her cousin, Zhang Yaozu (played by Nick Teo). Initially, she faked the step, but it didn’t look genuine. After seeking Herman’s consent, she executed the step, balancing her weight to avoid injury.

In return, Herman pulled Tasha’s collar during another intense scene, which prompted her to grab a kettle in defense. Despite the intense action, no real harm was done, and the actors took a group photo after filming.

Emerald Hill is a drama about Xinniang, a girl raised by her adoptive mother Ah Zhu (played by Chen Liping), who cheats to survive. As Xinniang is introduced to the wealthy Zhang family as their long-lost daughter Anya, secrets unravel, and she continues to steal for Ah Zhu, unaware that her actions are being watched. The drama features an ensemble cast, including Zoe Tay, Jesseca Liu, Elvin Ng, and Jeanette Aw, reprising her iconic role as Yamamoto Yueniang from The Little Nyonya. Emerald Hill is set to premiere in early 2025.