KUALA LUMPUR: Multi-talented theatre and film star Jit Murad has died at 62.
The death of the man behind the acclaimed plays Gold Rain And Hailstones and Spilt Gravy On Rice, was confirmed by several theatre and film stars on Facebook today.
They included Rock Oo star Que Haidar, theatre actor Peter Ong and 7ujuh director Raja Mukhriz Raja Ahmad.
"We've lost a legend. Rest in eternal peace Jit Murad. Thank you for your art," said Ong in his Facebook post.
"RIP Jit Murad, a brilliant actor and playwright whom I really look up to. We have all lost a great talent," said Que.
"Heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Jit Murad. Malaysia has lost one of its brightest stars in showbiz. Al-Fatihah," said Raja Mukhriz.
Actor and director Gavin Yap, one of Jit's frequent collaborators, said: "Thank you for your wit, your beautiful words, the plays, the stories, the laughs, the conversations, the performances and the work.
"I'm so grateful our paths crossed, that I got to work alongside you and be your friend."
Actor and comedian Harith Iskander said that he was at a loss for words upon hearing about his close friend's death.
"Jit and I last chatted late last year. He was always in good spirits and it's a devastating shock that he's gone," he said, adding that the country had lost a true artistic genius.
"We worked closely together in many television and film projects, and I will always cherish the wonderful moments we had together."
Lembah Pantai Member of Parliament Fahmi Fadzil, who was also a theatre actor, said: "So very sad to hear of Jit Murad's passing. I've known Jit for many years, and we worked together in A Man For All Seasons in 2004."
Bernama chairman Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi said: "Life will never be the same without you Jit. Rest now, it's sunnier there. From Him we come and to Him we return. Al-Fatihah."
Jit or Aziz Mirzan began his acting career in the mid-1980s. He was the son of former Education director-general Tan Sri Murad Mohamed Noor and brother of actor, producer and director Na'a Murad.
Besides Gold Rain (1993) and Spilt Gravy (1995), his other plays include Caught In The Middle (1987), The Storyteller (1996), Visits (2002), Full Of Jit (2007) and One Load Of Bull Jit (2009).
Jit's best known films include Mat Gelap (1990), Selubung (1992), Beyond Rangoon (1995), Perempuan Melayu Terakhir (1999), Mimpi Moon (2000), Waris Jari Hantu (2007), 1957: Hati Malaya (2007), Talentime (2009) and Spilt Gravy (2015).
The Kuala Lumpur-born artiste, who graduated with degrees in sociology and art history, excelled in acting, screenwriting, directing as well as producing.
He was also a popular stand-up comedian best known for his zany alter ego, the effeminate and opinionated hairstylist Rene Choy, who famously parodied Malaysian life.
Acclaimed in theatre circles as one of the region's most prolific playwrights, Jit was a multiple Boh Cameronian Arts Awards winner, and frequently collaborated with his fellow theatre giants such as the late Datuk Krishen Jit, Datuk Zahim Albakri, Datuk Rahim Razali and Jo Kukathas.
In collaboration with The Instant Cafe Theatre Company, Jit restaged Gold Rain, a play which offered insights into the complexities of Malaysian identity, in 2019 as part of its 30th anniversary.
The story of four friends who studied overseas and returned to Malaysia, only to realise how much they had drifted apart, starred Farah Rani, Ghafir Akbar, Sharifah Amani and Redza Minhat.