POPULAR Malaysian-based Singaporean actor Datuk Aaron Aziz is back on the small screen, this time in his very first Hari Raya advertisement.
Not only is he the main star of the new seven-minute advertisement, he is also its director.
YOUNG BUSINESSMAN
Titled 'Tulus Ikhlas', the advertisement which he filmed in Klang Valley early this year, tells the story of a young businessman Aiman who reminisces about the last Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri of his late son Rayyan.
He said that the short story which also stars actress Sharifah Husna Syed Mustaffa and newcomer siblings Aaron Yusof Raj and Adreanna Jameela Raj, is told in flashbacks where Aiman remembers how his terminally ill son was moved by the plight of orphaned children who lost their home in a fire during Ramadan.
NEW PREMISES
"Aiman takes his family to visit the orphans who have been relocated to their new premises, and provides them with basic necessities and clothes," said Aaron at the launch of the short film in Bank Rakyat, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur recently.
"Ten-year-old Rayyan gets to socialise with the youngsters and strikes up a friendship with them, before he breathes his last, and they all attend his funeral."
CHERISH MEMORIES
The short film is produced by Razor's Edge Pictures Sdn Bhd and encourages Malaysians to cherish the memory of their departed loved ones whenever the holy month of Ramadan and Hari Raya arrive.
Aaron said: "It also encourages Malaysians to bring Raya cheer to the less fortunate as best as they can, by visiting orphanages and participating in gotong-royong to spruce up their premises."
MORAL SUPPORT
Aaron said that Ramadan would only be meaningful if Malaysians and Singaporeans thought of the less fortunate and gave them moral support.
"We should also take the opportunity to offer prayers in memory of our departed loved ones and cherish all the good that they did, and the wonderful lessons that we learnt from them," he said.
REALISTIC
Aaron also said that making the character of Rayyan deceased was "realistic" as many parents lose their children too soon due to illnesses and unforseen tragedies.
"It is tragic for a parent to bury his child, but the child will always remain in his heart and the best way to keep him or her is to remember his or her legacy of love."
For Aiman, that legacy is Rayyan's compassion towards the orphans.
EDUCATE CHILDREN
Aaron also said that the short film reminded Muslims that Ramadan and Hari Raya was not just about prayers, fasting and attending open houses, but more about sharing and caring towards the underprivileged.
"It is also a time to educate one's children about helping the needy, especially those who had lost their homes and their loved ones.
"Aiman's and Rayyan's story also reminds Malaysians to cherish their loved ones before it is too late."
DREAM COME TRUE
Aaron said that he had always loved watching Hari Raya and Ramadan advertisements, and directing and starring in one was his dream come true.
He said that Raya advertisements had become an industry of sorts in Malaysia and Singapore and viewers from both countries always waited anxiously to watch them.
ORIGINAL STORY
Aaron said that the script was original and he provided Razor's Edge with feedback to make the story more interesting and entertaining.
He enjoyed working with Aaron Yusof and Adreanna, and described them as naturally talented.
"As for Sharifah Husna, she is an old friend who has appeared with me in television dramas."
TWO FILMS
Later this month Aaron will appear in the action-packed film 'Sheriff 'alongside Zul Ariffin, Syafiq Kyle, Azira Syafinaz and Elizabeth Tan.
Next month Aaron will appear in another action film titled 'The Experts' which also features Remy Ishak and Syafiq.
'The Experts' is directed by Andrew Chiew while 'Sheriff' is directed by Syafiq Yusof.
MOVE HEARTS
Bank Rakyat chief marketing and communications officer Nizam Sani said that the short film was in line with the government's Malaysia Madani campaign, where Malaysians are encouraged to help the less fortunate at all times.
"It is always good to come up with short films or advertisements that move the hearts of viewers and offer important lessons about life," he said.
He added that Bank Rakyat planned to come up with such films annually, and tell poignant stories that resonated with Malaysians of all ages.