GUIDING HAND OF PAK NIL
Celebrity host Aznil Nawawi wants to foster a generation of kids who are brave, smart and opinionated,
DATUK Aznil Nawawi is among perennial TV hosts who have charmed the young and old with his witty, affable ways and ...may we say, “loud” personality. Pak Nil (as his fans affectionately call him) is still highly sought-after, on and off the small screen. It takes a good TV host to be remembered by many and not all can attain that recognition.
But while he has touched the lives of many through his countless interviews, the man also cherishes the relationship with guests, especially the young. An example is Tom Tom Bak, a half-hour kids talk show which aired for five seasons on Astro Ceria from 2007 to 2011.
Over the years with Astro, Pak Nil was also one of the advisers for the company. When Astro Ceria, the channel dedicated to children’s content was launched a decade ago, he was one of the masterminds behind the channel’s establishment.
It’s safe to say that he’s been heavily involved in hosting and producing kiddie TV programmes with the channel. Since Tom Tom Bak, Astro Ceria has developed others such as Ceria Popstar, Ceria i-Star, Ceria All Stars.
WATCHING THEM GROW UP
In an interview, Pak Nil says that one the things he cherishes most out of being with Astro Ceria is being able to watch “his kids” grow up.
The man may be a doting father to his three offsprings, Fildza Haifa, 22, Fariq Haizen, 17 and Firdaus Hariz, 2, but the 54-year-old TV host and actor also considers himself a father figure to the others who have been a part of his shows.
He says: “I feel bad that I don’t recognise all of them because they’ve grown up so much over the years!”
As a father figure, he feels responsible in guiding and moulding the kids grow up to become well-mannered adults.
“Astro Ceria’s shows produce good content, and more importantly they deliver positive messages.
Through this platform we are able to teach them good etiquette, how to dress properly and how to speak properly.” Pak Nil sees the importance of further developing children’s TV programmes and simultaneously encourages the young to take part.
POSITIVE CHARACTERISATION
He believes that such programmes test young people’s capabilities and uncover their talent. More importantly, it encourages them to build confidence and to speak their minds.
“Frankly, the sad reality is that our kids are afraid to be brave and have their own opinion. Perhaps it’s the way they’ve been brought up, I’m not sure. But we need to develop a generation of kids who are able to stand on their own two feet, to accept constructive criticism and build critical thinking skills.
“It doesn’t matter whether their answers are right or wrong. As long as they are brave enough to have a voice, that’s good enough,” he says.
“I want to see Malaysian kids grow up with good moral values. It’s important to start them young. These children’s TV programmes go beyond just entertainment. Kids walk away with moral values that will stick with them for life. Hopefully one day they’ll pass down what they’ve learnt to their children as well.
“Furthermore, the channel draws young audiences regardless of their race. It shows that everybody believes in the content that we produce. It spreads a lot of positivity in the community, both young and old. I have yet to hear parents who forbid their kids from watching Astro Ceria,” he quips.
SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN
In conjunction with Astro Ceria’s 10th anniversary, the channel has something exciting for the kids at home this holiday season.
The latest season of Doraemon, Ultraman and other popular Japanese TV programmes will be available on the Sushi Ceria slot; meanwhile, the Kimchi
Ceria segment will showcase popular Korean programmes such as Tobot, Robocar Poli, Super Wings and Boing The Play Ranger.
The channel will also offer a “Panggung Ceria” slot, which airs local TV series and telefilms such as Cicakman and Super Game Boy.
On the fourth week of the school holiday, the best of Astro Ceria programmes will be featured, including recap episodes of Tom Tom Bak. Catch your favourite shows on Astro Ceria channel 613.
syahirah.mokhtazar@nst.com.my