Keeping it real
Rock star Awie is working to preserve the authenticity of the Baju Melayu.
AFTER conquering radio airwaves and the silver screen, Wings frontman and actor Datuk Awie is trying his hand at fashion now.
The multi-hyphenate star recently launched a clothing line, Busana Tokwie, named after one of his ancestors.
“My mission is to preserve the Baju Melayu in its original style, as there are a lot of Baju Melayu these days which combine other influences,” the 49-year-old shares.
“The response has been positive so far. I’m getting ready to open a boutique soon. There are people who have contacted me saying they’re interested in becoming agents, even people from Singapore and Brunei.”
Awie says he enjoys the process of mixing and matching the various elements of the traditional Malay attire.
“Next, I will be designing the Baju Melayu myself and releasing them as a limited edition collection,” he adds.
Awie was speaking to reporters at a press event promoting the fourth horror comedy film set in the fictional village of Kampung Pisang, simply titled Hantu Kak Limah.
Directed by Mamat Khalid, the film opens with the mysterious death of Kak Limah after marrying a younger man, Khuda. The folks at Kampung Pisang seem to be haunted by Kak Limah’s spirit. Interestingly, protagonist Husin later discovers Kak Limah is actually alive!
The actor, who plays Husin and has starred in all the franchise’s previous films, says he doesn’t get tired of playing the same role again.
“I’m excited actually because Mamat always brings something new to my character in each film,” Awie offers.
He adds: “One of the challenges this time around is my character enters another realm so there are a lot of changes in clothing and make-up, which can be quite tiring.”
Another cast member who has played the same role multiple times is of course, Delimawati, who portrays Kak Limah.
“Wherever I go, people call me ‘Kak Limah.’ I don’t mind it. The film has helped my career a lot,” the actress notes.
“In fact, I have Mamat to thank for my popularity, as he has given me the opportunity to be a part of so many of his films since Rombongan Cik Kiah Ke Sukan Komanwel (1998).”
Its three previous instalments Zombi Kampung Pisang (2007), Hantu Kak Limah Balik Rumah (2010) and Husin, Mon Dan Jin Pakai Toncit (2013) did well at the box office, drawing in RM2.37mil, RM7.9mil and RM5.89mil respectively.
Expectations are high for the latest instalment, made with a budget of RM1.3mil (not including marketing expenses). Executive producer Gayatri Su-lin Pillai of Infinitus Gold, a production company producing the film, has high hopes for Hantu Kak Limah.
“I think it’s funnier and it looks better aesthetically, as it has a higher production value. We also have a new cast who’ll inject a breath of fresh air to the movie,” Gayatri says.
Hantu Kak Limah hits GSC cinemas nationwide on Aug 9.