PRECIOUS BABY (1990 -1996)

The purest form of love is surely one that is given spontaneously without any expectation of reciprocation or reward. This love brings about joy and happiness to the giver, and the receiver.

A child not knowing what love means feels safe and secured when pampered with love by the mother. Likewise, this same love when showered on families, friends, neighbours, and even pets, can have the same positive effects.

Painful scars

I look upon life as a package, stacked up with piles of events and emotions. Painful scars are often set aside, as recollections would bring about more pain and regrets. For more than 2 decades this segment of my memory box was kept sealed. I now compel myself to write this long overdue piece, for she was a unique soul that brought immense joy into our home for 6 fleeting years.  

Her arrival

We assumed that she was a female by her mannerism, but it was immaterial. We loved her just the same like our very own, and we named her ‘Babe’. Her arrival in the year 1990 was by pure coincidence. My husband was at Peel Road in Kuala Lumpur City to have our car checked. He then spotted a homeless man carrying a garbage bag approaching his direction. From inside the bag came a screeching noise that sounded exactly like a printer. To his surprise, it was the cry of a hungry newly hatched bird. Apparently, the nest had fallen from a nearby tree. Touched by what he saw, he offered the man money and brought home the little birdie for our daughter and I, to care for.

I had earlier been attached to this sweet little angel (right) that strangely came tapping at the glass window of my office. It was a baby swallow that I nursed and tended to, for two weeks. Sadly, it died and I was extremely distraught.  

Understandably, I would not get attached to any new bird. For several days my daughter and our helper nursed and fed baby.  Finally, the day came when she caught my eye and instantly babe won my heart.

A talking bird

She grew up pretty fast.  One day, I was seated on the balcony of our home and heard a male voice saying “Hello Baby”. I was shocked as it sounded exactly like my husband’s voice but he was nowhere nearby. To my utter disbelief, the voice came from Babe who was several feet away from me. We had no idea until then that she was a talking bird and could imitate exactly any sound that fascinated her. She was a specie known as the Indian Mynah  (Wikipedia)

A family addition

Baby became a new family addition – pampered and adored by everyone. We built an aviary in our garden, where she was free to fly during the day.  We would rotationally spend time with her there in her own environment. She really enjoyed her favourite unrestricted daily meals of fruits and meats.

Many times, baby escaped from her aviary, to venture into the greens to experience life in the outside world. The next morning, we found her perched on a nearby tree ready to fly into my open arms. Finally, after having spent a night in a severe thunderstorm, she ventured no more even when the door was opened.  She knew that this was her haven and within dwelled the family who adored her.

   

Baby was unusually possessive and protective of her family and territory. Only family members could enter her aviary and private room. A friend who once barged into her room was bitten by her and she refused to let go until I pacified her.

Baby assumed that she was a human. When exposed to other birds even one of her own kind she was totally disinterested.

Happy years  

Happy years flew by and baby enjoyed our company, vice versa. She would join in our conversations with her laughs as though she understood what we were talking about. The house was filled with her endless mimics, joyous cackles, and cheeky whistles. She enjoyed listening to music and was especially excited with classics and operas especially those sung by Pavarotti. She would often duet with me and knew exactly when to punctuate her whistles in between songs. I have many videos of her with me. Although these are still painful to view, I promise myself that I will soon upload them.

The very first time when I played the song (below) from my album, she was extremely excited, and she knew that it was the voice of her "mama". Thereon, this song became her favourite.

Visitors to our home were entertained by her humour and awed by her intelligence. Babe was the centre of attention wherever she went – on holidays with us, to the seas, hill resorts, etc. She was not left behind and although in a cage she knew that this was not to confine but to protect her.

It amazed me that on her own she would call out “hello mama” each time she saw me and no one taught her to say so. She would repeatedly call our daughter by her name and missed her terribly when she was at school. Her mimic of my husband’s voice fondly calling out “hello baby” left him amused and spellbound. She was more human than we could ever imagine.

Whilst observing babe and everything around me, I felt truly blessed to be a minute speck of the Infinite Creations of the One and Only Creator of the Universe.

Animal shelter

Thereon, many lost souls found their way into our home – dogs, cats, squirrels, different species of birds, a rabbit, even a snake, and a peacock.  We called the Wild Life department to take away the last two to a safer environment. Not that we were living in a remote jungle. Our home was surrounded by other houses, yet they never had such visitors. Perhaps these visitors knew that here they would be safe and cared for. For many years we sustained an animal shelter for the injured, the lost, and the abandoned.

Her departure

We then moved house and here Babe did not have her own aviary. The house did not seem safe to leave her alone in the garden and with the noise she made it could attract poachers. Instead, a room in the house was kept specially for her and she was just as happy here. 

One year after moving into our new home, on several occasions we heard Baby coughing and assumed that she was imitating someone’s cough. In actuality, birds too can be infected with cough and I blamed myself for my ignorance. I then appeased myself that life and death were not mine to dictate or predict. Every soul comes to this world for a purpose, serves the allocated life span, and eventually leaves.  

The last farewell

On that fateful morning in the year 1996, baby was extremely quiet and delirious. There was no “hello mama” greeting or cheeky whistle when we came out from our rooms. When I held her I could feel that there was no more warmth in her body. Despondent we were, we knew that the time had come for her to leave.

She could hear the loving words that my husband, daughter, and I whispered in her ears but could reciprocate no more. After a short while she moved slightly, tilted her head as though to bid us farewell and in the same familiar flying position, her soul gently left us. With heavy hearts we laid her to rest under a tree at our patio. 

Epilogue
The pain in losing baby never goes, although more than 20 years have gone by. Wherever Babe is, she will know that she was precious and irreplaceable and that we miss her extremely to this very day.

LOVE STORY (KISAH CINTA)

KISAH CINTA

The song "Kisah Cinta" by Sugiman Jahuri triggers nostalgic memories of the time when I wrote the Malay lyrics of the song for his album.

The movie

I saw this beautifully written/produced movie "Love Story" acted by Ryan O'Neal and Ali Macgraw. I really liked the song-track sung by Andy Williams. I saw it several times, and each time when the film ended, I walked away with a lump in my throat, when the song was played. 

One day, Daisy Devan (EMI) called me and asked if I could write the Malay lyrics for Sugiman Jahuri to record in his next album. Without any hesitation, I agreed, and was even prepared to waive any fee that EMI allocated for lyric writers. I knew the English version well by heart, and immediately sat down to put Malay lyrics, depicting myself in the role portrayed in the movie. It was an easy write, and I was pleased with the result.

Sugiman Jahuri sang the song beautifully, but when I was given a copy of the EP, my heart jolted. I noticed an important word in the lyrics was substituted with another, and this totally changed the meaning.

"Dari mulanya ku terkenang wajah yang sungguh jelita" should have been sung this way:-
"Dari mulanya ku terpandang wajah yang sungguh jelita". (The word terkenang was not what I wrote).

Grammatically, nothing was really wrong with that word, and no one even noticed it. Being the writer of the lyrics, I was disappointed because the word "terpandang" made more sense since the lyrics that followed "ku terpandang wajah yang sungguh jelita, senyum mesra dan lemah lembut gayanya" (meaning, that he fell in love with her at first sight, and her beauty, smile and grace, captivated him).

I pointed this out to Daisy. She panicked, and instantly checked with the Producer, and later called to say that it was too late to do anything as the EP was just released. It was a tense moment for EMI. Everyone (including me) was told not to mention this to anyone, for fear that it could be wrongly speculated, and affect the sale.

All fears were put to rest, "Kisah Cinta" became a HIT song, and the best selling album of Sugiman. This is the untold story behind "Kisah Cinta".

Today, "Kisah Cinta" is revived by many new generation singers. I like the vocal in this karaoke version (right). It sounds fresh, and different from the original track,

(Below) "Kisah Cinta" is being given a new treatment by Rudy Djoharnaen. His soothing voice and unique style in delivering the song, make me happy to have written the lyrics.

BERSAMA & DUA KALI DUA

Songs often reflect the personalities of writers. One can sense their temperaments, emotions, and states of mind.

While conceiving works, writers are often influenced by the environment, people and places. Hidden desires, inner feelings, hopes, disappointments, anger, and other positive and negative emotions can be felt in the lyrics.

Good writers are critical of their works. They imagine themselves in similar situations and put feelings into the songs. Good lyrics touch the hearts of listeners when they relate to listeners' life situations.

A common view on this is that, creative works, ideas and inventions are believed to be inspired. Quality work cannot be enforced or churned out at will. It is thus better to allow the mind to produce the work at its pace and momentum. Such works flow like rivers, and are well remembered for eternity.

"Bersama"
My mum was a Hindi movie fan. By coincidence, I was in Penang when I first heard the sound-track "Yeh samma" sung by Lata Mangkeshkar. The melody was beautiful, and romantic and caught my attention. Movies were then featuring actors playing hide and seek and hard to get. I felt the song deserved a more serious treatment.

I made a decision to record a Malay version. The idea was shelved, as the upcoming recording had been pre-planned. I had also not written the Malay lyrics. .

I forgot the idea and months later, while alone in my gift shop on a quiet day,  I felt low. The romantic melody kept spinning in my mind. With no effort, Malay lyrics popped-up. They fitted the melody, and the title  "Bersama" was catchy. It sounded close to "Yeh samma".
It made my day. I could hardly wait to record the song. It inspired me, but did not end here. I told of an unusual experience I encountered, on the night prior to the recording.. 

"Bersama" is today the most viewed song on sarenafanclub09 You Tube channel.

When I met Lata Mangheskar while in Bombay, she was thrilled to hear the version of "Yeh Samma". EMI later presented her a copy of the LP.



Dua Kali Dua
it means 2 x 2. It reminded me of my childhood days. It sounds mathematical, but in Malay it can also mean "you are the same, no better than me". The words are often used to tease someone.

I liked the original song "kiss me honey, honey"; catchy song with cheeky lyrics. It had not crossed my mind to record it in Malay.

One day, I was alone in my car, heading towards KL city, and roads were empty. The weather was bright and sunny, and I was unusually cheery. At such times, I kept the music on while driving. On that day, I sang aloudly whatever songs that came to my mind.

Then, it struck me with an idea to put Malay lyrics to the song. In high spirit, cheeky lyrics flowed with ease. I pulled the car to the side and jotted down the lyrics. They fitted beautifully with the melody, and "Dua kali dua" was created.

The late EMI Producer, Reggie Verghese, excited by my choice of the song, arranged beautiful instrumentation. The clapping sounds he inserted gave a cheeky finish to match the lyrics and vocal.

An unreleased copy of the album was rushed to the TV studio and featured in the 4th weekly show of "Sarena in Saturday Night Entertainment"- (Hiburan Malam Minggu bersama Sarena". TV Producer, Helan Abu, had good vision for sound and music, and predicted it would be a hit.

When the song came on TV, my mum and others were excited. I am happy to know fans who were not older than 10, still remember the song. More touched I am, to know it brought fond memories of their childhood days. "Dua kali dua" became a sing-along. EMI confirmed it was my best selling LP.

Epilogue
Today,  I often hear "Dua kali dua" and "Bersama"  on Radio Klasik radio. I am proud they brought back fond memories of the past for me and my fans.

MY TV MEMOIRS

Changes in life
As we continue with our journey in life, changes often take place. Changes can occur from within and sometimes situations initiate inevitable changes. Perhaps changes are necessary in life. Without change, we may never know that the path that lies ahead can sometimes make life even more meaningful.

I made that decision and changed my path and left behind the entertainment world as an artiste. With this, I left behind not only the way of life but also the people that I knew and worked with. I did not look back at that chapter of my life.

TV Memoirs 
Today, I feel that it's time to share some of my past experiences as an artiste and dedicate this piece to the memory of those days. Here are some of the highlights. 

I performed in many TV musicals and dramas and worked with TV Producers in Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei. My most memorable experiences were when I hosted my own TV shows - Hiburan Malam Minggu bersama Sarena - (Sarena in Saturday Night Entertainment) & Personaliti Hiburan Malam Minggu.

TV PRODUCERS
Zainal Abu
Zainal was a well-known singer before he joined RTM. This was long before I set foot in the entertainment world. I met him when I was appointed as one of the judges for the National talent show  "Bakat TV". (Below - Zainal seated on the extreme right).

In 1976, Zainal produced the first musical programme "Personaliti Hiburan Malam Minggu” that I hosted.

I offered to write the script for the comedy segment of the musical. I was happy that Zainal agreed without hesitation. No singer was given this privilege before. He made minor changes to my script, to be more in line with RTM’s policy.

This was the beginning. Subsequently, Helan Abu produced "Hiburan Malam Minggu - bersama Sarena" that I hosted, and I wrote 5 more comedy scripts for the show.

Ironically, two persons who share a similar surname, but unrelated, were instrumental in bringing to life, this latent potential in comedy/scripting, and unleashed the humour in me, that the public had never seen before. For this I'm grateful.

(Below - Part 1 - Audio/visuals of a comedy sketch with guest artiste Connie Looi, 

and comedians, Ishak Jonid, and Hamid Gurkha. Helan Abu produced the show).

Helan Abu

Helan introduced many unique ideas for the weekly show. These were carefully planned by him ahead of schedule, and I was excited to do my best. He was the script writer, director and producer.

The show was nominated for “Best Women's Entertainment Production”. I did not attend the function, as I had moved on with my new life. Helan deserved the recognition for his creativity, and commitment to the show. 

Sadly, as a normal practice at RTM, all tapes were eventually erased. Today, what’s left are memories embedded in my mind. Some of the salvaged audios were uploaded on YouTube, for sentiment.

Helan had good things to say about my performance, as reported in the article below:-

Utusan article, dated 24 August, 2009 written by Muzlina Abu Bakar (translated)

Quote - “I can still remember the show that I produced on Sarena Hashim in 1976, after my return from a 2-month work assignment in Sarawak. In this weekly show telecasted on Saturday nights, Sarena not only sang with her sweet voice, but participated in comedy, acting, and dancing. For 6 consecutive weeks, Sarena hosted HMM show with many invited guests, like the late Puan Sri Saloma, and Veteran actress Datin Saadiah. HMM became the most eagerly awaited entertainment programme, by fans. TV channels did not feature many artistes then, and such appearance was really looked forward to”. 

MEMORABLE SEGMENTS

·      (Lagu & Fesyen - Song & Fashion)

Four extra dresses were needed weekly for this particular segment of the show. Since RTM fees were low even for professionals, to lessen my burden, I arranged with several boutiques to sponsor this segment. The clothes by “Lady Jane Boutique” that I modeled, turned out the best. Jenny, the boutique owner, received well-earned credits on TV.   

Each time I made a 360 degrees turn, I appeared in a new dress. The live audience present, were puzzled seeing me running in and out of the studio, in a new outfit, halfway in between the song. Lagu & Fesyen, became the topic of conversation, and I was often asked, how this visual effect was created by the Producer.

·       Outdoor filming
The song “Tie a yellow ribbon”, was filmed at several locations, around Kenny Hills (Kampung Tunku)". This was a challenge for me, because the roads were winding, steep, and narrow.

As I cycled downhill, then got down from the bike, untied the yellow ribbon from a huge tree, and ended the song, a small crowd that gathered applauded. I felt silly then. Today, this song is still remembered by viewers of my generation.

                     Video below, is an amateur replica of "Tie a yellow ribbon"

Different themes

Each week a different theme was created to depict the mood, and concept. One was a picnic scene and camping, with actual campfire setting in the indoor studio. This too was an original concept, that had never been done at RTM. 

Another was on “travelling with songs” that commenced with the song "Kenangan Manis" with photo montage of my visit to Bollywood. This was followed by a Middle Eastern song performed with Normadiah dancers (Video below)

The week's theme provided me with the opportunity to perform a repertoire of songs in Malay, English, Hindi, Arabic, and Mandarin, all in one programme.

Producer - Teh Ching Chiang 
Here, I wish to record my gratitude to TV Producer, Teh Ching Chiang, who was very spontaneous in helping me with my diction in this Mandarin song. He was then the Producer in the Chinese entertainment section. Unfortunately, I did not get the chance to work much with him, except a few occasional appearances as a guest singer, in his programmes.

GUESTS IN THE SHOW
Well-known Celebrities
Several well-known personalities were guests of the show, and among them were the queen of songs, Saloma, veteran actress Sa'adiah, Actress Noor Azizah, veteran actors, Abdullah Chik, Mustafa Ma'aof, and many others. It was an honour to have them in the show. 

Saloma

We sang a medley of her old songs together (below)

"Solitaire" is my favourite song by her. I can feel her sadness as I recall the stories she told, of her emotional struggles, after her beloved husband, P. Ramlee departed. I wrote a tribute to Saloma in this post.

Sa'adiah
I liked her movie roles especially in "Antara dua darjat" and "Penarik Beca" with P. Ramlee. She was a legend of the silver screen, a great actress and beautiful in real life, as she was on screen. 

This was the first time that we worked together. I liked Sa'adiah at first sight. I had earlier imagined her to be quiet, and soft spoken, but found her to be cheerful, and bubbly. Her performance in  this comedy,  showed that she also could be funny, and firm. 

Sa'adiah was referred to as beautiful and "montel" (meaning chubby) in the comedy. Helan added the word, with no disrespect intended - and I told her so. Sa'adiah was gracious, and immediately brushed aside, and said no apology was needed, and it was all for fun, and that she actually was chubby then. The word "beautiful" was enough compliment to make her day. She was very encouraging, and sisterly towards me. 


Sa'adiah was married to the late veteran singer/actor Ahmad Daud. Occasionally, when she spoke, I could hear the Penang slang coming from her, obviously inherited after years of exposure to her beloved Penangite husband. 

I once appeared in Ahmad Daud TV Show, and performed on stage in Penang with him, and his sweet celebrity niece, Rahimah Rahim. This was the very same stage that I sang when I participated in the Bintang Radio competition, and where I performed alongside P. Ramlee and Saloma. It was a happy moment for my parents, and relatives, seeing me performed live for the first time, after becoming a Recording/TV artist. 


Actress Noor Azizah 
Noor Azizah was popular then, with many movies to her credit. I was happy that she was invited to appear as a guest. In real life she looked even better. This was the first time that the comedians met her in person. They were excited, and this coincided with the script that I wrote.

(Above - Noor Azizah and Ayappan standing next to me, and Lim Goh Poh, Shafee, and Yahya Sulong seated together).

The comedy was about 4 guys who came for a screen test, and only one would be selected to act as Noor's leading co-star. Seeing her in person, they became nervous, and there were squabbles among them. They forgot their lines, and invented their own. 

Situation in the studio became so hilarious and uncontrollable, during the rehearsal, that it had to be stopped for awhile until everyone settled down. That day, I laughed so much, as I had never laughed before. 
                                

(Below - in a comedy sketch with the late Abdullah Chik
and the late A. R. Ayappan)

Abdullah Chik 

He was a veteran singer and actor. His presence in the comedy, was looked forward to by fans, after his long absence, living overseas. 

Ayappan appeared with me in other comedies too. From the press reviews, this was said to be the best comedy performed in the show.

Shortly after the show, Abdullah Chik acted with me in a TV drama "Wajah wanita". I remember him as a jovial person, who had many stories to tell, that kept the casts and crew continuously entertained. I did not see Abdullah again after filming ended. 

On 26th September, 1995, I read the sad news that he had passed away. Alfatihah. Ayappan passed away in the year 2000. (May their souls rest in peace).

Singers & Musicians
The participation of well-known singers namely D.J. Dave, Hail Amir, Helen Velu, Salmiah Hassan, Jasmin Hussein, Mex Siwalette, Jamal Abdullah, A. J. Ajmain, Zainal Adnan, and many others, alongside local and foreign musicians, made the show even merrier. 

(Below)"Leave me alone" (Ruby red dress) 

performed with Helen Velu, and Salmiah Hassan).

  
(Right) In a medley of popular songs with well-known singers - Mex, A J Ajmain, Zainal and Jamal)

The finale
Perhaps it was an intuition, or pure coincidence that all the songs selected for the finale were goodbyes, and farewells  - Selamat Tinggal Bunga ku, Masa Berpisah,  Kucupan Azimat, etc. 

"Hasta Manana" performed during the finale
(Below - pictures and audio)

Whilst performing, I felt an unusual sadness then, as though I was bidding my last farewell to my fans. The atmosphere was sombre, and I was asked why I chose all depressive songs, and if I was going somewhere. 

Yes I did go, and by my own choice. This show turned out to be my last farewell, and I never sang again on TV, after this day. Subsequently, I acted in Saloma Show as her guest, and thereon acted in a feature film "Menanti Hari Esok". 

I then left the entertainment industry and never again faced the camera as an artiste. I returned to the scene, 6 years later, as a music & film producer.

SPECIAL TRIBUTE
Rahimah Alias

She was a young lady from a small village, who ventured to Singapore city to make a name for herself, in the movie industry. There were many reigning stars then, and it was more her beauty that captured the hearts of movie goers.

Her first movie was a supporting role in the film "Cinta gadis rimba", directed by Tan Sri L. Krishnan in 1957. Thereon, other supporting roles in Labu Labi, Ibu Mertua Ku, Chuchu Datuk Merah.

I first saw Rahimah in person, when she visited my mother and auntie in our home when I was young. She was the same age as my mum. Her daughter Suraya Harun was also in the movies. During her childhood, Suraya lived in Penang for awhile with a close relative of mine.  

Make-up artist
Rahimah then stopped acting, and was employed as a make-up artist at TV Malaysia. She did not know that I was the daughter of her family friend. When she found out, she insisted that I called her "mama", and thereon, was persistent in wanting to personally do the make-up for my TV appearances.

We maintained contact like most families do, and this bond was sustained for many decades. Two years prior to her departure, she asked me to write her autobiography, and said that she had many stories to tell of her struggles, and experiences, as a movie star. From the stories she related, it would have been a best seller. Sadly, I could not spare the time to write, and suggested that she could get one of her daughters to write. 

Rahimah is remembered for her generosity in sharing her affection, and for her cheerfulness. She had the gift of making people happy with her entertaining stories, aside from the delicious food that she happily cooked with her very own artistic hands. 

Mama departed on 30th December, 2009, and will always remain close to our hearts. Alfatihah.

SINGAPORE TV

Yusuf Ahmad
Pak Yusuf, as he preferred to be addressed, was a fatherly figure to all the artistes. I often appeared in his shows, alongside well-known Singapore artistes. The invitations were eagerly looked forward to, as I would be meeting many of my Singapore counterparts. 

The pictures in the article (right) were taken during filming of a Hari Raya TV Special produced by Pak Yusuf. That day, I was the only Malaysian artiste invited
to perform alongside Singapore singers - Kartina Dahari, Rafeah Buang, Anita Sarawak, Ahmad Jais, Ismail Harun, Eddie Ahmad, A Ramli, etc.  

Pak Yusuf was a veteran Producer, well-respected in the industry, as someone who thoroughly enjoyed his work. I was proud to know that his daughter Azizah was a fan, and I was privileged to meet his family.

During one of my visits, and just before filming commenced, 
Pak Yusuf appeared on the floor with a microphone in his hand. This was said to be unprecedented. 

In the presence of the audience, he said that he received many requests from my Singapore fans, who wanted to hear in my own words, what it felt like to be a well-known singer. Also, if I could give some advice for upcoming singers, on how to confront challenges in order to succeed. (The above photo with Pak Yusuf, was taken during the interview).

Pak Yusuf is fondly remembered. Alfatihah. 

Brunei TV
Over the years, I made several trips to Brunei, to perform in the TV shows, as a guest. Several times alongside Malaysian singers and celebrities, and once as an invited guest of the country with the late Saloma, the late Sharifah Aini, Uji Rashd, Ahmad Nawab, Hail Amir, Noor Azizah, and several others. 

In the old days, artistes were appreciative of each other's talents. Jealousy and animosity if at all existed, were rarely demonstrated openly, or perhaps, I was unaware. I seldom performed on stage, and during the rare occasions when we appeared together, I had the opportunity to get better acquainted with my counterparts. 

One day, an unforgettable phenomenon occurred in Brunei. Sharifah Aini, Uji Rashid, Saloma, Daisy Devan (our chaperone), and myself, had an unbelievable experience of our lives. This happened when we were returning late from a TV recording session. Perhaps, I might relate the incident one day, in a different segment of the blog. 

(Pictures in the press article were taken in between filming, at Brunei TV). 

Epilogue

In life, there may be times when words were left unspoken, but it’s better late than never. This long overdue piece, is my gesture of appreciation to some of the many persons, whose presence in my life as an artiste, made it pleasant, and colourful. 

The song below is dedicated to the memories of those times.

(Photos - By courtesy of Helan Abu & RTM. Newspaper articles from Utusan Malaysia, Berita Harian,  Malay Mail). Thank you.