PETALING JAYA: Veteran actress Delimawati who made an indelible impression as the titular apparition in Hantu Kak Limah (HKL), may not reprise her role in possible future productions of the Mamat Khalid-directed hit movie.
“If it’s the same production that takes on the continuation of HKL, then I will have to consider looking into the payment. Not that I want to ‘demand’ anything but this (acting) is my only ‘periuk nasi'’ (source of income),” said the the 60-year-old star when met after a Press conference for Teater Muzikal HKL here yesterday.
This was in response to the recent issue of alleged meagre bonuses given out to the cast and crew of HKL, which was highlighted by HKL star Datuk Awie.
“It’s not just the other actors that are not satisfied with the bonuses that were given, I am too.
“Of course I’m not happy with the matter. It’s not that I’m getting paid a lot to carry the role of Kak Limah in the first place but the bonus was also very paltry,” she said.
Although she didn’t disclose any of the amounts, Delimawati added that she wasn’t expecting a huge and unreasonable amount in terms of a bonus but rather something that’s appropriate.
“I’m just asking for an amount that’s relative to the hard work and effort that we all put in to make it worthwhile.
“If another production takes on the task of continuing the story I will accept it only if the payment is appropriate enough,” she said.
Delimawati added that the strong branding of the Kak Limah movies, ever since it was first introduced to the cinema-going public eight years ago, has certainly made her more visible with drama producers taking notice as well.
“But this whole bonus issue has made me rethink things a bit. Honestly, if this upcoming musical theatre show was under the same production as the film, I wouldn't have accepted it,” she said.
Teater Muzikal Hantu Kak Limah is produced by Malaysia Animation Park Studios (MAPS), and will see Mamat Khalid as the director.
To be staged at MAPS in Ipoh, Perak for eight days beginning Dec 24.
Delimawati, who has been in the entertainment business for three decades, confessed that this project would be her first foray in theatre.
“I’ve never acted in a theatre production before, let alone a musical. But I have challenged myself to do this for the sake of HKL fans,” she said.