IT may be a burden to be in the same industry as your famous parent, but Hadi M. Nor takes things in his stride.
Hadi, 33, is the son of national cartoonist Datuk Mohamad Nor Khalid, better known as Lat, and the nephew of the late, award-winning director Mamat Khalid of 'Hantu Kak Limah' and 'Zombi Kampong Pisang' fame.
Born and bred in Ipoh, Perak, the mass communications graduate from Inti College, Subang Jaya, is a full-time screenwriter who has worked on dozens of television series over the last decade.
These drama series, for television as well as streaming service Viu, include the Malaysian adaptation of the South Korean drama series 'W: Two Worlds', 'From Saga With Love' (2023), 'Kudeta' and 'Murder By Moonlight' (2022).
VIU
Most recently, Hadi wrote the script for Viu's supernatural thriller 'Nafsu', which is directed by Sein Qudsi of Ruffedge fame and stars Kamal Adli as a reluctant young magician who combats a deadly sorcerer played by Aqasha Rosli.
The star-studded series also stars Azira Shafinaz Ramlan of De Fam fame, Khayrisyah Kemal, Nia Atasha, Vanidah Imran, Ellie Suriaty Omar, Riezman Khuzaimi and Steve Yap.
NOVELIST
"Besides writing scripts for dramas and films, I have also authored several novels, beginning with 'Suci', which came out in 2012.
"These novels are inspired by the lives of young Malaysians whom I've encountered during my teenage years.
"I also find a lot of inspiration from watching Hollywood and Malaysian movies, as well as travelling," said Hadi at the launch of 'Nafsu' in The Aurum Cinema, The Exchange TRX in Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur, recently.
CARTOONING
Hadi is the youngest of four siblings (two elder sisters and one elder brother), and was exposed to his father's and uncle's creativity at an early age.
"Honestly, I've never been good at cartooning like my father. Nevertheless, he inspired me to carve a niche for myself in the creative industry," said Hadi.
HANGING OUT
As for Mamat, Hadi has never worked with him, though he enjoyed "hanging out" with the acclaimed director, who died in 2021.
"I guess creativity is in the family genes, one way or another.
"On my part, I think that I take after my late uncle more than my father, as I'm more into writing stories rather than drawing them."
OWN MAN
Hadi's father and uncle have always supported him 100 per cent, and always encouraged him to be his own man, and not to rely on connections.
"Another strong supporter of me is my elder sister Junaidah, or Junad.
"She is also a producer and actress."
Junad famously appeared in the popular movies 'Imaginur' with Diana Danielle and Beto Kusyairy and 'Kil' with Redza Minhat and Christina Suzanne Stockstill.
Junad was once an assistant producer with Tall Order Productions and helped the company's founder Datuk Hans Isaac come up with musicals such as 'Cuci The Musical', 'Supermokh The Musical' and 'Lat Kampung Boy Sebuah Muzikal'.
AWKWARD
Hadi admits that he is not cut out to be an actor as he is rather awkward in front of the camera.
"I'm rather 'stiff' on stage, so I prefer to work behind the camera, writing scripts for films and dramas," he said, adding that his aim in life is to become a successful screenwriter.
LEGACY
Hadi would love to work with his director cousin Aiman Mamat Khalid someday, and believes Aiman will live up to his father Mamat's legacy.
"However, it is always better to be your own man and work with people who are not related to you.
"That, to me, is the best measure of a self-made man."