PETALING JAYA – He is immortally remembered as the formidable bad guy in the 1980s television series PJ Holding.
But on the set, veteran actor Datuk Abdul Aziz Singah was anything but his famous Dallas’ JR Ewing-inspired villain.
His colleagues remember him as a jovial, soft spoken man who mentored budding actors in the film industry.
“He is the man responsible for the start of my career,” said actor Datuk Jalaluddin Hassan.
The late Persatuan Seniman Malaysia president was a staunch advocate for local artiste rights and pushed for young actors to join the film industry. Jalaluddin was just one of his many discoveries.
Ironically, Jalaluddin – known for his signature voice – recalls having problems projecting his voice during his first audition with RTM, where Abdul Aziz was working as a talent scout in the 1980s.
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“He gave me tips on how to project my voice and the importance of voice in acting, especially the stage.
“When I was offered a main role, I remember going to his office and telling him I don’t think I could do it. He said ‘Jalal, don’t embarrass me. I recommended you’.
“I followed his advice and never looked back,” he added.
Abdul Aziz passed away at the age of 75 after a long battle with cancer late Friday. Besides his role in PJ Holding, he also appeared in Sate, Maria Mariana and Impian.
He lent his baritone voice to several jingles and television shows.
“His voice captured me,” said Jalaluddin. “The minute he opens his mouth, you are hooked on every word. He had a beautiful, deep voice. I wish I could have his voice!”
Jalaluddin said the cool-headed Abdul Aziz was instrumental in resolving disputes between actors and film companies.
Veteran actress Fauziah Nawi recalled working with Abdul Aziz on her screen debut in RTM’s Tahan Kinabalu about 40 years ago.
“He made life easier for young actors and everyone on set. He made me feel at ease.
“Even when you make a mistake and you have to repeat it, he would never say anything. He would just laugh,” she said.
And that warm personality would even extend beyond the set, said Fauziah, adding that she, Abdul Aziz and the crew would have impromptu holidays wherever they filmed.
“We would all go rombongan to Hat Yai and I would tease him that he was there to look for women. He would be so shy because I know all his wives,” she added.
Abdul Aziz passed away at his residence in Bandar Putra Permai, Seri Kembangan. He was buried at the Kampung Bongek Cemetery in Rembau, Negri Sembilan, yesterday.
