Grateful for the Opportunity – Sathiya Stars in Animated Film

Actor and comedian Sathiya, now using a wheelchair following a second surgery for chronic diabetes, remains upbeat, stating, "I'm always happy." The 62-year-old, who resides in Kuala Lumpur with his wife, Thilagam, while his two children are married and live separately, continues his acting career of 40 years. This dedication is partly driven by the need to supplement the RM500 monthly aid he receives from the Actors' Welfare Foundation (YKAT).

“

I'm always happy.

When Datuk Norman Abdul Halim offered him the role of Roti in the animated film 'Zan Orang Utan,' Sathiya readily accepted. "I am grateful for the opportunity," he said. "Especially since the recording for this film takes only one day and doesn't require me to move, just talk. I only need to go to KRU Studio to record my voice."

Sathiya is known for his willingness to take on any role, a practice he has maintained since entering the acting world four decades ago. "I'll take on any character given to me, as long as I can earn an income," he stated. "I was paid an adequate amount for the animated film 'Zan Orang Utan,' and the sum is sufficient for work that isn't strenuous."

“

I am grateful for the opportunity. Especially since the recording for this film takes only one day and doesn't require me to move, just talk. I only need to go to KRU Studio to record my voice.

Norman explained that Sathiya was the ideal choice for the character Roti, particularly given his ability to speak Tamil. He noted that Sathiya agreed to collaborate on the condition that Norman's team would pick him up for studio recordings. "Through this film, we want to showcase Malaysia's diverse society, and at this moment, I feel no one is more fitting than Sathiya," Norman said. He also cited their positive past experiences working together on the sitcom 'Pi Mai Pi Mai Tang Tu' and the film 'Cicak Man 3' as reasons for inviting Sathiya back for 'Zan Orang Utan,' with recordings scheduled to begin in July.

“

I'll take on any character given to me, as long as I can earn an income. I was paid an adequate amount for the animated film 'Zan Orang Utan,' and the sum is sufficient for work that isn't strenuous.

Norman clarified that Sathiya's casting was purely commercial and unrelated to his physical condition, emphasizing that it was based solely on the character's requirements. He further elaborated that voice acting is a valuable asset for artists who cannot participate in lengthy filming schedules, especially with the industry's increasing focus on virtual and animated content. "Voice is an asset that can be utilized, especially for artists who cannot participate in long and weeks-long filming," Norman shared. "I hope this approach will open up opportunities for veteran artists to generate income through animated films and the like."

“

Through this film, we want to showcase Malaysia's diverse society, and at this moment, I feel no one is more fitting than Sathiya.