AFTER making headlines for performing alongside A.R. Rahman in concert earlier this year, Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza has revealed that she will be singing a song on the official soundtrack of the upcoming biopic on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim: Anwar: The Untold Story, which is set for release in movie theatres next month.
Siti said that she accepted the chance to record Menjaga Cintamu, a song composed by Indonesian composers Andi Rianto and penned by Sekar Ayu Asmara, since she believed in the song's strength. The acclaimed singer went on to say that she believed the lyrics to be about the sacrifice of a wife and an unending love.
"It does not only illustrate the loyalty that Dr. Wan Azizah has [for her husband], but generally, for all women who stay true to their partner," she added, during an interview with Berita Harian.
At the same time, the singer said that she has always desired to collaborate with the Andi, who is extremely popular in Indonesia.
"So, this is like a dream come true for me. I thank executive producer Zunar and director Viva Westi for trusting me to sing the song," she added.
Meanwhile, Zunar in a previous interview revealed he has been trying to develop this movie for the past decade. Despite having little to no experience with film productions, he remained committed to bringing it to reality, due to his personal friendship with Anwar.
“I have been trying to develop this movie over the past 12 years. I have known Anwar personally since 1998. He has gone through hell and back. He is a ‘martyr’ of a system that is built on corruption. I felt the suffering and pains he and his family had to endure due to falsehoods. I promised myself, and to him, that I would help him whenever the opportunity arises. I am happy I can fulfil that promise through this movie,” he said.
Anwar: The Untold Story is being produced by Bianglala Entertainment and is distributed by Rakyat Media Sdn Bhd. The movie is directed by Indonesian filmmaker Viva Westi and stars Farid Kamil and Hasnul Rahmat as Anwar and Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, respectively. Acha Septriasa will be playing Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, with Piet Pagau and Dewi Irawan as Anwar’s parents.
It follows the story of Anwar's fight against corruption while in government between the years of 1993 and 1998, which led to his eventual imprisonment and the birth of the reformasi movement.
A red-carpet gala premiere will be held on May 8 at Dadi Cinema, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. – The Vibes, April 7, 2023
