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BusinessToday
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- BusinessToday
Renowned Kopitiam Sitcom Actor Mano Maniam Passes Away
Malaysia has lost one of its most beloved cultural icons. Mano Maniam, the veteran actor best known for his warm portrayal of Uncle Chan in the iconic 1990s sitcom Kopitiam, passed away peacefully on May 30 at the age of 79. His younger brother, Madi Maniam, confirmed the news to Bernama , saying Mano died of natural causes due to old age. 'Further details are still being arranged with the family,' he said, adding that the funeral is expected to take place this Monday at Bliss Gardens, Shah Alam. Born on Nov 15, 1945, Mano was more than just a familiar face on Malaysian television, he was a pillar of the local performing arts scene. With a career that spanned six decades, Mano wore many hats: Actor, director, playwright, acting coach and voice-over artist. His dedication to the craft touched generations of Malaysians, and his legacy continues to shape the country's creative landscape. In addition to his work on local TV and theatre, Mano left his mark on the international stage. He appeared in Hollywood's 'Anna and the King' and the Netflix historical drama 'Marco Polo', showcasing Malaysian talent to a global audience. His distinct voice also brought life to Tok Din in the English-language adaptation of Lat's animated classic Kampung Boy . Even in his later years, Mano remained active, conducting acting classes for senior citizens at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre and lending his voice to various projects. He was a cherished mentor to many young artists and a vocal advocate for inclusivity and cultural preservation in the arts. In a poignant twist, Mano was scheduled to receive an award on May 31 in recognition of his lifelong contributions to the Indian community and Malaysian performing arts. As tributes pour in from peers and fans alike, Mano is remembered not only for his unforgettable characters and commanding stage presence, but also for his deep humanity, humour and the warmth he brought to every role. Malaysia mourns the loss of a true legend, but celebrates a life that inspired and united generations through storytelling, compassion and art. Related
Barnama
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Barnama
Veteran Actor Mano Maniam From Kopitiam Dies
KUALA LUMPUR, May 31 (Bernama) -- Veteran actor Mano Maniam, renowned for his role as Uncle Chan in the sitcom Kopitiam, died last night at the age of 79. The news was confirmed by his younger brother, Madi Maniam, when contacted by Bernama today. 'His passing was due to old age and occurred naturally. However, further details have yet to be finalised with the family. The funeral is expected to take place this Monday at Bliss Gardens, Shah Alam,' he said. Born on Nov 15, 1945, Mano was a prominent figure in the local arts scene since 1965, having worn many hats as an actor, director, writer, acting coach and voice-over artist. He also made appearances in international productions, including the Hollywood blockbuster Anna and the King and the Netflix series Marco Polo, in addition to various English- and Tamil-language television dramas produced locally. Even in his seventies, Mano remained active in the performing arts, continuing his voice-over work and offering acting classes for senior citizens at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC). His voice was featured as Tok Din in the English-language adaptation of the animated series Kampung Boy, and he also starred in the local film Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa. Madi also shared that Mano was slated to receive an award tonight at the HGH Convention Hall, Sentul, in recognition of his contributions to the Indian community and the development of the performing arts in Malaysia. -- BERNAMA
The Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Veteran actor Mano Maniam dies at 79, hours before receiving award
PETALING JAYA: Veteran actor and drama instructor Mano Maniam has passed away at the age of 79. Renowned for his role as Uncle Chan in NTV7's sitcom Kopitiam, Mano was also celebrated for his work as a director, writer, and voiceover artist in the local film and television industry over several decades. His brother, Madi Maniam, confirmed his passing to Free Malaysia Today, saying Mano died at his apartment last night. He added that Mano valued his privacy and had been living alone. 'It happened all of a sudden. It could have been due to old age, a heart attack, or even a stroke. We're still not certain. 'We only found out about his passing later. We are currently making the necessary funeral arrangements and will announce the details in due course,' Madi said. Although Mano lived alone, Madi noted that he remained close to his family. In addition to his role in the seven-season local sitcom Kopitiam, which aired from 1998 to 2003, Mano also appeared in international productions such as Indian Summers (2015–2016), Netflix's Marco Polo (2014–2016), and Anna and the King (1999). Mano continued to be active in the arts well into his 70s, doing voiceover work and teaching acting to senior citizens at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC). 'He was still doing voice overs recently,' said Madi. Madi also revealed that Mano was scheduled to receive an award that evening at the HGH Convention Hall in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur, in recognition of his cultural contributions to the Indian community and the Malaysian performing arts scene. 'He had been preparing for the event and even had his suit laid out. This evening, he will be there in spirit,' he added.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Veteran actor Mano Maniam dies at 79
PETALING JAYA: Veteran actor and drama instructor Mano Maniam has passed away at the age of 79. Renowned for his role as Uncle Chan in NTV7's sitcom Kopitiam, Mano was also celebrated for his work as a director, writer, and voiceover artist in the local film and television industry over several decades. His brother, Madi Maniam, confirmed his passing to Free Malaysia Today, saying Mano died at his apartment last night. He added that Mano valued his privacy and had been living alone. 'It happened all of a sudden. It could have been due to old age, a heart attack, or even a stroke. We're still not certain. 'We only found out about his passing later. We are currently making the necessary funeral arrangements and will announce the details in due course,' Madi said. Although Mano lived alone, Madi noted that he remained close to his family. In addition to his role in the seven-season local sitcom Kopitiam, which aired from 1998 to 2003, Mano also appeared in international productions such as Indian Summers (2015–2016), Netflix's Marco Polo (2014–2016), and Anna and the King (1999). Mano continued to be active in the arts well into his 70s, doing voiceover work and teaching acting to senior citizens at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC). 'He was still doing voice overs recently,' said Madi. Madi also revealed that Mano was scheduled to receive an award that evening at the HGH Convention Hall in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur, in recognition of his cultural contributions to the Indian community and the Malaysian performing arts scene. 'He had been preparing for the event and even had his suit laid out. This evening, he will be there in spirit,' he added.
Tatler Asia
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
From Merdeka 118 to the Blue Mansion: Malaysia's most spectacular film locations that have captivated international cinema
Penang: Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion and Armenian Street Above The Blue Mansion, Penang George Town, Penang's UNESCO-listed capital, has provided atmospheric backdrops for films including Beyond Rangoon , Indochine , Lust, Caution and Road to Dawn . The iconic Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (The Blue Mansion) featured in Indochine and again in Crazy Rich Asians , where it stood in as a mahjong parlour for a pivotal scene between Michelle Yeoh and Constance Wu. Following the film's 2018 release, visitor numbers to the mansion tripled. In the 1999 historical drama Anna and the King , starring Jodie Foster and Chow Yun-Fat, Armenian Street in George Town stood in for a street in Bangkok, while Swettenham Pier doubled as Bangkok Harbor in this riveting story of British schoolteacher Anna Leonowens and her time in Siam (now Thailand) as a tutor to the king's children. For Ang Lee's espionage thriller Lust, Caution , set in 1940s Shanghai and Hong Kong, Wisma Yeap Chor Ee and China Street Ghaut in Penang provided perfect period settings. The film follows a young woman who infiltrates the household of a powerful political figure with the intention of assassinating him. See also: Explore three distinctive heritage properties in Penang, Selangor and Melaka, Malaysia Langkawi: Tropical paradise fit for royalty and romance Above Four Seasons Resort Langkawi was one of the filming locations of the movie 'Crazy Rich Asians' (Photo: Four Seasons Resort Langkawi) The breathtaking archipelago of Langkawi in Kedah state has lent its pristine beaches and lush landscapes to films seeking paradisiacal settings. For Anna and the King , a spectacular set was constructed on a beach in Telaga Harbor, with remnants remaining until around 2008 as a tourist attraction. Crazy Rich Asians featured Langkawi's luxurious resorts and idyllic settings, helping to position the island as a premium destination for affluent travelers. Following the film's success, Langkawi saw an uptick in visitors seeking the lavish experiences depicted on screen. The 1980 Australian mini-series A Town Like Alice was also filmed partially in Langkawi, capturing the island's natural beauty decades before it became a luxury tourism hotspot. Additionally, a movie set for the Bollywood hit Don was located in Langkawi, utilising the island's dramatic landscapes for Shah Rukh Khan's action sequences. Pahang: Cameron Highlands Above Tea plantations in Cameron Highlands (Photo: BOH Tea Malaysia) The misty Cameron Highlands in Pahang provided the perfect setting for the critically acclaimed historical drama The Garden of Evening Mists , based on the novel by Malaysian author Tan Twan Eng. The film, starring Lee Sin-je and Hiroshi Abe, tells the story of a former prisoner of a Japanese war camp who seeks peace by creating a garden with a mysterious Japanese gardener. The location choice was particularly poignant as it was near an actual Japanese war camp where the main character was imprisoned during World War II. The film showcases the highlands' cool climate, tea plantations, and lush forests, offering viewers a glimpse into a side of Malaysia rarely seen in international productions. Sarawak: Jungle Adventures and Cultural Immersion Above Bako National Park in Sarawak, Malaysia (Photo: Unsplash) Borneo's Sarawak state provided the authentic rainforest setting for The Sleeping Dictionary , a romantic drama starring Jessica Alba, Hugh Dancy, and Bob Hoskins. The film follows a young Englishman (Dancy) working in the British colony who learns the local Iban language and customs through a 'sleeping dictionary'—a local Iban woman (played by Jessica Alba, who is not, in fact, Iban) who serves as both language tutor and companion. The production showcased Sarawak's lush jungles, traditional longhouses, and indigenous cultures, filmed at locations such as Buntal Jetty in Kuching, and the Red Bridge near Matang. Although the 2018 film Venom famously opened with a scene supposedly set in Sarawak's Sibu, the 'Sarawakian village' in the movie was actually filmed in a woodsy area in Atlanta, Georgia. Melaka: Historical port city with cinematic versatility Above Melaka: Historical port city with cinematic versatility in Malaysia (Photo: Unsplash) The UNESCO World Heritage site of Melaka, with its rich trading history and unique architectural blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences, provided atmospheric settings for the Indian Tamil-language film Kabali , starring superstar Rajinikanth. Following the release of Kabali, Tourism Malaysia launched a special tour for Indian tourists of the shooting locations. While Entrapment famously depicted the Petronas Twin Towers as visible from Melaka—a creative liberty with geography—the historical city's streets and thoroughfares offer authentic glimpses into Malaysia's colonial past. The exposure from these films has reinforced Melaka's status as a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and architecture lovers, contributing to the steady growth of tourism in this historically significant port city. Perak: Kellie's Castle, Ipoh and more Above Kellie's Castle in Ipoh, Perak in Malaysia (Photo: Unsplash) Ipoh, the capital of Perak state, with its well-preserved colonial buildings and surrounding limestone karsts, served as a filming location for an impressive array of international productions, including After This, Our Exile , Anna and the King , Beyond Rangoon , Blackhat , Indochine , and Lust, Caution . For Anna and the King , Kellie's Castle in Batu Gajah near Ipoh—an unfinished mansion built by a Scottish planter—provided a perfect colonial-era setting. Additionally, a massive seven-acre palace recreation was constructed near Ipoh specifically for the film, becoming a temporary tourist attraction during production. The historical drama Road to Dawn , which tells the story of revolutionary leader Sun Yat-sen's time in Penang, also filmed scenes in Ipoh, taking advantage of the city's well-preserved early 20th-century architecture. Michael Mann's cyberthriller Blackhat , starring Chris Hemsworth, used Ipoh's urban landscape and surrounding areas to create tense action sequences in its story of international cybercrime and terrorism. The future of film tourism in Malaysia As Malaysia continues to attract international productions, the symbiotic relationship between filmmaking and tourism is likely to strengthen. The upcoming feature of the Merdeka 118 tower in Marvel's Thunderbolts represents a significant opportunity for Malaysia to showcase its modern architectural achievements to global audiences, potentially driving a new wave of tourism to Kuala Lumpur. The Malaysian government has recognised this potential, offering incentives to international productions through initiatives like the Film In Malaysia Incentive (FIMI), which provides a 30 per cent cash rebate on qualifying Malaysian expenditure for foreign productions. As streaming platforms continue to fund diverse international content, Malaysia's varied landscapes and architectural wonders are likely to appear more frequently on screens worldwide, further enhancing the country's appeal as a destination for discerning travelers seeking experiences beyond the ordinary. Whether you're a film enthusiast tracing the footsteps of Hollywood stars or a luxury traveler seeking locations of extraordinary beauty and cultural significance, Malaysia's cinematic landscapes offer an unparalleled journey through one of Southeast Asia's most visually stunning and culturally rich nations. Credits This article was created with the assistance of AI tools
