#SHOWBIZ: Hit films run in Yusof Haslam's family
DATUK Yusof Haslam and his sons, Syamsul and Syafiq, could be known as Malaysia's First Family of Film.
Yusof is known for his box-office toppers like the "Sembilu" film series, and police-procedural drama "Gerak Khas".
Syamsul directed " Mat Kilau", "Evolusi KL Drift", "KL Gangster" and "Munafiq", and Syafiq has been riding high with "Sheriff", "Soloz" and "Blood Brothers".
BABY
We caught up with Yusof and Syafiq, the younger of his two sons, in Taman Melawati, Hulu Klang, Selangor, in conjunction with Fathers Day.
Syafiq: "While Fathers Day is international, every day is Fathers Day for me,"
EXCEL
Syafiq, 32, initially had no ambition to follow in his father's footsteps.
"While in school, I liked skateboarding and wanted to excel in it.
"After my Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia, , my father advised me to study film.
"I watched my brother's films and found that his first film, 'Evolusi KL Drift', was really good, and different from the rest."
ACTION
Syafiq added: "There were fewer action films at that time, and that made Syamsul a groundbreaker.
"I also watched my father's films and liked 'Gerak Khas The Movie'. At that time, action movies were rare, and teenagers in the 2000s loved them."
Syafiq did not see much of his father's old movies, though.
"As a kid I starred in my father's films like 'Maria Mariana'.
"I was also in 'Roda-Roda KL' when I was in Form Four and Form Five."
BODY
Syafiq, who also starred in 'Evolusi KL Drift The Series', said acting was not easy.
"You have to take care of your body and appearance. I feel uncomfortable because I often eat at eateries".
He has been following his father's films and dramas since his schooldays and often accompanied his father to film sets.
"'Sembilu' and 'Gerak Khas' were shot in my house. I often saw my dad's filming process, and he introduced me to the crew."
SHORTS
Syafiq said Syamsul was initially interested in film, and made short films that he appeared in.
"I took a film course at KL Multimedia University in 2011 but did not complete it. I dropped out after a year, because my father wanted me to focus on movie making."
Syafiq fell in love with the "Gerak Khas" series and films as he loves action movies.
"What I love most about my father's films is that they are multiracial and reflect the spirit of 'Bangsa Malaysia'".
CLUB
When Syafiq first told Yusof about his interest in making movies, the founder of Skop Productions was delighted his son wanted to "join the club".
He advised Syafiq to pursue a film degree like his elder brother.
Was Yusof a "terrifying dad"?
"He is serious at work, but a loving father."
HOLIDAYS
Syafiq said he was closer to his mother during his schooldays but bonded with his father during holidays.
"Dad and I are a lot closer now. He encouraged me to mix with more people as it helps expand my career."
Yusof also emphasised neatness, punctuality and hard work, he added.
"Dad may look serious, but at heart he is talkative and friendly. I was never scared of him."
SPM
Yusof also encouraged Syafiq to do well in school, and while Syafiq said that he was an "okay" student, he scored 5As in his SPM.
"While my dad is my constructive critic, he is never harsh in his criticism. In fact, he is very supportive and gives me lots of tips."
HAPPY
Yusof said he was very happy with Syafiq's achievements: "He exceeded my expectations.
"My advice: A story must be come from the heart. That is what viewers want."
Yusof said that Syafiq has a vision, that is, to be different from his father.
"It is good that he is not a copier. He steps out outside his comfort zone. This is evident in 'Desolasi', which is out of the ordinary."
SAM
Yusof lists Syafiq's films "Saya Amat Mencintaimu (SAM)", "Desolasi", the "Abang Long Fadil" films and "Sheriff" as his favourites.
"He is very meticulous. That's why his films do well,.
"Best of all, I did not encourage him to be a filmmaker. It was his own decision."
ORIGINAL
Yusof said that Syafiq's decision to become a filmmaker came at a time when local films were "not doing well".
"I told him originality could make a difference," said Yusof, whose "Gerak Khas" series also spawned a spin-off by Syafiq titled "Gerak Khas Undercover".
Yusof describes Syafiq's movies as "urban" while Syamsul's movies are more "commercial".
"My elder son loves to act and sing. Syafiq prefers to work behind the camera, but he did appear in a few of my movies and series.
"My favourite memory of him in my movies is a deleted scene: He was a baby being carried by one of the supporting actresses."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sinar Daily
15 hours ago
- Sinar Daily
My Dad, My Hero: Norman KRU on growing up and life lessons from his father
23 Jun 2025 09:55am From growing up with strong family values to navigating the ever-changing landscape of the entertainment industry, Datuk Norman Abdul Halim reflects on how his father's quiet strength became the foundation of his character. In a world where success is often measured by fame and fortune, Norman shares a more intimate narrative, one rooted in the unspoken wisdom and everyday sacrifices of a father who led by example. In this heartfelt and revealing conversation, Norman opens up about the principles his father instilled in him from a young age - honesty, discipline, humility, and hard work. These weren't just lessons preached, but values lived daily in the small, consistent ways that shaped Norman's outlook on life. Whether it was waking up early to help with chores or watching how his father treated others with kindness and respect, Norman learned that true leadership doesn't require a spotlight. As a member of the iconic KRU group and a pioneer in Malaysia's music and film industry, Norman faced intense public scrutiny, creative pressure, and business challenges. Yet through it all, it was his father's unwavering guidance that helped him stay grounded. He shares how those early teachings became his inner compass, steering him away from ego, reminding him of his roots, and encouraging him to uplift others along the way. This conversation is more than just a tribute to his father, it's a powerful reminder of how deeply parents shape the emotional and moral fabric of their children. It's also a call to appreciate the silent, steadfast presence of the men who raise us, those who don't always say much, but whose actions echo in our lives forever. #FathersDay #NormanKRU #MyDadMyHero #SinarDaily #KRU More Like This
New Straits Times
a day ago
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Yusof Haslam: 'Raja Nurfatimah was a dear friend who helped my family all the way'
KUALA LUMPUR: Filmmaker and producer Datuk Yusof Haslam has described the death of the late Berita Harian assistant entertainment editor Raja Nurfatimah Mawar Mohamed as the loss of a dear friend who supported his family throughout their careers. Raja Nurfatimah passed away today. "Raja Nurfatimah and I go back a long way," he said when contacted. "She covered my work when I was still an actor, and she was there when I became a filmmaker with the Sembilu series too." Yusof added that Raja Nurfatimah was a steadfast supporter of his sons. "When my sons Syamsul and Syafiq rose in the industry, she was the first entertainment journalist to give them support. "My family and I owe her so much, and we'll all miss her dearly," he told NST. Yusof also fondly recalled Raja Nurfatimah's annual Hari Raya Aidilfitri visits. "She would always visit me during Hari Raya Aidilfitri, and we would engage in hearty conversations about Malaysian entertainment." Describing her professional qualities, Yusof said, "She was very hardworking, dedicated, knowledgeable, but most of all, humble and friendly. Almost everyone in showbiz knew her and had good things to say about her." Yusof shared his regret, saying, "I had plans to visit Raja Nurfatimah in July, but alas, this was not to be." "On behalf of my family, I convey my heartfelt condolences to Raja Nurfatimah's loved ones," Yusof said. "Malaysia has lost a great entertainment journalist, and the entertainment world has lost a good friend. We will always remember her love and support for Malaysian entertainment." Several artistes also paid tribute to Raja Nurfatimah on Facebook and Instagram, including Fauziah Ahmad Daud, Datuk Hattan, and Datuk Fauziah Nawi. In an Instagram post, Fauziah Ahmad Daud wrote: "Rest in peace, Raja Nurfatimah. Thank you so much for being a great friend to all of us." Hattan shared on Facebook: "May she be placed among the righteous. We've lost a great friend." Fauziah Nawi also expressed her condolences on Facebook: "May her soul rest in peace. Heartfelt condolences to her family." Raja Nurfatimah, 49, passed away at her home in Sungai Long, Kuala Lumpur, around 2 pm today. Her death, reportedly due to breathing difficulties and chest pain, has shocked both the journalistic fraternity and the entertainment industry. She was an outstanding, award-winning journalist throughout her three-decade-long career. Raja Nurfatimah's remains have been sent to Kajang Hospital for a post-mortem. She will be laid to rest in her hometown of Kuala Terengganu later.
The Star
5 days ago
- The Star
Fan Bingbing posts rare pic with parents, 74YO dad goes viral for youthful looks
Chinese movie star Fan Bingbing (1st from right) with her mother Zhang Chuanmei and father Fan Tao. Photo: Fan Bingbing/Weibo Multiple celebrities took to social media on June 15 to celebrate Fathers Day, and Chinese superstar Fan Bingbing was among those who shared heartfelt tributes to their dads. The 43-year-old actress shared a rare glimpse of her family life on Weibo, posting two photos – one with her parents and another of her father blowing out the candle on his cake. 'Happy Fathers Day! Wishing all the dads at home a happy day! The best dad, strongest support!' she wrote in the caption. The photos quickly went viral, with fans marvelling at how incredibly youthful Fan's father looked despite being 74. Some were even stunned enough to mistake him for her 25-year-old brother Chengcheng, who's also an actor and a singer. Several netizens mistook Fan's father for her 25-year-old brother, singer-actor Fan Chengcheng. Photos: Fan Bingbing/Weibo, Fan Chengcheng/Weibo 'Chengcheng isn't the one in the second picture?' one netizen asked. 'He's over 70? If you told me he was in his 40s, I'd believe you. This family is so beautiful,' another commented. 'Dad is becoming younger and younger,' a third chimed in. Fan's father Fan Tao was once a pop singer who often performed in regional competitions. Her mother Zhang Chuanmei, 70, was a dancer and actress.
