Actress Sherrie Merlis plays the titular role in 'Hayati', which sheds light on mental health issues. Photo: Handout
Since 2019, popular radio station Suria FM has been producing Hari Raya dramas. This year is no different, except in the message it wants to impart with the short.
For the first time, Suria FM presents a deeply emotional drama exploring themes of mental health and personal healing. The project titled Hayati is the result of a collaboration between Suria FM and Yaya Empire Perfume.
“Our Raya dramas started as short Raya ads lasting only a few minutes. Over time, they evolved into productions running over 10 minutes, eventually expanding into even longer formats. Now, we’ve reached a milestone with our latest production, which runs for about 40 minutes,” said Suria FM’s general manager, Roslinda Abd Majid, fondly known as DJ Lin.
More than just its extended runtime, Hayati stands out for tackling a serious subject matter, a departure from Suria FM’s previous lighthearted festive productions.
“Hayati is more serious,” DJ Lin confirmed, adding that the drama requires audiences to engage more deeply with its narrative.
“As for the message, we believe everyone will have their own interpretation based on their personal experiences.”
When asked why the station decided to explore a heavy theme, DJ Lin explained: “Mental health is a very important topic that is being widely discussed on various platforms. Based on our research and observations of current trends, we felt it was time to address this issue in a meaningful way.”
She further emphasised that Hayati was an opportunity “to challenge ourselves and produce a script that carries a deeper message”.
The drama begins with a group of strangers waiting at a bus stop before heading back to their hometowns for Hari Raya.
However, their journey takes an unexpected turn and the bus never reaches its destination. From that point onward, the narrative shifts between reality and fantasy, depicting how the passengers' lives are forever changed.
Many struggle to move past their guilt over what happened that night and the losses they endured.
DJ Lin (right) stars in the drama, playing one of the supporting characters. Photo: Handout
Unlike previous years – where Suria FM presenters took centrestage with only one or two guest actors – Hayati brings together a diverse mix of talent.
Besides the station’s presenters, the drama features well-known actors such as Sherrie Merlis, Hasnul Rahmat, Anas Ridzuan, Hawra Jamalullail and Cik Man.
Singers Ara Johari and Adam ZBP, as well as influencer Mia Azahar, are also featured in the programme. Additionally, Yaya Empire Perfume founder Nadia Mat Isa makes a special appearance.
“Since this is our seventh year producing Raya dramas, we wanted to do something different – bringing together actors, influencers, singers and entrepreneurs to create a more vibrant and memorable production,” DJ Lin shared.
With a bigger budget than any previous Suria FM Raya drama, the production values are significantly higher.
"While I can’t disclose exact figures, I can confirm that this is the biggest and most expensive Raya drama Suria FM has ever produced," DJ Lin added.
Nadia stated she was eager to collaborate with Suria on the drama as the station is committed in presenting entertainment that carries good values.
She said: "I hope that the Raya drama Hayati not only entertains but also leaves a deep impact on the audience with its messages of family, emotions, loss, and love – values that are at the heart of Hari Raya.
"May this drama bridge the gap between generations and remain in people’s hearts, not just during the festive season, but for years to come."
Filmed over seven consecutive days in locations around Klang Valley, Hayati faced its fair share of production challenges.
“The filming hours were mostly between midnight and early morning,” DJ Lin recalled.
“We also faced unpredictable weather, with heavy rain on some nights and even a tree uprooting at one point. It was definitely a challenging shoot.”
Despite the obstacles, DJ Lin and the Suria FM team are proud of the final product, which premiered on Suria’s official digital platforms on March 20.
Hayati is also accompanied by an original song, Pentas Sandiwara, performed by Fugo, complete with a music video.
