'An exciting time to be alive': Malaysian actor Razif Hashim stays positive despite uncertainty

Razif, seen here with his wife Tiu Gi Gyn, is a familiar face in the film and television scene, and is well known for his humorous delivery as a TV host and emcee.

It has been an uncertain few weeks due to the Movement Control Order, and while we find ways to keep busy, stay on top of our work and spend quality time with our loved ones, many are trying to spread positivity during these challenging times.

For our mens’ issue this month, we connected with three personalities who excel in their respective professions, while maintaining a good balance of work and play. they spoke to us about their careers, reflections during this period and how they are preparing for the month of Ramadan.

---

Razif Hashim, Actor, TV host, emcee

Razif, 36, is a familiar face in the film and television scene, and is well known for his humorous delivery as a TV host and emcee.

At the moment he is focusing on creating content around food, his latest endeavour being the creative director of a project called Wayang Kitchen.

“We create interactive gastronomic experiences that range from murder mysteries all the way to contemporary cultural shows that aim to educate tourists on Malaysian culture one dish at a time. As a recurring theme, we are always pairing food with stories and vice versa. That’s the Wayang Kitchen experience, ” says Razif, who also works with brands and collaborations with other creative teams or production houses.

He is also working on his culinary and language skills, and has an ongoing “quarantine meals” project with his friend Mark in Penang.

“He runs a food tour company called Simply Enak and since none of us have any work, we just post up a video on Instagram of whatever we cook and dedicate it to each other everyday since the second day of MCO, ” explains Razif.

What inspires you, and how do you keep yourself motivated and passionate about your career?

I guess I’m one of those very lucky people who love what I do - cook, eat, perform and write stories. I am passionate about making people think and feel beyond their comfort zones or what they can imagine.

My motivation comes from the need to inspire my own life by coming together with my friends and innovating.

The moment we find we have created something that triggers a true spark of joy or makes us laugh out loud and feel excited about how this discovery would make our audience feel, it inspires me to propel further.

During this time of uncertainty, how have you been keeping yourself busy at home? What are the challenges you’ve faced?

Razif says he is one of those very lucky people who love what they do.

Watching what I eat, working out a little and trying to hustle and create work from the safety of our home.

My team and I are feeling the pressure too especially because we were working on developing interactive gastronomic experiences in a live theatre setting.

These projects were dependent on having people in the same room to receive the value of what we have to offer.

The challenge right now is to explore new ways to get the experience out to the masses under the circumstances. Not an easy feat but we are on to something.

Look out for our “Dinner with a Show” series coming soon! We are developing interactive stories that are paired with meals from restaurants in KL delivered to you, so you can enjoy the experience in the safety and comfort of your home.

Have you been self-reflecting a lot during this time? Do share a little about what has been on your mind.

I wonder a lot about how people will behave after this pandemic. A month of staying at home can force people to do some amazing things or the complete opposite.

I was out shopping for groceries the other day and it was just weird. Nobody talks to each other anymore, I couldn’t even recognise my friend who was standing right next to me because we were all wearing masks, and when I could recognise and said hi, it was only a quick exchange because we had to focus on getting our stuff and getting out of there as fast as possible.

What’s going to happen to theatre? What’s going to happen to social gatherings? Will we have a new way of greeting?

I was delivered some goods by a good old friend today whom I usually give a hug... we did an air fist bump. With gloves on!

Then there’s the economy and how everyone is suffering and the prediction of how everyone will suffer.

How many businesses will crumble? Will I have to find a new vocation? Will there be a rise of crime? How will we adapt? We are at the brink of change and it’s an exciting time to be alive!

On the topic of time, in your opinion, how is time best spent?

I would say it’s best to spend an hour a day first thing in the morning to practice a little gratitude. Then carefully plan the rest of the day over a good breakfast.

It’s best to divide it into goals or tasks you expect yourself to complete or achieve in units of one hour. Then just go ahead and follow the plan best as you can.

Give yourself the leeway to interchange things, sometimes you can switch things up, sometimes you can cram small tasks within the hour you set yourself to do completely different things.

Sometimes, if you are in the zone and decide to just write for a few extra hours and forego everything else, that’s ok too. The idea is to set the path but be flexible like water.

Never beat yourself up if you don’t end up following through, just be mindful to note what might have kept you from completing your tasks and carry forward your list to the next day.

At this point of time in my life, time is best spent improving the way I spend it.

As the month of Ramadan approaches, how are you, and your family preparing for it this time?

We aren’t really. Except maybe intermittent fasting every other day as good practice leading up to it.

To be honest, with what’s going at the moment, we are managing the days as they come. It’s been weeks since life has been put to a stand still, people aren’t even going for Friday prayers. It will be a very different Ramadan indeed.

What is usually filled with gatherings to break fast and compulsory trips to the bazaar is going to be replaced with solitude and reflection. My sister might not be able to fly back.

We might be at a very compromising time all over the world come first shawwal. Best to be frugal too with the uncertainty of work in the time to come.

I am not trying to be pessimistic or negative. Most people will tell you I am quite the opposite. However as a realist, I tend to over prepare mentally as to not be terribly disappointed.

Between my wife and I, siblings and parents, we are expecting a quiet one indeed. Every day can be a new start.

Could you describe your personal style, tell us about your dream car and what are your favourite travel destinations?

I’m not trendy. I’m very happy in loose comfortable clothing. I was trained in an acting conservatoire, so I wear things I can stretch in all in black.

I love the beach, I own lots of board shorts and T-shirts. I dress to the occasion when it calls for it, but never to impress.

I spend my money on things I can consume. Food, drink, extreme activities. Things I can define with my senses rather than put on for others to define me.

With cars, just because it looks like such a bad boy with excellent resale value, my goal in the next few years is to have a Mercedes CLA 200 but a long term dream would be a Porche GT4.

I love the Mediterranean. I love Spain in particular. I spent three months there in 2019 to learn Spanish.

I love places where the food is good, The people are warm, the weather seasonal. I want to go to South America! Particularly Mexico, Cuba and Columbia.

I love the beach, anywhere I can dive. Watch a good sunset. I love a place, where the people can teach me a new way of life. Let’s face it, that’s everywhere. I can’t be fussy, I’ve always wished I could see the whole world.