Video of Malaysian chef promoting a blind tutor’s services goes viral

Thanks to Anis' assistance, Prakash is on the path to boosting his income steadily. Photos: Instagram/Anis_nabilah

A video of celebrity chef Anis Nabilah Umaruddin, 37, helping blind tutor Prakash Surriyamurthy, 42, increase his student base has gone viral on social media.

Thanks to the video, Prakash – from Subang Jaya, Selangor – has received nearly 40 calls from individuals enquiring about his tutoring services in Bahasa Malaysia and History for Form Five students.

"So far, four students have confirmed signing up for classes. I have also received calls from parents in Johor, Sabah and Pahang, expressing interest in online tutoring for their children. I've also received a job offer from a bank for a customer service position," said Prakash during a phone interview.

'It is a great pleasure and I am grateful that Chef Anis has gone out of her way to help me,' says Prakash (left). Photo: Prakash Surriyamurthy

Prakash, who comes from Pasir Gudang, Johor, has been based in Subang Jaya for many years. He is thankful for Anis' help.

"I never expected that the video would go viral. It is a great pleasure and I am grateful that Chef Anis has gone out of her way to help me," said Prakash, who shares videos on his Instagram.

Four days ago, Anis shared a video on her Instagram, recounting how she extended a ride to Prakash upon noticing his difficulty in securing an ehailing service for his journey home to SS18 in Subang Jaya at close to 1am.

"After I finished work late, I went to a mamak stall for supper. When I arrived, I saw a visually impaired man who had just finished eating and was waiting for his ride by the roadside. I noticed he was standing alone for about 10 minutes while many cars sped past him, but his (ride) still hadn't arrived.

"So, I offered to drive him home. While chatting with him, I found out that he is very polite, soft-spoken and articulate. Prakash mentioned that he tutors SPM students; currently, he has two students this year, and last year he had four. He is looking for more students to tutor," Anis posted.

By offering Prakash a ride home, recording a video to promote his tutoring services, and sharing it on social media, Anis has amplified his reach and potential for success.

In the nearly two-minute video, Anis is seen talking to Prakash, asking him about his job as a tutor and how he teaches students despite being visually impaired. Prakash, who speaks Bahasa Malaysia fluently, also shared his teaching methods.

"Prakash also told me that many people have suggested that he create content on social media, but he needs help with recording and such, and many people charge high fees that he can't afford. In this video, Prakash shares his contact number, so if anyone is interested, please contact him.

"I’m so happy I met him. He showed true kindness, patience and resilience. Overall, he’s an amazing guy, and I pray that Allah makes everything easier for him," posted Anis, the host of TV cooking shows such as Icip-Icip, Sesedap Rasa, Enak Tradisi and Rasa-Rasa.

Anis' Instagram video post received close to 20,000 likes. There are nearly 3,000 shares, with many netizens praising Anis for her efforts.

@vikram_seshadhri said: "The reason why I'm never gonna stop having faith (in) humanity. Just look at the comments, man ... All the pure souls are here. May God bless y'all. Together we lift humanity."

"MashaAllah Chef, this is amazing! I wish Prakash will get more students and success. And to you, dear Chef, may Allah grant you blessings always. Ameen," commented @ts.me.dillaab.