The Star Online: Entertainment: TV & Radio

Posted: 20 May 2011 01:17 AM PDT

If you are wondering just how popular the talent show search for the best comedian, Maharaja Lawak or MRL is, you have to look at the figures of subscribers and viewerships of this show.

In fact, the popularity of MRL goes hand in hand with the subscription of Astro Mustika package which includes the Astro Warna channel. Apparently, the subscription had shot up to more than 600,000 over the period of one and half months while the viewership of the show has increased to 800,000 at last week's episode alone.

MRL has been an instant hit since it was introduced a month ago and the rave reviews by the media has made it even popular. MRL is currently aired over Astro Warna every Friday at 10pm live from Studio Finas in Jalan Ulu Kelang.

One man who should be applauded for all this is non other than the executive producer and director of MRL, Michael Christian Simon who also conceptualised MRL and the ever popular Raja Lawak which concluded its fifth season recently.

"Our comedy world seems to be alive again with Maharaja Lawak or MRL (talent show search for the best comedian) where only the cream of the comedians are pitted against each other.

"Its nice to see families coming together and laughing away every week during the recording of the show. MRL is the zenith of Raja Lawak and its popularity has caught on like wildfire. Many are excited to see their favourite comedian competing with other comedians," said the 42-year-old creative producer who produced Raja Lawak and Maharaja Lawak under his own label, Homegrown Productions.

According to Michael who has 16 years of experience in the broadcasting industry, apart from the attractive cash prize, "at the end of it all, the viewers just want to have a good time laughing at the jokes."

Now in its sixth week, the tough fight seems to be between Jozan (funnymen Johan and Zizan, who got second and third place in Raja Lawak Season 1), Nabil (the Raja Lawak champ for season 2), Jambu (comprised of Taukeh and Yus, the Raja Lawak champ season 1) and Sepah (made up of Shahmira, Nadzri and Mohd. Noor who are the champion of Raja Lawak season 3).

These four have been the main focus of the much-anticipated show and interestingly enough, the SMS votings are also pointing in the same direction. "These four are clearly the crowds favourites. Besides displaying funny jokes and witty lines, some of the comedians have resorted to slapstick jokes which surprisingly went down well with the viewers.

Nabil is very creative and intelligent. His jokes are more for the niche market and he is a brilliant stand-up comedian which is very rare in our country," said Michael who refused to disclose the exciting element for the final MRL which will conclude in June.

Those who have been following the show would know that the 'dark horse' is the group Jambu while the contestant whom viewers love to hate is the 'petite-looking' Amir from Kelantan is still in the running.

But Jambu will not have an easy time as Jozan, a commercially sought after group and former champion, Nabil is giving Jambu a tough fight.

"It's not easy to make people laugh especially when you set high standards in MRL. And to ensure the punchlines do not exceed the duration specified is another challenge but these four groups have never failed each week," said the former TV3 producer.

As to how many people will go to the finals, Michael said, one things for sure "its definitely not four. Maybe more, who knows.

"We have yet to finalise the details. But one thing for sure, before the MRL finals, the comedians will go for a road tour to three destinations - Penang, Kuantan and Johor," said Michael who was once the creative director of the popular reality show, Malaysian Idol.

All the MRL contestants are being judged by three juries every week. They are film producer Mamat Khalid, Ahmad Idham and popular comedian Saiful Apek. Apart from laughs and the good time, MRL which is hosted by actor/comedian AC Mizal offers lucrative cash prize of RM300,000 for first place, RM200,000 for second winner and RM100,000 for third place.

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Rahim Maarof sticks up for Aiman

Posted: 20 May 2011 01:01 AM PDT

Veteran rocker Rahim Maarof did not take too well when his protege Aiman from Group B was eliminated two weeks ago during the Mentor Season 5 semifinal qualifying round. Rahim was clearly disappointed with the result which was telecast live from Majlid Bandaran Shah Alam and decided to throw a challenge to the Head of jury, veteran musician and arranger Datuk Ramli M.S to be a mentor for the next Mentor season.

Many were caught off guard and baffled by Rahim's statement at the end of the show when he voiced dissatisfaction and challenged Ramli. However, when asked what prompted him to say what he said, the rock singer who popularized the song Cinta Kristal said the comment was made in jest. "I was half-joking. But the challenge did cross my mind. I felt Ramli M.S should be given the chance to groom a talent and see how he fares.

"The comment was not intended to create a controversy but I just want him to know how difficult it was for me to groom someone like Aiman who knows zero about singing. At least Aiman showed a marked improvement but sadly this point was not highlighted," said Rahim who had made a similar controversial statement earlier on in Mentor.

During the earlier rounds, Rahim will never failed to snap back when Aiman is criticized. However this time around, his protege Aiman only managed to accumulate 190 marks and failed to qualify for the next round.

Aiman, who is one of three proteges competing in the Mentor Group B and sang I'll B and Sesuatu Janji, lost to Erra Fazira's protege Salmah A Asis (Salma) and Edry Abdul Halim's protege Nursyafiqah Nasratullah Mohd Nor (Iqa). "To train a green singer like Aiman takes a long time. I am pleased with his progress and I believe all his supporters could see this transformation through out the show," said Rahim who admits Aiman has received much exposure during the Mentor show.

He added, because of the Mentor exposure, Aiman has received many offers for radio advertising. "There is a lot going on for him after Mentor. I'm glad his talent is noticed and both of us will sit down to plan his next course of career move," said Rahim.

All said, Rahim said, he still has regards of Ramli who has earned a reputation as a remarkable arranger and musician.

When asked how he felt about Rahim's comments, the cool, level-headed Ramli felt it was natural for Rahim to react that way. "Everyone wants to win in any competitions. Rahim's outburst is understandable. But he must know that I am not a professional singer to be a mentor in the show so I have to decline his challenge. Anyway, I can't sing and what I studied are mostly theories with no practical lessons for singing. What I have is 35 years of experience as a musician," said the 54-year-old arranger.

He added, when he first met Aiman, he had chosen him over Iqa. "Aiman is tall and has the right personality. He just has to work on his vocals. But sadly, his progress is too slow compared to Iqa," said the most sought after arranger.

The other proteges who will be competing in the semi final rounds are Nurshiha Mohd Zikir (Shiha) who is Datuk Sharifah Aini's protege and Afdlin Shauki's protege Ratnah Awal or Ratna. Both are from Group A.

The new season of Mentor have created a buzz when a few heavyweights have been chosen as mentors. However, the format remains the same where marks are given from a professional jury (50 per cent), SMS voting (30 per cent) and public jury (20 per cent). The public jury comprises music students, journalists, and semi-professional musicians.

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Kredit: www.thestar.com.my

Jumaat, 20 Mei 2011