Entertainment
Petronas 2016 Deepavali advertisement - enlightenng us on the reality of being a Muniandy in Malaysia
November 05, 2016
Petronas, won our hearts again this year with their timely Deepavali advertisement
Rakkeshairi Naidu @ Muniandy, shining light on Malaysian's judgement this Deepavali, with his amazing performance in the 2016 Deepavali ad, another best from Petronas.
The advertisement starts with a teenager receiving a call from his friend and leaves home to a hardware store to get some equipments, making it look like they were about to be involved in a criminal activity. For simply being Indian, a Chinese aunty in the lift, tried pressing the button in a lift so one of them would not be in it with her. They also got stares from road users along the way.
The duo later arrived at a home, walking towards an Indian aunty, watering plants in the compound. The common judgement changes as they started cleaning and refurbishing the old folks home. Muniandy also was seen at the end of the ad, coming out of his room with blasting music to serve his father tea in the living room.
The advertisement, a favourite among television viewers this Deepavali, has also gained over 1.7 MILLION views to date! WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdYdPdCMW5s
Rakkesh who has acted in a few local projects including Vere Vazhi lle The Movie and Vasantha Villas, said he is now well known after appearing in the ad.
"Youngsters, aunties and uncles of every race would come over and tell me how amazing the ad is for it's message, they recognise me, it's a great feeling to be able to make an impact," he added.
The full time 23 year old entertainer said the advertisement is close to his heart.
"It's an amazing feeling to be part of the Petronas ad, they make the best heart touching advertisements for Deepavali," he said.
He added that such ads remind us Malaysians about what we are, a united race.
From Kedah, Sabah, Perak and now Subang Jaya, the fun and talented guy says he has thankfully never been seen by any members of the multiracial community as in the ad, but did not deny it is a norm for some Indians youngsters his age.
"I do know some youngsters get that look as in the ad, because of the way they carry themselves," he said.
He added that this misjudgment must change.
"You should be able to look the way you are and not be judged for that," he said.
Rakkesh, who is fondly known as Afro among his friends said he attended the casting about a month ago, was shortlisted and received news that he was selected.
"I was super excited to do it, an ad with an amazing message and be on TV," he said giggling.
The lad said he hopes more youngsters will take time to give back to needy members of the society.
"Spend more time with your family and you won't have time to think or be part of any forms of social ills that is often associated with the Indian community," he said.
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