Actor-Singer Opens Up About Personal Grief and Fond Memories While Preparing for Emotional Role in Blooms of Happiness

Malaysian actor-singer Ah Niu recently shared heartfelt memories of his late mother, revealing how these personal experiences shaped his portrayal of a character in his new Chinese New Year film Blooms of Happiness. The 48-year-old recalled a childhood moment when his mother briefly left him with a convenience shop owner to buy firecrackers for the festival, an act that left him feeling abandoned. This sense of loneliness resurfaced as he prepared for an emotional scene in the movie, where his character, Gao Zhitian, faces the potential loss of his mother.

In Blooms of Happiness, Ah Niu plays the role of Zhitian, a convenience store owner struggling with a midlife crisis and a crumbling marriage. Amid his personal turmoil, a car accident involving his mother pushes him to the edge. The film takes a supernatural turn when Zhitian meets the mysterious Mr Fox, who offers him the chance to alter history and change the events leading up to his mother’s accident.

The film’s exploration of family bonds and the yearning for lost time resonated deeply with Ah Niu, especially as he related to the character’s grief. “When I read the script, I felt connected to Zhitian’s emotional journey because, like him, I had recently lost my mother,” he said. Ah Niu’s own mother passed away in December 2022, and he reflected that it was only after her death that he truly realised the depth of her love for him. “You only know what you had when you’ve nothing left,” he shared, a sentiment that became central to his performance.

Ah Niu’s return to acting in Blooms of Happiness marked a significant moment in his career, especially after a six-year hiatus. The film’s themes of parental love also struck a personal chord, as he recalled the simple yet profound acts of care his parents showed him. “As a child, I was well-fed because my parents ensured I always had enough to eat. Those were some of the happiest times,” he reflected, sharing memories of family meals and the joy of togetherness.

If he could relive any moment from his past, Ah Niu revealed he would return to those childhood days, having supper with his parents and siblings, a scene that mirrors one in the movie. “If I had the chance, I would want to relive those moments with my family. It would mean the world to me,” he said, visibly emotional.

When asked what he would say to his parents if he could see them again, Ah Niu’s voice faltered as he said, “Thank you, I love both of you so much. I am who I am today because of your love and support.”