A Conversation with Yasmin Ahmad

I entered her office room and placed my tushie nearby Yasmin.

Yasmin Ahmad: So, before I start, tell me a little bit something about yourself.

(Ali lights up a ciggie and place himself next to Yasmin)

Me: My name's Rae and I live with my grandmother in Dato Keramat. I have three younger siblings, whom are boys and one elder sister. I went to Lim Kok Wing but I dropped out halfway because of personal problems.

Yasmin Ahmad: Oh, and what is that?

(She lights a ciggie)

Me: I didn't have the financial support.

YA: Do you mind if I ask you where are you parents?

Me: Urmm, oh , my dad passed away recently and my mom passed away 10 years ago.

YA: Oh, I'm so sorry, I didn't know.

Me: Ah, dont worry , it's completely allright. So, anyways, I went to 95% and trained under Janet Lee in one of their course for 3 months. So, here I am , looking for a job - armed only with my portfolio and no acceptable credentials.

YA: I see. Well then, shall I see your book?

Me: Oh! Of course!

(She runs through my book and laughs at some of them and comments on the rest)

YA: Ali, I like this book. It's not pretentious like all those award shows. It's also clean and well kept.

( I swear that's what she said !)

YA: So, Rae, what do you want from us?

(Now Encik Ali was looking at my book, he laughed and smiled too)

Me: I want to have a shot at advertising. I want to know whether I deserve to be in this career path and if not, then I know that I didn't regret one bit making it here.

YA: Okey. Talk to Yuza and she will arrange the paperworks for you.

( In disbelief!)

Me: Oh, okey, thank you , thank you so much Kak Min!

YA: What's your real name again?

Me: Eh, Err , Shaikh Muhamad Azraai , Kak Min.

YA: Nama punya cantik jadi Rae! ish! Bangga dengan nama tu tau. Kamu tu orang melayu!


And that's my 45 mins with Yasmin Ahmad. I'm sure we talked more than that but these were the ones that i can remember vividly.