Popular filmmaker Datuk Afdlin Shauki recently launched his novel 'Papadom', adapted from his movie of the same name, at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair 2024 (KLIBF 2024) at the World Trade Centre.
Afdlin said the title 'Papadom' was his first choice since the story has sentimental value and is very personal to him.
"I wrote this story because as a father, I felt regret in myself for not being able to be the best dad and started thinking about the characteristics of the best male parent that I wanted.
"(Lead character) Saadom symbolises most fathers in the world who experience the same dilemma.
"He is a father who loves his family and wants to give the best life to them, so he works so hard for his beloved family that he can't spend time with them.
"The lack of balance in life is one of the main causes of family problems. People often change when there is a major incident that disrupts their lives," he said.
"While playing Scrabble with my wife, I stared at her face and asked myself, if something happened to her, would I be able to take over the task of mothering the children?
"That question is what sparked the idea for me to produce a copy of 'Papadom'.
"As parents, we are not born with a manual on how to be a good parent, but we have to believe that God will always be with us and give us the best lessons for ourselves."
Afdlin added that the 160-page novel would be beneficial to all parents.
"Hopefully, this book will benefit fathers and mothers to recognise the nature of fathers and for children, so that they know that no matter what happens, they are precious gems in their father's heart."
According to Afdlin, only 1,000 copies will be released for the first print and the novel will soon be on sale in bookstores around the country.
