Tv Drama Director Shahrulezad Attributes His Creativity To Adhd

By Norhidayyu Zainal & Marfika Adnan

KUALA LUMPUR, May 12 (Bernama) – Most of the works of this prolific director and producer become topics for discussion among drama enthusiasts because his ideas are usually bold and out-of-the-box, often sparking provocation and controversy.

With over 30 years of experience in the filmmaking industry, Shahrulezad Mohameddin, 52, is known for his penchant for defying convention in his television dramas by bringing forth storylines that are less explored but very close to societal realities.

Like his previous productions “Sutun” (2005), “Emil Emilda” (2007), “Antara Garisan” (2009), “Bila Hati Telah Hitam” (2014), “Budak Ijat” (2017), “Nur” (2018) and “Cina Buta” (2022), his latest offering “Khunsa” also received positive response from viewers when it was broadcast by a private television channel last month.

Behind his creativity lies a startling revelation – Shahrulezad suffers from Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) and only last year did he come to know he had this disorder after a doctor informed him.   

The diagnosis finally explained why he often loses focus and is easily distracted, and tends to procrastinate and work at the last minute, as well as why he dislikes routine tasks and working for others. He has been struggling with these issues since childhood.

How is the Johor Bahru-born talented director handling his diagnosis? As a matter of fact, he has chosen to embrace his disorder, even attributing his empathetic traits to ADHD which, according to him, is a “gift that allows me to create works of good quality by delving into emotions, especially in terms of looking at certain issues from different perspectives”.  

“Due to ADHD, I struggle to complete my daily tasks. But when I look at it positively, there is wisdom behind this illness, and I am sincerely grateful to God for this test,” he said, adding he is now planning to produce “Khunsa 2”.

Shahrulezad, who is also a script writer and co-founder of production house Radius One Sdn Bhd, said the struggles he faces as a person with ADHD are real.

“I would say it’s a ‘silent disaster’, a struggle that is hard to handle. Things get worse for me when I experience writer’s block.

“When that happens (writer's block), I can't write for weeks, but when ideas flow, I become someone who's oblivious to my surroundings, forgetting to rest, eat and drink,” he said, adding he now has to take medication to stay focused longer whenever he has work to do.  

Shahrulezad, who has a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Universiti Teknologi Mara, also said his habit of observing and listening has helped hone his skills in understanding human characters which is his main strength when writing scripts, alongside his highly imaginative mind.

“I'm someone who is sensitive and observant. Back then, after school, I preferred to hang out with the aunties who liked to gossip and listen to their stories. That was my first step in learning the skill of understanding... the initial process of becoming proficient in the concept of storytelling,” he said.

However, he added, each work he produces is not a solution to individual problems; neither does it clear misunderstandings. Instead, it serves as an eye-opener to the issues presented.

“For example, in my drama series ‘Khunsa’, I can’t explain everything in each episode. So, it’s the responsibility of the audience to seek additional information,” he said, adding he is grateful the series received positive reactions from the community it is based on.

He added his vision in producing dramas is no longer about chasing awards, fame or high ratings. All he wants is for each of his works to convey a positive message while maintaining respect for all religions.

-- BERNAMA