Veteran actress Mariani dies of colon cancer

Veteran Malay film actress Mariani or Mariam Ismail died of colon cancer last night at her house in Taman Kosmo Jaya, Sentul here.

The 82-year-old succumbed to the disease at 7.32pm.

Youngest child, Melissa Saila, 43, said Mariani who suffered from colon cancer a year ago, was unconscious for several hours.

"When she woke up at 6am (Tuesday), I saw tears trickling down her cheeks and took a tissue and wiped them.

"Mummy could still talk two days ago," the actress told reporters here yesterday.

Melissa who was beside Mariani until she died, said she also met with some of her children who arrived from Singapore yesterday morning.

"Despite the pain, Mummy remained strong and did not show it. In fact, two months ago, she went for a film shoot and looked happy," he added.

Mariani's remains would be taken to Masjid Al-Hidayah for prayers at 9am Wednesday, and then buried at the Jalan Ampang Muslim cemetery before Zohor prayers.

Meanwhile, third child Siti Haslinda, 63, said Mariani was strong despite knowing she would not live long and was always cheerful.

"I am happy to have had the opportunity to care for Mummy until her death,” she added.

Mariani is the elder sister of the late Puan Sri Saloma and acted together with the late Tan Sri P. Ramlee in many films.

Mariani’s first film was Chemburu (Jealousy) in 1952, followed by Istana Impian, Labu Labi, Nasib Labu-Labi and Tiga Abdul.

Mariani, who starred in over 30 films was awarded the 'Lifetime Achievement Award' at the 2013 Malaysian Film Festival.

She was married three times and had 13 children.

Meanwhile, actor Sabri Yunus said Mariani was firm and committed to her job and her death was a big loss to the country's film industry.

"She was a nice and dedicated person. If there were things that she did not like, she would voice them out,” he told reporters.

Among those who came to offer condolences to her family were Norlia Ghani, Dian P. Ramlee, Aziz M. Osman and Amran A. R. Tompel.