JAKARTA - Singer Rossa is delighted to have one of her early career songs revived. The song "Tegar," which she sang in 1999, is now the title song for Benni Setiawan's latest film, "Panggil Aku Ayah."
"Thank you, Ocha (Rossa's nickname) and Melly (Goeslaw), who created it with all their heart. While chatting, we realized this song is from 23 years ago, three decades ago," said producer Anggia Kharisma at a press conference in South Jakarta on Wednesday, July 30.
"The word 'Tegar' has many interpretations, including a child and someone we never knew who saved us. This song accompanied me throughout high school, so when I was developing this story, I didn't know Ocha's song would come to mind again," she said.
The movie "Panggil Aku Ayah" tells the story of Intan (Myesha Lin), who loses track of her mother, Rosa (Sita Nursanti), after she entrusts her to two debt collectors: Dedi (Ringgo Agus Rahman) and Tatang (Boris Bokir). Intan's closeness with Dedi and Tatang begins to develop at their home.
Rossa admitted to being surprised when she first heard the premise, as she has a manager named Intan, whom she calls Mpacil, like the character Intan in the film.
"Fun fact, my manager's name is Intan and I call her Mpacil. It was 26 years ago. First, I want to thank you, Anggia, and Benni. This is the first time I've told this," Rossa explained.
"Honestly, the song 'Tegar' is something like, 'If I'm not successful now, I won't be a singer.' In 1996, I released 'Nada Nada Cinta.' I took a three-year hiatus because I couldn't get any songs. My producer at the time, Mr. Adi, looked for other producers, but was always rejected, and then I met Mr. Handi, who is Mr. Adi's friend," she continued.
"Actually, the song (Tegar) wasn't for me. When I heard it, I really liked it. After three years of struggle, they called it a one-hit wonder," Rossa recalled.
The song was then covered by Sita Nursanti and Tissa Biani specifically for the film. They felt honored to perform this iconic song.
"When I heard the song and was told they were going to cover it, I was like, 'Wow, I'm singing Sister Oca's song,'" said Sita Nursanti.
"Panggil Aku Ayah" will be released in Indonesian theaters on August 7, 2025.
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