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If you were one of those who waited every week for MakCik RoastMah videos to drop, you might be surprised and proud to see how Arwind Kumar has become one of Malaysia’s favourite creators today.
What was he like before achieving fame? Here’s his story.
The man behind MakCik RoastMah
Before people knew his name, Arwind was just a normal boy who grew up in a middle class family with a supportive father and a resilient mother.
From a young age, his world was shaped by acts of service, helping the underprivileged, and learning that kindness was simply part of everyday life.
Service was never introduced as charity; it was simply our lifestyle,” he said.
Some days, Arwind’s family ate plain rice with fried eggs or sardine due to financial difficulties. Yet, his parents never allowed their children’s education to be compromised, believing that knowledge and dignity were things no hardship should ever take away.
Dropping out twice
From the get-go, it was obvious that Arwind had the gift of the gab. However, speaking well alone wasn’t enough for him to move further in life.
Thus, he did what many would do, and that was pursuing his studies—not once, but twice.
Over time, Arwind grew increasingly uncomfortable watching his parents pay for an education he himself didn’t truly enjoy or believe in.
It was hard watching my parents spend money on something I wasn’t fully convinced about. It was difficult, but it felt honest.
“Before becoming a content creator, I also worked as an administrator at a condominium management office for two years,” he recounted.
Becoming an internet sensation
Arwind began creating content at the age of 16 by posting simple videos that drew little attention.
After SPM, he started making exam paper review videos, and that was when his alter ego, MakCik RoastMah, emerged and quickly became an online sensation.
I received threats, angry messages, and a lot of backlash. But strangely, I never felt fear. It sounds dramatic, but the energy of that character felt incredibly strong.
“Unfiltered and fearless, MakCik RoastMah was a character that practically roasted anyone who lacked common sense, empathy, or basic character,” he said.
Up until that point, content creation did not hold deep meaning for Arwind. But that all changed when his ex-partner passed away.
“My partner was someone who never appeared broken, but always acted quite the opposite…always smiling and bringing joy to those around them.
“When I received the news, it shattered me in ways I still struggle to describe.
“I carried that weight quietly for years and it was one of the most difficult journeys of my life. It was in that moment that content creation stopped being an entertainment, but a responsibility.”
Identity crisis
For a long time, the world only knew MakCik RoastMah, not Arwind Kumar. Over the course of seven years, Arwind posted videos almost every day and poured everything into the character until he began to disappear behind it.
“MakCik RoastMah was never meant to be a replacement, but rather a part of who I am. Yet, it became a struggle when I tried separating the character from my own identity.
“There were moments when I broke down, feeling lost and overwhelmed as I was unsure of who I was without the persona that had brought me so much success,” he recounted.
After a long hiatus, he returned as simply Arwind Kumar. As expected, the engagement was lower and this led him to question whether people loved the MakCik RoastMah character more than the person behind it.
But slowly, through honesty and patience, he found his balance. Today, what people see is not just a viral character, but Arwind himself—grounded, authentic, and finally seen for who he truly is.
‘Being human is the greatest purpose’
Arwind may come across as intimidating in his videos, but beyond the screen, he is someone deeply committed to giving back to those in need.
His efforts include the Brahmarpanam Soup Kitchen, which prepares and distributes thousands of vegetarian meals daily across Kuala Lumpur, Sampurna Learning Academy, which provides affordable tuition for underserved students, and Klinik Trupulse in Sentul, offering free medical consultations for B40 families and senior citizens.
He is also working toward launching Spectrum Heroes, a centre dedicated to supporting children on the autism spectrum.
For Arwind, these initiatives are not projects or achievements to be counted. They are extensions of the values he was raised with, reminders of the lessons his parents taught him, and quiet promises to keep showing up for others, even when no one is watching.
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