Woman surprises helper with cinema visit: 'Small way to express my gratitude'

A woman surprised her domestic helper with a movie experience under the guise of going grocery shopping.

TikTok user fateyma_khan_ shared in a video on Monday (July 27) about how she pulled off the act, explaining that it was "just a small way to express my gratitude to (my helper)".

The clip starts with Fateyma Khan, 20, and her helper, Vijialakshmi (Viji), 42, discussing a grocery list to purchase at a FairPrice outlet further away from their house.

Seated in what appears to be an LRT carriage, Viji leans forward to ask whether the supermarket outlet at Choa Chu Kang is larger.

In response to AsiaOne's queries, Khan said that they had told the 42-year-old they were heading to the FairPrice at Lot One to buy groceries but later brought her to Level 5, where Shaw Theatres is located.

In another clip, Viji, Khan and Khan's grandmother are seen approaching the cinema.

"(Viji), do you know why we are here?" Khan asks as she holds out three movie tickets. "This is your ticket to see Vijay's last movie."

Visibly overjoyed, Viji hugs both women while thanking them for the surprise.

Khan explained in the video that the movie features Indian politician Chandrasekaran Joseph Vijay, whom her helper has been a "huge fan" of for a long time and has followed his movies for about 20 years.

Vijay became the chief minister of Tamil Nadu earlier this year and previously announced that the movie, Jana Nayagan, released on July 23, would be his last film, according to CNA.

Khan also revealed that her helper has never been to a theatre in Singapore.

The video ends with Khan addressing her helper, saying: "Thanks for always taking care of us and helping us."

Khan told AsiaOne that Viji was completely shocked by the surprise at first, then became really excited and happy.

"She couldn't believe we were actually going to watch the movie, and it made the experience even more special," added Khan.

"She also takes such good care of my family and me, and we truly see her as part of our family."

@asiaone Aunty really liked the movie and recommended everyone should watch it too. #sgnews #singapore #migrantworker #wholesome ♬ original sound - AsiaOne

'So sweet of you,' netizens say 

Many netizens praised Fateyma for the heartwarming gesture. 

One netizen said: "This is so sweet of you. Oftentimes, we think that helpers will go for movies on their own during their off days, but spending (money) on a movie ticket is considered a luxury ... (this) might be nothing to us (but it) is a real treat for them." 

"Thank you for doing this for her, it literally melts my heart. Sometimes, people forget the amount of sacrifice it takes for them to be here," said another. 

A netizen described gesture as "heartwarming", saying: "(The) smile on her is priceless I'd say. We need kinder souls like you around."

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esther.lam@asiaone.com