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AKARTA: Speaking with a Betawi accent almost comes naturally for former child star Adi Bing Slamet, for the person he calls mentor is the legendary Betawi comedian Benyamin S.

Adi, who released more than 20 albums as a child star in the 1970s, is now known for his role as Ustad Somad, also a Betawi guy, on the television series Si Entong. His recently acquired role as a father in Si Mamat Anak Metropolitan also requires him to speak with a Betawi accent.

Many are speculating that Adi is trying to follow in the career steps of his legendary mentor, branding himself a Betawi character specialist. But Adi quickly dismissed the rumor, saying nobody could replace Benyamin S.

“[Benyamin S.] is irreplaceable. We both are urban Betawi, and not the hillbilly ones,” he joked.