Aliff Aziz is returning to the small screens with a new drama, his first since his messy divorce with Malaysian singer-actress Bella Astillah in 2024.
The 35-year-old Malaysia-based Singaporean actor, who had announced a hiatus in July that same year, stars as Adli in the new iQiyi series Madu Atau Racun (Honey Or Poison).
The 12-episode drama follows Azura (played by Uqasha Senrose), whose life as a devoted housewife is shattered when her husband Adli brings home a second wife Nikita (Elisya Sandha), claiming it is because Azura cannot give him the children he desperately wants.
The series premiered on Aug 14 and in one scene, Adli takes off his wedding ring to convince another woman to go out with him.
Viewers may feel a sense of irony as Aliff was previously caught in a high profile cheating scandal with his Terjerat (2024) co-star Ruhainies.
Malaysian media The Star reported Aliff admitted at the launch for Madu Atau Racun that he was worried about how viewers would react to his character, given his personal past.
He added that as an actor, it was his responsibility to “bring this fictional character to life”.
“Of course, thoughts crossed my mind like, ‘What will people say or think?’ In the end, I reminded myself that my focus should only be on doing justice to my character,” he said.
“I can honestly say I gave the best performance I could for this project. The director and production team were happy with my work and that’s something I’m grateful for.”
He also hoped audiences will watch the drama “with an open mind” and “judge Adli as a character — not based on the person playing him”.
Nevertheless, Aliff felt he can’t tell people how they should react to him as everyone is entitled to their own opinions. He’s receptive to viewers’ comments and hope they will give the series a chance because it’s a “real emotional roller coaster”.
The Star also said Aliff expressed hopes to put his past behind him with this series.
He said: “I’m not trying to play the victim… I’m not looking for sympathy. I’m simply trying to find the strength to forgive myself so I can continue moving forward… This year I turned 35. At this age, I don’t feel like I have time to sit around feeling sorry for myself.”
In March 2024, Aliff and Ruhainies were found in the latter’s condominium apartment and suspected by Malaysia’s Federal Territories Religious Department (Jawi) of committing khalwat (an unmarried Muslim couple in solitude).
This led to a public spat between Aliff and Bella, who later revealed that he had allegedly cheated on her with 11 different women throughout their marriage.
The couple first married in 2016 and split in 2019 before reconciling the next year.
They finalised their second divorce in June 2024 and Bella was granted full custody of their two children.
Bella, now 32, got engaged with Malaysian politician Syed Saddiq in March this year and they will marry in October.
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syarifahsn@asiaone.com
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