Actor Aliff Aziz’s first drama after Bella Astillah divorce sees him play a cheating husband

There is a scene in the Malaysian series Madu Atau Racun that might remind audiences of what happened in real life not too long ago involving Singaporean singer-actor Aliff Aziz.

His character in the drama conveniently takes off his wedding ring to convince a woman to go out with him after she says she does not date married men.

In March 2024, Aliff was at the centre of a controversy after he was caught for khalwat with Terjerat (2024) co-star Ruhainies.

Khalwat refers to a man and a woman, who are not married to each other, being in close proximity in a private place.

This led to his very public divorce from Malaysian singer-actress Bella Astillah, with whom he has two children aged nine and six.

Although Aliff did not disappear from the face of the earth after the incident – he remained active on social media, often posting videos of himself singing – Madu Atau Racun marks his first major acting project since the controversy broke.

The 12-episode series currently airing on iQiyi centres on a polygamous marriage involving Adli (Aliff), Azura (Uqasha Senrose) and Nikita (Elisya Sandha).

Naturally, he admitted he was worried about how audiences would react to his character, given his past.

“As an actor, my responsibility is to bring this fictional character to life,” the 35-year-old said at the launch of Madu Atau Racun in early August.

“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.

“I can honestly say I gave the best performance I could... The director and production team were happy with my work, and that’s something I’m grateful for.”

He continued: “Now I just hope audiences will watch the drama with an open mind and judge Adli as a character – not based on the person playing him.”

At the same time, Aliff realised that he cannot tell people how they should react to him as everyone is entitled to their own opinions and perceptions.

“I’m open to people’s comments. I just hope viewers will give Madu Atau Racun a chance because it’s a real emotional roller coaster,” he said.

Director Eyra Rahman (Syurga Itu Bukan Mudah, 2023) explained that Madu Atau Racun explores sacrifice, trauma, betrayal and the unexpected bond that develops along the way.

Eyra also insisted that the series has plenty of takeaways for audiences, adding that the title refers to all three main characters.

“As human beings, we all have sweet (madu) and poisonous (racun) sides, and all three characters have them too.

“This series isn’t simply about polygamy – it’s about the choices we make and the consequences that follow,” she explained.

As for her decision to cast Aliff, Eyra said she was not swayed by the controversy and instead focused on his talent, discipline and professionalism.

“To me, Aliff is an incredibly talented actor with a natural flair for acting. He is also highly committed and dedicated. He truly immersed himself in his character here, and I was very pleased with the way he worked.”

Likewise, Aliff is grateful that the production trusted him with the role and was willing to give him another chance.

“When I read the script, I realised it was very different from anything I’ve done before. It’s an emotionally heavy story and Adli has many layers.

“Bringing him from the page to the screen was a challenge, but it was also something that excited me.”

With his return to the small screen, Aliff hopes to put his past behind him.

He said: “I always pray that Allah gives me the strength to carry whatever burdens I have, especially those that are the result of my own shortcomings.

“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.”

Aliff added: “This year, I turned 35. At this age, I don’t feel like I have time to sit around feeling sorry for myself.

“Time keeps moving. If I spend too long dwelling on the past, I’ll lose precious time that I can never get back.

“So I choose to keep walking – with enthusiasm and with hope.” THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK