Latest news with #NazriefNazri
Sinar Daily
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Sinar Daily
‘Seribu Tahun aims to spark understanding, not promote LGBT culture'
LGBTQ+ themes are rarely portrayed in Malay television dramas, largely due to Malaysia's deep-rooted religious beliefs and cultural sensitivities. But this year, a drama titled Seribu Tahun has stirred debate, reigniting conversations about representation, empathy, and the boundaries of creative storytelling. Since its release, Seribu Tahun has received mixed reactions from viewers. While some praised the show for its bold attempt to humanise difficult issues, others criticised it for allegedly normalising LGBT narratives, sparking heated discussions on social media. At the heart of the debate is actor Nazrief Nazri, who plays Dr Zahar in the series. He clarified that the drama was never about promoting LGBT culture, but about shedding light on the hidden struggles faced by some individuals in society. 'We're not pushing any agenda. The director, Shahrulezad, and the scriptwriter wanted to show that not everyone in the LGBT community has the same story,' he said when contacted recently. 'Some struggle quietly, pray for change, and feel trapped in identities they didn't choose. The message here is not to support their actions, but to guide them with compassion rather than condemnation,' Nazrief added. He further highlighted that the aim is not to promote any particular lifestyle, but to encourage thoughtful conversation. Nazrief added that while the drama begins with controversial elements, its true message becomes clearer towards the end. 'It's not about glorifying or normalising anything,' he said. Nazrief Nazri with his Seribu Tahun co-star, Zarif Ghazzi He stated that the message is about raising awareness of a subject often seen as taboo in society, stressing that without open dialogue, these social issues risk being overlooked, and solutions remain out of reach. He also shared that the overall response to the drama has been overwhelmingly positive, with several viewers expressing that the storyline resonated with their own personal experiences. According to Nazrief, only a small minority, around 2 or 3 per cent, reacted negatively. 'I don't blame them. If this issue is not relatable to them, it's harder to understand. But those who've experienced it first-hand, especially within families, were more accepting,' he added. Nazrief hopes Seribu Tahun will be viewed with an open mind, emphasising that it is a drama for everyone, regardless of background. He urged audiences to focus on understanding the message it conveys. He also expressed his hope that members of the LGBTQ+ community can find meaningful lessons in Dr Zahar's journey. 'In my 13 years of acting, I've always looked for roles that leave an impact,' Nazrief shared. He also shared that after taking a break to focus on raising his child, Seribu Tahun felt like the right project for his return to acting. Set in contemporary Malaysia, Seribu Tahun tells two intertwining stories of love, identity, and emotional resilience. One storyline centres around Syukri and his wife Nur, whose marriage is tested by the arrival of Puteri Imaan Suhana, a seemingly perfect woman determined to win Syukri's affection. Despite Nur's limitations, she is intellectually delayed and unable to conceive due to Turner Syndrome, Syukri's love remains unwavering. The drama explores themes of loyalty, inner strength, and the destructive nature of envy, as Imaan, fuelled by jealousy and unresolved trauma with her mother, attempts to disrupt their marriage. Parallel to this is the emotional and spiritual journey of Dr Zahar, a respected medical professional grappling with his identity, faith, and the stigma surrounding sexuality in a conservative society. The story highlights the isolation, conflict, and quiet suffering faced by individuals navigating these deeply personal issues.
New Straits Times
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Nazrief Nazri urges respect, rationality in comments on wife's attire
KUALA LUMPUR: Actor Nazrief Nazri is urging netizens to exercise rationality and respect when commenting on his wife's fashion choices. According to a Harian Metro report yesterday, the 33-year-old actor stated that he has taken note of the "advice" regarding Aizatul Aqma's style and will be more mindful of the content he shares on his social media accounts moving forward. "I'm not angry, but I have read all the comments, both positive and negative. My hope is that people will be more rational and respectful when expressing their views," Nazrief said. "This is also a learning experience for me. Moving forward, I will be more careful about what I post on social media. "However, I will still remain true to myself, while being more mindful. I appreciate the support and understanding from those who have shown it," he added. Nazrief clarified that his intention in sharing pictures from their recent vacation in Bali, Indonesia, was not to seek attention or court controversy. "I didn't anticipate that our holiday pictures would go viral in this way. I simply wanted to share the beautiful moments we experienced there," he explained. "But I understand that in this profession, our every step and move is subject to scrutiny." The controversy arose after some netizens expressed disapproval of Aizatul's vacation attire, deeming it too revealing. Some went so far as to accuse Nazrief of failing in his role as a Muslim husband by not advising her to dress more modestly. There were also claims that Nazrief neglected to guide his wife on the proper way for a Muslim woman to dress.
