drama Cinta Dalam Sekam helps Haidar Hasanudin stand out

KUALA LUMPUR, 29 AUGUST 2026 —

The Malaysian entertainment industry has witnessed a significant shift in audience engagement, with actor Haidar Hasanudin emerging as a standout figure following the broadcast of the drama series Cinta Dalam Sekam.

This development marks a pivotal moment in his career, which has spanned approximately four years, as the positive reception of his performance has drawn attention from viewers who previously had no familiarity with his work.

The success of Cinta Dalam Sekam is attributed to a restrained and naturalistic acting style that eschews excessive action sequences or melodramatic shouting. According to reports, this approach effectively "locked" the attention of the audience, distinguishing Hasanudin from his peers. Netizens have characterized him as a new-generation actor with a bright future, placing him in the same league as established popular names such as Amir Ahnaf and Siti Khadijah Halim.

The character of Shafiq, which Hasanudin portrayed, served as the primary vehicle for this recognition, demonstrating his capability to hold the screen without relying on conventional dramatic tropes.

Hasanudin expressed deep gratitude for the unexpected nature of the acclaim, noting that a significant portion of the praise originated from viewers who had never previously followed his artistic journey. He stated, "I am very grateful, I did not expect Cinta Dalam Sekam to be well received. Many comments came from people who had never known me before." He explained that these viewers assessed his performance solely based on the character of Shafiq.

"So, they judge based on what they see through the character of Shafiq. When people who have never followed our work suddenly give praise, it injects a different feeling," he said. This organic growth in his fanbase has led some observers to argue that his performance merits formal recognition through industry awards, with comparisons drawn to other high-caliber actors such as Beto Kusyairy and Bront Palarae.

Despite the surge in positive feedback, Hasanudin has adopted a cautious approach to his rising profile, viewing the praise as a motivator rather than a final destination. He warned that acclaim can become a trap if an actor becomes complacent and assumes they have reached their peak potential. "I appreciate every comment and message given, but I do not want to be too carried away.

I consider all of it as appreciation and spirit to try to do better in future works," he said. He acknowledged the distance between his current standing and that of veteran actors, stating, "To stand side by side with great actors like Beto Kusyairy, Bront Palarae and many others, the journey is very long. But I am confident, if I work hard, I will definitely reach that level."

The production of Cinta Dalam Sekam was a collaboration between Global Station and the streaming service Viu, directed by Feroz Kader. The cast featured a mix of established and emerging talents, including Riz Amin, Husna Mustaffa, Yuna Rahim, and veteran actor Datuk Razak Ahmad.

The inclusion of such a diverse cast in a production that has garnered significant attention highlights the current landscape of Malaysian digital content, where streaming platforms are increasingly becoming the primary arena for launching and sustaining acting careers. The drama’s success underscores the viability of character-driven narratives in the Malaysian market, challenging the notion that high-octane action is required to capture audience interest.

For Hasanudin, the reception of the drama represents a critical turning point in his professional trajectory. He admitted to having previously questioned how he was selected for such a significant role in an industry saturated with young, talented, and well-known male actors. "I myself wondered, among many good young actors who have big names, how could they think to choose me?" he recalled.

The positive feedback and high viewership have now provided a tangible answer to that internal query. He expressed hope that the success of Cinta Dalam Sekam would serve as a springboard, opening the eyes of producers and television stations to his capabilities. "So when this story gets a reception and very positive feedback, I just hope it can open the eyes of producers or stations to my ability," he said.

The broader implications of this development extend to the Malaysian entertainment economy, where the definition of star power is being reshaped by digital platforms. The ability of a streaming series to elevate an actor to the status of a household name within a short period reflects the changing dynamics of media consumption in the region.

As audiences increasingly migrate to on-demand services, the metrics for success are shifting from traditional television ratings to digital engagement and social media discourse. Hasanudin’s rise is a case study in this transition, demonstrating that consistent, high-quality performances in digital-first content can yield significant career advancements.

Looking ahead, the industry is likely to see increased competition for roles that offer similar depth and character development, as producers seek to replicate the success of Cinta Dalam Sekam. For Hasanudin, the next step is to leverage this momentum to secure more substantial roles that further cement his position in the industry.

His stated goal of reaching the level of veteran actors like Beto Kusyairy and Bront Palarae suggests a long-term commitment to refining his craft. The positive reception of Cinta Dalam Sekam has not only validated his artistic choices but has also positioned him as a key figure to watch in the evolving Malaysian entertainment sector, where the line between traditional stardom and digital influence continues to blur.

Related: Haidar Hasanudin · Kuala Lumpur