Aedy Ashraf, Azira Shafinaz dismiss romance gossip, say they only act on screen
Malaysian actors Aedy Ashraf and Azira Shafinaz on Friday denied speculation they are in a romantic relationship, telling reporters their on-screen chemistry in the action film "Tarung" had blurred the line between…
Source: Utusan Malaysia · Harian Metro · October 11, 2026 at 11:02 PM · AI-assisted report
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PETALING JAYA, 12 OCTOBER 2026 —
Malaysian actors Aedy Ashraf and Azira Shafinaz on Friday denied speculation they are in a romantic relationship, telling reporters their on-screen chemistry in the action film "Tarung" had blurred the line between fiction and reality for audiences.
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The pair addressed the rumours at the announcement of the Top 5 finalists for the 35th Malaysia Film Festival (FFM) at Menara Finas in Petaling Jaya on Thursday, after frequent appearances together on social media fuelled conjecture about their off-screen status. Aedy, 34, said the two are close friends who previously collaborated on the film, and that any perceived romance exists only within the narrative of "Tarung."
"We are indeed in love, but only in the film 'Tarung.' In reality, we are good friends and very close," Aedy said. "I feel the impact of Azira's acting in that script was so effective it made the audience believe and hope that the relationship actually exists in real life."
Azira, a member of the group De Fam, echoed the explanation, attributing the misunderstanding to the convincing portrayal of intimacy in the movie. "People misunderstand. When they watch 'Tarung,' they expect what they see in the film to be reality. The fact is, we have been friends for a long time, even before filming started," she said.
The speculation extended to a recent Hyrox fitness competition in Bangkok, Thailand, where social media posts suggested Azira had travelled specifically to support Aedy. She denied the claim, stating she attended as part of a larger group of friends and not exclusively for the actor. "In Bangkok, we went in a large group of friends, not just the two of us. Actually, I went on the third day with Mimi Lana.
Aedy has many friends there, and I am also a friend who always gives support to other friends as well," Azira said.
Asked about fan-edited videos circulating on platforms such as TikTok that compile moments of apparent affection between the two, Aedy dismissed the edits as a by-product of their performances. "That is up to them because I feel they are impressed with the acting, causing them to think it is all real. The speculation also shows we have succeeded in satisfying people out there with what we did in 'Tarung,'" he said.
Azira described the fan-made compilations as a form of appreciation rather than intrusion. "I am also touched because all those videos show they care about us. They edit videos using applications. I am touched as well. Thank you to everyone who likes us both, I just want to correct the misunderstanding," she said.
On her personal life, Azira said she is in no rush to find a life partner. "I am not desperate to find a life partner and am more comfortable following the flow of life," she said.
The 35th Malaysia Film Festival Top 5 announcement took place at the headquarters of the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) in Petaling Jaya. The festival is the country's premier film awards ceremony. "Tarung," an action feature, marked the most recent on-screen collaboration between Aedy and Azira. Both actors have established careers in Malaysian film and television; Azira is also known for her work with the musical group De Fam.
The Hyrox event referenced is a global fitness race series combining running and functional workout stations.
Related: National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) · Aedy Ashraf · Petaling Jaya