‘We’re ‘in love’ but only in the film Tarung’ – Aedy Ashraf denies relationship with Azira Shafinaz
Kuala Lumpur: Actor Aedy Ashraf has denied rumors suggesting he is in a romantic relationship with actress and singer Azira Shafinaz, stating that their close bond is strictly professional and platonic. The 33-year-old,…
Source: Harian Metro · October 12, 2026 at 1:32 AM · AI-assisted report
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KUALA LUMPUR, 12 OCTOBER 2026 —
Kuala Lumpur: Actor Aedy Ashraf has denied rumors suggesting he is in a romantic relationship with actress and singer Azira Shafinaz, stating that their close bond is strictly professional and platonic.
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The 33-year-old, whose full name is Mohammad Addy Ashraf Rosmadi, clarified that their intimacy stems from their collaboration on the film Tarung: Unforgiven and their status as close friends, rather than a romantic involvement.
Ashraf addressed the speculation during a media session for the Top 5 of the 35th Malaysian Film Festival (FFM35) held at Finas in Sungai Buloh. He explained that the on-screen chemistry between the two actors was so impactful that some viewers mistakenly believed the romance was real. "We certainly 'love' each other, but only within the film Tarung," Ashraf said.
"In reality, no, we are just very close friends." He noted that Azira’s strong performance in the movie contributed to the public’s perception, adding that their frequent social outings with other friends likely fueled the misunderstanding.
Ashraf firmly rejected claims that the pair had fallen into a "cinta lokasi," or on-set romance. "Oh no, not at all. But we collaborated in a very enjoyable way," he stated. He emphasized that their professional dynamic was based on mutual respect and the demands of their roles, not personal affection.
Azira Shafinaz, 35, whose full name is Azira Shafinaz Ramlan, also responded to the rumors, characterizing them as a misinterpretation by fans. She acknowledged that audiences often hope the on-screen narrative translates to real life. "I feel people have misinterpreted things. Of course, when they watch the film Tarung, they expect what they see in the movie to happen in reality. But actually, no, we are indeed good friends," Azira said.
The controversy arose after the two actors frequently appeared together at various public events, drawing significant attention from netizens. Many online users had expressed support for a potential relationship, effectively "blessing" the pair based on their visible camaraderie. The denial comes as both actors continue to promote their work, with the recent FFM35 event serving as a platform to clarify their personal boundaries amidst the buzz surrounding their successful film collaboration.
The incident highlights the intense scrutiny faced by Malaysian celebrities, where professional collaborations are often conflated with personal relationships by the public and social media users. While the film Tarung: Unforgiven has garnered attention for its performances, the actors have made it clear that their off-screen interactions remain strictly within the realm of friendship.
No further romantic developments have been indicated, and both parties have moved on from addressing the speculation, focusing instead on their respective careers in the entertainment industry.
Related: FinAS · Aedy Ashraf · Kuala Lumpur