VERSATILE local artiste Zizan Razak feels that his way of thinking and behaviour has begun to show some maturity over the years.
The comedian, actor, host, singer, director and producer, who turned 40 this year, said that what he's going through now is certainly different from when he was much younger.
Since making his first splash in the entertainment industry back in 2007, the Dungun-born artiste, whose full name is Mohd Razizan Abdul Razak, added that experience has taught him not to pay heed to speculations, rumours or controversies.
"My name was not really squeaky clean, I mean there was also gossip going around. However, most of the gossip surrounding me had only to do with female friends. So, if I didn't have any new relationships, then there wouldn't be any gossip," said the actor recently.
Zizan, who is still single, is also no stranger to always being asked whether he's met Miss Right or plans to settle down anytime soon.
But the 'Polis Evo' and 'Abang Long Fadil' star prefers to keep a level head and never feels guilty about the gossip since he considers it a learning process that needs to be experienced.
"I make it a point to never criticise or get angry about the rumours.
"For me, it can be taken as a lesson for me to take care of myself. I also wish others well when they are afflicted by bad gossip," he said.
Zizan, who was met during The Actor's Chair forum in conjunction with the recent 2024 Malaysian International Film Festival (MIFFest) in Kuala Lumpur, added that he was optimistic about every controversy that has fallen on him because it was able to shape him into a more mature individual.
"I was never annoyed or irritated by the gossip that spread around me in the past. At that time, I was still young and going through a learning process."
For the 2007 'Raja Lawak' Season One winner, making proper decisions after thinking hard about something is how he goes about things now.
"In the past, if I was in love, I would really have wanted to get married and it wouldn't matter what other people thought of.
"But now, if I wanted to get married, I think as long as there's no approval from both families, then there's no need to continue."
He seems more matured now, and Zizan also feels that he has become more of an introvert.
"If I could leave an event, I would just like to go home. That's what I feel but maybe this is also the normal life that everyone in my age group goes through.
"I just leave home to do work then come back. If there is an event involving many people, I will be a little reluctant," he said.
When it comes to social media, Zizan said that he would only post about things relating to work and chooses to refrain from commenting on any current or hot issues being discussed by many others.
"I have no right to hit out at anyone because I've also made mistakes," he said.