POPULAR singer-actress Bella Astillah has just marked her songwriting and directing debut, and it is for a project that is close to her heart.
It is her heartfelt song, 'Tapi Bukan Denganmu', a moving anthem about women who dare to walk away from unhappy marriages, and dare to say 'no' to their toxic and abusive former husbands.
Not only does Bella perform the song, she also penned it earlier this year and directed its five-minute music video filmed around Kuala Lumpur last month.
FIRST TIME
In fact, by serving as a director for the first time, she is putting what she learnt in university to full use — she is a broadcasting and film diploma graduate from Kuala Lumpur Metropolitan University (KLMU).
"The music video took two days to complete, and while I'm still wet behind the ears as a director, I had no problem working with my talented and dedicated cast," said Bella at the launch of her song and music video at The Aurum Theatre in TRX Exchange, Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur, recently.
"The song not only carries the message of women's empowerment, and turning our backs on abusive spouses, it also says that happiness is being with the ones who truly love you and who matter most to you — your children."
Indeed, Bella's children, Ayden Adrean, 7 and Ara Adreanna, 4 are the "most important" people in her life.
Both of them make a cameo appearance at the end of the music video.
NOT HER STORY
Bella admitted that the music video and song both contained "shades" of her real-life experiences, but the story behind them is largely a work of fiction.
"I would be lying if I did not admit that 'Tapi Bukan Denganmu' is not based on my life journey. It is to an extent, but then I did not have a tyrannical spouse like the man portrayed in the music video.
"I wrote the song as a tribute to all single mothers who have chosen to break free from unhappy marriages and find happiness with their children."
STAR-STUDDED
The music video is a "star-studded" one which also stars Bella's close friend, actor Muaz Zabir, as the protagonist's husband, Mawar Rashid as the husband's secret lover and award-winning actress Ellie Suriaty Omar (and Bella's acting coach) as Bella's loving mother.
The "biggest revelation" of the music video is former youth and sports minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, who is also the member of parliament for Muar.
He plays a kind doctor at a private hospital who helps a pregnant Bella deliver her first baby in a flashback scene.
BADMINTON BOND
Bella, 30, said that she chose Syed Saddiq as they have been in social badminton tournaments organised his ministry between 2018 and 2020.
"He is also my big fan and strong supporter," said Bella, who visited Syed Saddiq during Hari Raya Aidilfitri last April.
MEANINGFUL
Bella aspires to write songs and direct music videos for herself and others, besides singing.
"In the long run, I hope to come up with albums where all of the songs are penned by me.
"But the songs must have meaningful messages, that is very important," she said, adding that she admired veteran songwriter Datuk Habsah Hassan and veteran composer Sharon Paul who composed 'Tapi Bukan Denganmu'.
NO HURRY
At the moment Bella has "no time" to find love again.
While many netizens have suggested that she "end up" with Muaz, Bella said that the actor was just her close friend.
"I leave it to God, whether I find Mr Right someday. My work and my children are what matter most to me now," she said, adding that she wanted to be remembered as an artiste who came up with great songs and acted well in dramas and films.
STRONG MUMS
"I'd rather my fans call me a 'strong mum' and not a 'wronged mum' as I don't like to be defined as a victim.
"I admire women who stand up on their own after taking a fall, and help others overcome their biggest fears and shine in life."
Bella said that she looks up to all single mothers who are strong and resilient and who make it in life on their own terms.
"They are all super mums, and they are all my friends. I will always pray for them and their loved ones. May they shine light on all of us."
NO CONTACT
In March, Bella filed for divorce against her former husband, Singaporean singer and actor Aliff Aziz, after he was caught for khalwat with Penang-born actress Ruhainies Zainul Ilyas at her condominium in the federal capital.
Bella and Aliff were finally divorced on June 12 at the Federal Territories Syariah Court.
She was given custody of their two children.
Since their divorce, Aliff has not contacted Bella and neither has he asked about the children.
HAPPY
"I'm happy that he did not, as it enables both of us to live our separate lives and not bother each other. I wish his family good health and success in life," said Bella.
'Tapi Bukan Denganmu', which was composed by Sharon Paul, is available on all major music streaming platforms.