Actor Arfie Shah Yearns for Romantic Lead Roles, Cites Appearance as Factor

Malaysian actor Arfie Shah has expressed a strong desire to take on romantic lead roles, a departure from the action-oriented characters he has frequently portrayed throughout his career.

Arfie acknowledges that his physical presence might not align with the conventional 'Alpha' hero archetype, often associated with stars like Brad Pitt or Zul Ariffin. While he has appeared in romantic dramas, his roles typically incorporated action elements, which he believes were deemed more suitable for his persona. "I want to be a romantic hero. But many think I'm suitable for action genres. Maybe my appearance isn't like an 'Alpha' hero like Brad Pitt or Zul Ariffin," he stated.

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I want to be a romantic hero. But many think I'm suitable for action genres. Maybe my appearance isn't like an 'Alpha' hero like Brad Pitt or Zul Ariffin.

Despite recognizing this perception, Arfie remains confident in his ability to embody romantic leads effectively, emphasizing his commitment to portraying characters authentically. He prefers to focus on being himself rather than competing with others, believing that not all romantic heroes require a specific mold. He draws inspiration from actors like Niezam Zaidi and Beto Kusyairy, whose artistic journeys, though perhaps not rapid, are seen as steady and promising.

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I can be a hero based on the character required by a script. I also don't feel like competing because I try to be myself and not all heroes need that kind of story.

Beyond romantic leads, Arfie is particularly keen on starring in romantic comedies (rom-coms), a genre he has cherished since his youth. He eagerly awaits opportunities in this genre, which he finds particularly enjoyable. "I'm still waiting for a chance to act in rom-coms. If offered, I won't refuse because I grew up with rom-com stories," he shared.

Arfie also provided an update on his international acting endeavors, confirming that filming for his project in Taiwan has concluded, though the release date remains unannounced. He mentioned that several other films, telemovies, and vertical dramas he has worked on since last year are also awaiting release. Additionally, Arfie is set to participate in the play "Tarik Picu" at the Nero Event Space, Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre (PJPAC), from July 16 to 19, 2026.

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I'm still waiting for a chance to act in rom-coms. If offered, I won't refuse because I grew up with rom-com stories.