Yusry Abdul Halim Surprised by Phenomenal Reception to 'Dendam Seorang Mentua' Role

Datuk Yusry Abdul Halim, a familiar name in Malaysia's entertainment scene primarily for his directing and his past with the group KRU, has experienced an unexpected resurgence in his acting career. His role as Datuk Muzaffar in the drama 'Dendam Seorang Mentua' has become a phenomenon, a development Yusry himself did not foresee.

"I had been focusing on directing and not being in front of the camera for five to six years," Yusry shared. "So when I returned to acting and saw the fans' reception, it truly touched my heart." He also noted the lighter workload compared to directing, which often involved long hours from early morning to late night.

Initially, Yusry was taken aback when offered a romantic lead role at 53, expecting something more paternal. "I thought, 'Are you crazy? You want to do this kind of role for a 53-year-old?'" he recalled. However, he views the positive reception as a blessing and a testament to the audience's current interest in older characters. He believes the story's unique appeal contributed to its success.

This success, Yusry stated, demonstrates that veteran actors can still anchor successful productions if given opportunities. "We always hear complaints that veteran artists aren't given chances in the industry. But if the opportunity comes and we don't take it, how can we change the situation?" he questioned. While he embraced this role, Yusry indicated he would likely decline similar romantic parts in the future, preferring to avoid repetition and emphasizing that his participation depends on his fortune.

Beyond acting, Yusry is also launching a solo music career with a new single, 'Jiwa dan Raga,' and an upcoming album, 'Yusry Eternal.' He aims to explore a more aggressive, rock-influenced sound, distinct from his KRU identity, which had certain genre limitations.