The cat might have been out of the bag several weeks ago, but the sight of pop singer Aisha Retno playing a guest slot at the KL Festival’s opening “Jogeton” night at Dataran Merdeka recently – with some in the crowd knowingly calling her “Puteri Gunung Ledang” – only added fuel to the speculation.
Her management politely said that any announcements would be made in due course.
Over the weekend, the announcements arrived as the team behind the award-winning Puteri Gunung Ledang The Musical stirred excitement on social media, ramping up teasers for its October return (opening show on Oct 30) while unveiling a new cast.
Aisha, known for her festive hit Jodoh Lebaran, will alternate the title role of Puteri Gunung Ledang (aka Gusti Puteri) with actor Mila Mohsin.
The main cast also features Aqasha as Hang Tuah, while Mimi Fly and Nadia Aqilah will alternate as Bayan. Rounding out the cast are Luqman Hafidz as Sultan Melaka and Yusuf Hashim as Gusti Adipati.
Puteri Gunung Ledang The Musical (PGL) will be staged at the new 1,200-seat Proscenium Theatre at the Jeffrey Cheah Performing Arts Centre in Sunway City KL, presented by Enfiniti (M) Sdn Bhd.
The last staging of Puteri Gunung Ledang The Musical (PGL) in Kuala Lumpur was in 2009, while a planned 2020 revival was postponed due to the pandemic.
A different role
Now, award-winning producer and director Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina, founder and chief dream-maker of Enfiniti, is ready to bring the magic of PGL to audiences once again – but in a different role.
Having played the titular role Gusti Puteri in both the film and stage versions, Tiara will step into the director’s chair for this latest production.
“This upcoming staging marks a brand new chapter for the legend, with a fresh cast (except for Aqasha). We looked for performers with strong acting, singing and movement abilities, as well as emotional truth, stage presence and a deep love for storytelling,” says Tiara.
PGL recounts the tragic forbidden love between Gusti Puteri, a Javanese princess, and Hang Tuah, a Melakan warrior, whose relationship is thwarted by political and familial demands.
Premiered in Kuala Lumpur in 2006, the Bahasa Malaysia musical ran for two seasons that year and was directed by Zahim Albakri with co-direction and book by Adlin Aman Ramlie, Saw Teong Hin and Zahim and music by Dick Lee. The musical is based on Saw’s 2004 film Puteri Gunung Ledang.
For Tiara, PGL has never been just a film or a musical.
“It has been one of the deepest, most meaningful creative journeys of my life. Since 2004, I’ve carried this story, this world, and so many beautiful memories with me," she says.
“Maybe that is why seeing all this love and excitement again has moved me so deeply. It feels as though something precious that has lived quietly in our hearts for years is gently awakening once more."
A new audience awaits
With the new cast now announced, auditions give way to intensive rehearsals as Tiara shifts into full musical production mode.
The project also carries a family thread, with her daughter Mila set to continue the legacy of the Puteri Gunung Ledang role.
More than 20 years ago, Aqasha was already part of the world of PGL, playing Bendahara Melaka and understudying Hang Tuah – a role he will now officially take on in October.
In a post on the musical’s official Instagram account, the production described his return as a full-circle moment.
"Today, he returns to embody one of the most iconic and beloved figures in Malay legend – a warrior bound by sovereignty, loyalty and sacrifice, yet still deeply human beneath the weight of duty."
This latest staging also marks a new creative direction for the legendary musical, with two performers sharing the roles of Gusti Puteri and Bayan each for the first time.
With both leading ladies in their 20s, a Gen Z presence brings fresh energy to the beloved folk tale.
Aisha was chosen for her emotionally rich vocals and gentle yet powerful stage presence, while Mila adds a sense of continuity, having grown up closely connected to the world of PGL.
According to Tiara, the decision was carefully made to ensure the story and legacy of the musical continues to resonate with a new generation of audiences.
"We plan to stay true to the essence of the story with the script and the songs, but at the same time, we also want to present a fresh interpretation," she says.
Show dates and ticketing details will be announced soon.
