Actor and director Datuk Afdlin Shauki is embracing fatherhood once again, this time at the age of 53, after his wife fondly known as Datin Marcella, gave birth to their first child together last year.
“About 10 months ago, I welcomed a new child into the world. Alhamdulillah, we are incredibly grateful to be blessed with a daughter,” he said in media reports.
Afdlin, who already has three children from his previous marriage, expressed immense joy over becoming a father again at this stage in life.
“My feeling about having a little child at this age is one of great joy — like being given a second chance at fatherhood. I feel very happy to be caring for a young child at my current age,” he said.
Afdlin also reflected on the challenges of being a young, working father, admitting that his previous commitments often kept him away from his children.
“When I was a young father, I was always busy working to give my children the best life possible, but in the end, I rarely saw them.
“Suddenly, they were all grown up. But now, I get to spend more time with my child,” he added.
Despite his joy, Afdlin remains firm on keeping his daughter’s identity private for now, only planning to share her face with the public once she turns two.
“When she’s over two years old, then I’ll show my child to the public.”
He also noted that he keeps personal matters out of the spotlight to protect his family’s privacy.
Afdlin married Marcella, who was once his employee, in August 2023. He was previously married to Maria Christina Orow Abdullah from 1997 until their divorce in April 2023. They share three children — actress Mia Sara, Anais and Ileana Matin. – Sinar Daily
