From Chasing Popularity To Seeking Allah’s Blessings - Mahmud Ali Bashah

From Amirul Mohd Sajadi

MAKKAH, May 11 (Bernama) -- The passing of many of his fellow actors in the entertainment industry has gradually changed the way Mahmud Ali Bashah views life.

Mahmud, 66, who has spent nearly four decades in the entertainment industry, said he now thinks more frequently about death and preparing for the afterlife.

“As we grow older, we begin to think about death. Many friends in the same industry are no longer around, and from that comes the realisation that life is temporary and we need to think more about the hereafter,” he said when met by reporters here.

The Sarawak-born actor said life as an actor once caused him to become too absorbed in worldly pursuits and popularity, leaving little attention for religious matters.

“When we are young, we feel strong, sometimes arrogant and careless. We only think about worldly matters, but as we grow older and see what is happening around us, we begin to realise and try to change in search of Allah’s blessings,” he said.

Mahmud, who is among the Malaysian haj pilgrims for the 2026 season, said the experience of being in the Holy Land brings a sense of peace that is difficult to describe in words, while also instilling a sense of remorse and reflection within himself.

He said the desire to perform the haj first came to him in his 20s after seeing friends perform the umrah and haj, but he had to wait a long time because he registered late.

“Alhamdulillah, although I waited a long time and made several appeals, Allah finally invited me to be His guest,” he said.

After 37 years in the acting industry, including a role in the film Anna and the King, Mahmud has chosen to return to his hometown in Sarawak to lead a more peaceful life.

However, he said he remains open to acting offers that carry positive messages and benefit society.

-- BERNAMA