M'sian actress Nora Danish: I'm not a husband stealer

Husband-Stealer. Third party. Overly provocative. Too sexy.

It is not easy being single and a beauty like Nora Danish.

The Malaysian actress-host has to put up with hurtful insults from naysayers who truly love to hate her, but she never quite succeeds in shaking herself free of controversy.

Last year, it was said that she had caused the crack in Malaysia-based Singapore actor Adi Putra's marriage.

This year, she found herself embroiled in a debate after she shared an intimate embrace with Malaysian actor Rusdi Ramli in the film Mencari Cinta.

The kind of roles that Nora has been given could have played a part in fuelling the nasty remarks.

And it doesn't help that she is a single mother, making her susceptible to romantic links to her co-stars.

Would settling down solve all her problems?

"Maybe... definitely. But not anytime soon. I leave it to fate," the 31-year-old told The New Paper last Saturday when she was in town with Adi as part of SingTel mio's Ramadan promotional event.

Despite the previous backlash, Nora stars opposite Adi again in new movie Suami Aku Ustaz.

But she says that she is now more cautious and mindful of what she posts on her Instagram account.

"Adi is one of my favourite actors and when we were starring in Aku Terima Nikahnya, I posted photos on Instagram without thinking and that could have sparked the rumours," she said.

"Of all the actors I have worked with, he is the easiest person to act with."

When prodded about her love life, Nora reluctantly revealed that she is currently seeing someone.

"It's not time for me to share. It's not somebody from the industry," she let on.

When it comes to that special someone, Nora said that she values sincerity.

She also does not rule out age gap as a factor, revealing that the previous men she dated after her divorce were younger than her by a couple of years.

Responsible

"He can be young, but he must be responsible and stable, as well as a father material," she said.

"I'm lucky that despite being younger, (the men I dated) were mature and ready.

"But I'm not... I don't know what I'm still searching for but I haven't been able to fully open my heart yet."

Nora and entrepreneur Rizal Ashram Ramli married in 2006 and divorced in 2008. They have a son, Putra Rayqal Ramli, who is now five.

After the divorce, Mr Rizal was linked to Malaysian actress Fasha Sandha, whom he married last year, sparking a fresh round of controversy in Nora's life.

"At that time, I felt like that was my happiness and she took that away from me. Fasha was my friend. I was heartbroken because I thought he was the one," Nora said.

"Maybe he's not the one for me and I deserve someone better. Anyway, they're good for each other.

"I'm grateful for Rayqal and I think we're better off this way."

The animosity between all parties has died down.

Nora even visited Fasha when the latter gave birth to son Putra Rayfal Ramli in April this year. Nora could not contain her surprise when she learnt of his name.

"I was shocked," she said.

"I called (my ex-husband) Jejai and asked him what was going on. He explained that he just wanted similar names for all his children and I respect that.

"Jejai and I have a good relationship until now, we have never fought since the divorce."

Even the half-siblings are on good terms.

"Rayqal adores Rayfal and would kiss him and play with him. When he comes home from visiting them, he would tell me stories," she said.

Looking back, Nora felt that she has grown a lot since that dark period in her life.

"I feel like I didn't fulfil my duties as a good wife and I blamed myself for everything," she said.

"Marriage is not easy, people think it's just about love, but it's a heavy responsibility.

"My mum taught me that as a wife, we always have to sacrifice."

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