Taufik's got that newlywed glow

"(Married life) hasn't really kicked in yet, but so far it has been great," he said, with a smile. "It is amazing to wake up to your best friend."

However, the couple have not had the chance to go on their honeymoon yet - the plan is a backpacking trip to Europe - due to his work commitments.

The #AwakKatMane hitmaker revealed that he will be starring in a Malaysian movie, although he cannot release details of it yet.

It will be the first time the former Singapore Idol winner will appear on the big screen. He has acted in a telemovie on Suria before.

Taufik will also be returning as a judge for MediaCorp singing competition, The Final 1.

Last night, he was among a host of regional stars who performed at Jamiyah Singapore's charity concert held at Resorts World Ballroom.

The concert is part of Jamiyah's fund-raising and awareness efforts to help disadvantaged communities in Singapore.

The funds raised, said Jamiyah president Dr Mohd Hasbi Abu Bakar, will be used to expand the facilities and programmes available, such as building dementia wards in nursing homes, and expanding courses at Jamiyah's halfway homes.

Taufik's involvement in the concert has a personal meaning for him.

DIFFICULT CHILDHOOD

He feels strongly for Jamiyah's cause to help the needy because of his difficult childhood.

"Growing up, my mum, my two brothers and I lived in a two-room flat, and we needed to apply to several financial assistance schemes, so I can definitely relate to that," he shared.

He added: "If somehow my small contribution of performing can help a certain cause, I think that it is a bonus. It feels good (to be part of this)."

What feels even better is now having a wife, Ms Sheena Akbal, who is a good support system for him.

"It's nice to have someone who will look out for you," he said, adding that his wife helps to take care of his mother, who lives with the couple.

When asked if they plan to have children, he said they have no such plans in the near future although he does want children.

"I think two is enough," he added with a laugh.

Before last night's show, 40 lucky fans got a chance to meet Taufik and the other stars backstage before the concert. These lucky fans had won tickets thanks to the concert's main sponsor, Courts Singapore.

Friends Nurul Iffah, 20, and Isryan Shah, 22, who have been Taufik's fans since his days at Singapore Idol, said they were "overwhelmed" and "star struck" to have met him, albeit briefly.

This article was first published on May 25, 2015.
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