Renewal is often mistaken for starting over, but for Bella Astillah – whose full name is Dayang Ara Nabellah Awang Astillah – it’s about taking life’s trials and turning them into stepping stones for something greater. Whether in career, relationships, or personal aspirations, it requires courage, resilience, and a willingness to evolve.
“To me, renewal is not about changing who you are; it’s about becoming a better version of yourself,” Bella ponders over the theme of our cover shoot. Having celebrated her 31st birthday just days before, the singer and actress is now armed with a fresh mindset for the year ahead. “I’m soft-hearted and I tend to be a people-pleaser. But in 2025, I’m trying to at least have the courage to say no to what doesn’t serve me.”
From starting her career as a child singer to navigating public heartbreak, Bella opens up about stepping into her power as a multifaceted artiste – embarking on a fresh chapter with newfound bravery and positivity.
A young recording artist turned leading celebrity
At the tender age of five, Bella found herself being the youngest contestant on RTM’s local reality show, Bintang Kecil. This opened the door for the Sabahan to begin a career recording children’s songs along with her sister, Didi Astillah. Two years later, their family moved from Sandakan to Kuala Lumpur for this opportunity, and to date, the ‘Adik-Adik Mutiara’ sisters have 10 children’s albums to their name.
“It was a beautiful journey, but it was very tiring. While other kids were asleep, I was in the studio recording until midnight. And then on the weekends, I would go for a show while other kids went to the playground,” Bella reflects on her childhood.
When asked if she would change anything about her formative days, Bella maintains, “I’m very grateful for everything that my parents provided; it’s what shaped me to become the person I am today. But now that I have two kids, I wouldn’t want them to experience what I went through. I just want them to go for tuition and sports and have a normal childhood.”
“Renewal is not about changing who you are; it’s about becoming a better version of yourself.”
Later in her teens, Bella turned her attention to her studies, eventually pursuing a diploma in broadcasting. As the eldest of four siblings, however, she also bore the responsibility of looking after her younger sister and brothers. This meant fetching them to school and back in between college classes, then heading to work as a part-time singer at The Starhill and The Saujana Hotel in the evenings to earn her keep.
It wasn’t until 2019 that she resumed her career in the entertainment industry after landing a lead role in the Astro drama, Cinta Belum Tamat Tempoh. The following year, she released her first single, Tenang, signed under Universal Music Malaysia. Bella continued demonstating her singing and acting chops thereafter – starring in numerous TV dramas and producing songs that resonate with her 2.6 million Instagram followers to date.
Navigating love, loss, and self-discovery
Since entering the limelight, Bella’s personal life has been the subject of public scrutiny. Her relationship with Singaporean actor Aliff Aziz, which began in 2016, saw its fair share of turbulence – a divorce in 2019, a reconciliation and remarriage in 2020, and another divorce in mid-2024 after he was caught for khalwat (close proximity) with another local actress – all unfolding in the public eye.
“After my first divorce, I stayed in my room for a week. I cancelled everything. Looking back on that, it was not healthy at all. I think my weight was, what, 40 kg? I never ever want to go back to that phase of heartbreak again,” Bella confides.
Despite forgiving her ex-husband then, she learned the hard way to walk away when history repeated itself. “Last year wasn’t a good year for me – you could say tragic even – but whatever happened made me become a stronger person. I realised that I need to love myself more and focus on the people who love me rather than what others think of me,” she reveals.
“I realised that I need to love myself more and focus on the people who love me rather than what others think of me.”
The mother of two to Ayden Adrean (aged 7) and Ara Adreanna (4) came to her breaking point after enduring her ex-partner’s string of affairs. “I told myself, ‘Bella, you only live once – it’s okay to be sad sometimes, but how long will you stay this way?’ I knew that it was affecting the people around me too, so I decided to stand up for myself,” she says.
With a gentle resolve and her signature girl-next-door smile, she goes on, “This year is a whole different vibe for me. I never thought that it would only take a year for me to move on. But if you ask me how I am now, I’m really very happy.”
Becoming (a better version of) Bella
Bella’s achievements in the months following her independence prove that she has truly found her voice. In August 2024, she was named ‘Celebrity of the Year’ at the TikTok Awards Malaysia, a recognition of her growing influence in the digital space. She was also one of five finalists in the Most Popular TV Actress category of the local awards show, Anugerah Bintang Popular (ABPBH 36).
Her latest single, Tapi Bukan Denganmu, released in October 2024, further cements her place in the music industry. With its heartfelt lyrics and cinematic music video – featuring a cameo by Muar MP Syed Saddiq – the song serves as an anthem of personal strength.
“I kept that song to myself for a very long time, and I had to muster the courage to release it because it’s such a sad song,” Bella shares, her voice steady yet full of emotion. “What I’m trying to portray is I still want happiness, even if it’s not with you.”
“I want to build my empire even without a man and prove to my kids that their mum is a capable and independent woman.”
Speaking of YB Syed Saddiq, netizens may have noticed the politician’s frequent appearance on Bella’s social media. In fact, the pair have gone viral on social media for promoting local modest fashion brand Primavalet, garnering millions of views through their tongue-in-cheek interactions and trendy videos.
“He’s very kind and sweet in real life, not only in front of the camera. Honestly, I’ve never met a guy like him,” she regales, sharing the serendipitous story of how they came to work together after several untimely setbacks with other male candidates for the role. Their on-screen chemistry has naturally led to romantic speculations, but Bella claims to be focusing on her career at the moment. After all, she has a lot going for her.
Aside from singing, acting, and being the face of numerous brands, Bella has recently launched her own beauty brand, BAELLOVA. Unveiled in March, the first product, the 3-in-1 Matte Lip Series, received 4,000 orders within just 24 hours of launch. “I’ve been planning to have my own brand since, like, five years ago and I’m finally doing it. I want to build my empire even without a man and prove to my kids that their mum is a capable and independent woman,” she enthuses.
Embracing her ‘Tenang’ era
Although it’s been five years since Tenang was released, Bella’s first single still hits home most for her today. “I feel like whatever problems we face, the solution is to keep calm first. So, this song is like a reminder to myself to be calm and that everything will be fine,” she shares.
True to her own words, Bella keeps her composure as she reflects on her past naivety: “The old Bella was very weak and always cried, or in Malay, we say, mudah ditindas. I want to become braver and make my own decisions now. More importantly, I want to love myself more so that I can love others around me without getting hurt.”
What’s her way of practising self-love? Spa days, sports (pickleball is a recent favourite), and spending time with her kids on her off-days are a few things off the top of her mind.
As for her advice to others going through heartbreak or hardship, Bella shares, “Please know that whatever you’re facing now will pass. Believe in miracles – Allah will replace your problems with something that you would never expect. Just don’t give up and try to fill yourself with positivity because it will come back to you.”
Looking forward, Bella hopes to radiate that positive spirit through her music and platforms. Her upcoming single, titled Lebih Indah Berpisah – written by esteemed Indonesian composer Ade Govinda and scheduled for release this May – embodies this fresh, constructive outlook.
“I wanted to look at things in a different way – yes, divorce is divorce, but who knows? Separation may lead to happiness,” she muses on the title of the song. Judging from her unbridled laughter and playful banter throughout our shoot, it certainly has for Bella.
Featured image: Bella reflects on renewal in a top by Syomirizwa Gupta and stylist’s own earrings.
Editor and words: Natalie Khoo
Creative direction: Driv, assisted by Imran Sulaiman
Coordination: Chin Yi Ting
Photography: Herry Chia Ee | Herry Studio
Lighting assistants: Joe Ng & David Ong
Videography: Haoyii Lim
Video concept and subtitles: Charmaine Loh
Styling: Mughni Che Din, assisted by Surya Ammari
Makeup: Fiona Yip
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