{
  "id": 8572454,
  "title": "#SHOWBIZ: Veteran actor AR Badul reclaims the spotlight on TikTok",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/showbiz-veteran-actor-ar-badul-reclaims-the-spotlight-on-tiktok",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-20T01:00:23.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/groove/2026/09/1536608/showbiz-veteran-actor-ar-badul-reclaims-spotlight-tiktok"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Veteran Malaysian actor and director AR Badul, 76, is making a comeback in the digital age by utilizing TikTok to reconnect with his youthful fans. Armaya Aman Ramlie, who rose to fame through classic films, views the app as a personal television station, allowing him to engage directly with viewers who fondly recall his early work. Despite some trolls questioning his relevance, AR Badul remains unfazed, responding to their ageist remarks with humor and dismissing their concerns. He candidly shares his financial generosity, promising to donate part of any earnings to buskers and the underprivileged. Recently, AR Badul starred in a patriotic short drama, \"Surat Khabar Lama,\" celebrating veteran artists and cultural values at Malaysia's 69th National Day celebrations.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: The entertainment world may have changed completely over the years, but veteran actor and director AR Badul is proving that age is no barrier to staying connected with his audience.",
  "key_points": [
    "Veteran Malaysian actor AR Badul, 76, returns to TikTok fame",
    "Actor engages directly with nostalgic fans via social media platform",
    "Shares financial generosity, donates earnings to buskers and needy"
  ],
  "editors_take": "AR Badul's TikTok presence repositions him as a vibrant, engaged entertainer, unhindered by ageism, allowing him to revive his connection with younger fans and redefine his career relevance.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}