Taufik confirms wedding plans, but keeps identity of bride-to-be hush-hush
It is official.
Singapore singer-songwriter Taufik Batisah, 33, is getting married, and the lucky girl is Singaporean.
With rumours swirling among his fans that Taufik was dating Malaysian actress Nur Fazura Sharifuddin - the pair were on the same judging panel for Malaysian comedy competition Maharaja Lawak Mega - the man himself has come out to set things straight.
Hype Records, Taufik's recording label, released a statement from him yesterday evening where he expressed his happiness, saying: "I am glad to have finally found the special someone whom I can share my future with."
While the Singapore Idol winner confirmed that the local girl is not someone "in the entertainment business", he declined to reveal her identity.
The New Paper on Sunday understands that she is of Malay and Pakistani descent.
His close friends, too, are not ready to let the cat out of the bag.
SO HAPPY
Local rapper Mark Bonafide, Taufik's long-time friend, told TNPS yesterday that he has met the mystery girl, but refused to divulge any details.
"I won't be saying anything about her. I respect Fik's decision to keep her identity and their personal life private," he stressed.
"Everyone is entitled to that, even if you are Taufik Batisah.
"I grew up with Taufik and I'm so happy that he has finally decided to settle down with someone he sees a future with."
Another one of Taufik's good friends, Ria 89.7FM radio DJ Fiza O, admitted that she knew of his marriage plans, but refused to say more.
"He's a very private person, so almost nobody knew of his plans. But when he told me he was getting married, he had this crazy look of excitement and happiness on his face.
"When I saw that, I knew that was it. And of course, I congratulated him. Even though I hear the hearts of a millions girls breaking, I'm extremely happy for him.
"She's a sweet and kind person who is very strong. They are the perfect fit for each other. In the industry, you need someone who is going to have your back throughout, and for him, she's the one."
Taufik told Ken Lim, boss of Hype Records and former Singapore Idol judge, of his decision to tie the knot a couple of months back.
Lim said: "When he told me that he wanted to get married, I asked him if he was ready to commit.
"It had nothing to do with his career. It was just important to me that I know he is happy. Every decision someone makes has both compromises and advantages, but you cannot let it dictate you.
"And because he told me that he was certain about his decision, I gave him all my support."
Other celebrities also shared their congratulatory messages online, including local singer Sezairi Sezali who tweeted: "Heard the news! Congratulations @taufikbatisah!! She is one lucky girl!"
Among the many fans who expressed their sadness of Taufik exiting singlehood is apparently the girlfriend of former Class 95FM deejay Bobby Tonelli.
Tonelli said jokingly: "Women's hearts are breaking all over Asia, including my girlfriend's.
"Besides my girlfriend's heart breaking, I am really happy for Fik and I will be calling him later on to congratulate the guy."
The wedding is set to take place in April.
"I won't be saying anything about her. I respect Fik's decision to keep her identity and their personal life private."
- Local rapper Mark Bonafide, who has met Taufik Batisah's mystery girl
Online buzz
Social media platform Twitter was active yesterday as Taufik's fans reacted to the news of his upcoming nuptials.
Here are what some fans said:
@imfadd
TAUFIK BATISAH GETTING MARRIED. OMG WHO'S THE LUCKY GIRL
@2forty5am
@TaufikBatisah is getting married!! I can hear all the hearts breaking but nevertheless happy for him
@NurafiezaS
I think if Taufik Batisah gets married, 99% of the Malay girls in Singapore (will cry) together hahaha...
@dearlianne
Wah @TaufikBatisah earlier this year I told a friend that I have this very strong feeling that you would get married this year.
@Aamaaliinaa
Jealous ah but finally @TaufikBatisah is getting married hahaha yay congrats!!!
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