PETALING JAYA: Even though it has yet to be aired, the Malay language drama Perempuan Itu has become a hot topic on social media after its lead actor Zul Ariffin (pic) shared a clip of a steamy scene with actress Siti Hariesa taken from the series on Instagram.

       The clip has since been deleted from the social media page.

       Director Ain Sharif explained that the leaked scene was part of the second recording which may not be shown on television.

       “Yes, I directed the scene. The scene that Zul shared was a director’s cut that may not be shown on television. What netizens viewed was a second version of the scene, and was meant for publicity purposes only,” she said when contacted by mStar, The Star’s Malay language portal.

       “I didn’t know that Zul would share that scene on Instagram. I was surprised that people were talking about this, but things have already happened. As a director, I have to take responsibility.

       “In fact, intimate scenes are less than 10% in this drama. The scene was produced to portray Sera’s character, played by Siti Hariesa, as the second wife of Emir,” Ain said, referring to Zul’s character.

       On Thursday, Zul was criticised by netizens after he uploaded the scene, which was considered inappropriate for a Malaysian audience.

       Even Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Idris Ahmad criticised the scene.

       Ain said that as director, she was only carrying out her responsibility to convey the message and storyline of the drama to the audience, because what is being highlighted in the drama are things that happen in our society.

       “Even before filming, we discussed with the actors and they were okay to act in such scenes. We made the second version recording to make the drama more interesting but it all depends on the television station to use it or not.

       “I realised there are some scenes that are quite sensitive for the audience, but they have to watch first and understand the story, then they will know what we are trying to convey. In fact, there are many positive messages in this drama,” she said.

       Perempuan Itu also stars Mimi Lana and will be shown on TV3.