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

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

       Answering the controversy, 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 is a second version recording if found to be suitable, and was meant for publicity purposes," she said when contacted by mStar.

       "I didn't know that Zul would share the scene on Instagram. I was surprised to know 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 (Zul Ariffin)."

       On Thursday (March 17) evening, Zul’s Instagram was flooded with comments after he uploaded the scene, which was considered inappropriate for a Malaysian audience, on the social media site.

       The video also attracted the attention of preachers, including Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Datuk Idris Ahmad who also criticised it.

       Ain said that as director, she was only carrying out her responsibility as best she could to convey the message and storyline of the drama to the audience because what was being highlighted in the drama were things that happen around us.

       "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 realise there are some scenes that are quite sensitive for the audience, but they have to watch (the series) 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.

       Not only was Zul Ariffin's name trending on Twitter, but the name of producer Erma Fatima was also mentioned because she was thought to be the director of the drama.

       "The scene in this drama has no connection with Mama (another name for Erma). She is the scriptwriter and I visualise the characters according to the writing... Even during filming, Kak Erma repeatedly told me not to do scenes that are too daring because then it will not be able to go on television.

       "She knows that there will be a scene of them together, but did not expect me to interpret it in that way. So it is not appropriate for people online to criticize Kak Erma because the scene was my instruction," she said.

       Apart from Ain, the 30-episode drama is also directed by the famous director, Isma Yusof.

       Perempuan Itu starring Zul Ariffin, Mimi Lana and Siti Hariesa is set to be shown this Ramadan on TV3.