Siti keen to have children

By JOE LEE

KUALA LUMPUR: Pop queen Datuk Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin, who is often asked if she is pregnant, is seeing specialists.
Almost a year after her extravagant wedding to businessman Datuk Khalid Muahamad Jiwa, Siti said she is seeking expert advice and “leaving the rest to fate”.

“It used to be a burden to keep hearing the same question, but I suppose I’m getting used to it,” she said.

“All I can say is I am seeing specialists to get advice and the rest, we’ll have to leave it to God.” Siti said she can’t wait to have her own children.

“Some people wait three or four years, some even six or seven years. I hope I don’t have to wait that long.” On her marriage to Khalid, she said it has been good.

“My life is calmer now. Our journey together has only been for almost a year, and we’re learning many things about each other with each passing day. Things like mutual respect and understanding are vital and so far, so good.” Siti said marriage has taught her to appreciate and manage time.

“My life is a lot more meaningful now.” On where they would be celebrating their fi rst anniversary, Siti let out a laugh and shrugged her shoulders.

“I don’t know if there are any plans, but whatever it is, let it be a surprise.” Rumour has it that the couple will be taking some precious time off their busy schedules for a romantic getaway planned by Khalid to Bali.

Coincidentally, Siti’s calendar for August is less packed than the other months.

“So far I have only one show, and that’s only because of an endorsement. I’ll leave the plans to Datuk K,” she said with a grin.

14th ANUGERAH INDUSTRI MUZIK > Newcomers gaining in on veterans

By JOE LEE and NUR AQIDAH AZIZI

THE 14th Anugerah Industri Muzik was a happy night with wins evenly distributed among newcomers and seasoned campaigners.
Crooner Sean Ghazi, who had eight nominations; M. Nasir, six; and Datuk Siti Nurhaliza, four, all went home with two awards each.

Sean took home the Best New Artiste and Best Musical Arrangement In An Album awards for the song, Hujan Di Tengahari.

M. Nasir’s Sang Pencinta won the Best Pop Rock Album award while one of the album’s songs, Juwita … Citra Terindah, bagged Song of the Year award.

Jaclyn Victor broke Siti’s dominance in the Best Vocal Performance In An Album (female) when she won the category with her second album, Inilah … Jac.

Siti has been the winner in that category since 1999.

It was, however, all smiles for Siti, as she not only avenged her defeat and the loss of one of the longest winning streaks in AIM history, she also managed to do it in style, bagging the Best Pop Album by beating Jac, as well as winning the night’s main award in Album of the Year for Transkripsi.

“I’m not upset over being beaten by Jac. The trophy is not mine to keep and it’s up to the jury to award it to whoever they feel is deserving.

“It’s nice to see her win. She deserves it as she is a vocal talent to be reckoned with.

“It was a night of surprises, and pleasant ones too, as this is the fi rst album produced by my own company.

“With such strong competition, it’s almost unbelievable that I won,” she said, adding that M. Nasir was her strongest competition.

As for Jac, she felt the honours were evenly divided between her and Siti.

“I won the best vocal which was hers in the past, and she (Siti) won the Best Pop Album which I won last year with Gemilang. I guess it’s fair enough,” said Jac.

“I’m over the moon. I did hope to win but I didn’t expect to.

“Siti’s vocal ability is no doubt, unsurpassed and I look up to her.

I just want to give my best and feel honoured that who I am as a singer has been established a step further,” she said.

Despite losing to Reshmonu in Best Vocal Performance in an Album (male), M. Nasir was still a happy man when his album, Sang Pencinta, grabbed the Best Pop Rock Album category.

“The album is very personal to me as it was completed with a lot of sacrifi ce. Many things happened during its production,” he said.

Satisfi ed with the outcome of the night, M. Nasir added it was more than enough when the album managed to win the category.

“I’m happy with the result. I was not devastated that I lost to Reshmonu. He has a distinct style of singing that guarantees him the award,” he said.

Take a stroll with Siti Nurhaliza

By KALBANA PERIMBANAYAGAM
FANS of Datuk Siti Nurhaliza, get your walking shoes and sports attire ready for ‘The Malay Mail’ Big Walk 2006/07 on April 29, as you will be strolling with the pop queen on that day.

Yesterday, Siti Nurhaliza and hubby Datuk Khalid Mohd Jiwa or Datuk K registered for the Biggie’s three-kilomentre Fun Walk.

“I’m looking forward to the Biggie because this is the first time I’ve signed up for such a walk,” Siti Nurhaliza said.

“I used to be very active in sports back in school, but now I have slowed down due to my career.

“I don’t think it will be a problem for us to walk in the Biggie as we visit Taman Melawati at least four times a week for our routine exercise. ‘Insyaallah’ we should complete the 3km without any problems,” she added.

Siti, who married Datuk K last August, said she is happy to be taking part in an event with a noble cause — to help children who have lost their limbs to bone cancer.

Yesterday, the couple also pledged RM10,000 from their charity foundation, Nur Jiwa Foundation, in aid of children.

Siti Nurhaliza and Datuk K aren’t the only A-List celebrities taking part in the walk. Participants may find themselves walking next to other celebrities including Norman Hakim and wife Abby Abadi, Alif of ‘One In A Million’, Dina of ‘Malaysian Idol’, Zehra Zambri and Channel [V]’s Vj Joey G — all of whom have signed up for the same category.

RM1 from each RM10 participation fee will be used to buy prosthetic limbs for the children.

The closing date for the Biggie’s registration has been extended from April 21 to April 28, due to the overwhelming response, calls and requests from various parties.

The Biggie will be flagged off at Dataran Merdeka at 7am and will end at Padang Merbok in Jalan Parlimen where all activities will be held.

Those who have yet to register can only do so at the FTAAA office in Wisma OCM, Jalan Hang Jebat, Kuala Lumpur.

Wish come true for Siti

A CINDERELLA story best describes Datuk Siti Nurhaliza’s journey to the 49th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony yesterday.

From the moment she arrived at Los Angeles International Airport on Saturday (Sunday night in Malaysia), she was chauffeur- driven in a limousine all around Los Angeles.

On the morning of the award show, she was driven to Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, to pick Chopard jewellery that she would be wearing at the show.

At 1pm (5am in Malaysia), she was driven in a limo to Staples Centre and dropped off at the red carpet.

A STAR TV representative said Siti mentioned that she would have liked to meet Shakira.

Siti‘s wish was granted.

As she was being interviewed by Channel [V] on the red carpet, who else but Shakira was standing next to her.

Other artistes who walked down the red carpet when she was interviewed included Nelly Furtado and Red Hot Chili Peppers.

The fairy tale continued right after the award show ended at 8.30pm (12.30pm in Malaysia) when she was driven to The Grammy’s party organised by SonyBMG Entertainment.

Normally, invites to such parties are strictly for the ‘who’s who’ of the music industry.

However, thanks to STAR TV, Siti and her husband, Datuk Khalid Muhammad Jiwa, made the guest list.

There, she got to mingle with SonyBMG Entertainment’s stable of artistes, including John Mayer, Beyonce and Jessica Simpson.

Siti even rubbed shoulders with the Dixie Chicks in the elevator on her way up to the party, said the STAR TV rep.

“She looked extremely happy,” she added.

To find out more about Siti’s experience at the Grammys, tune in to Popparazzi on Channel [V] (Astro Channel 72) on Feb 22 and Feb 26 at 6pm.

Also, don’t forget to catch the repeats of the Grammy Awards on Channel [V] (Astro Channel 72) on March 17 at 1pm and the repeat on March 18 at 6pm.

Stars galore at Deeparaya do

THE diva Datuk Siti Nurhaliza (centre), accompanied by husband Datuk Khalid Mohd Jiwa, is engaged in conversation with New Straits Times Press (NSTP) group editor-in-chief Datuk Hishamuddin Aun while NSTP CEO Datuk Syed Faisal Albar and chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Jawhar Hassan (behind) look on.

They were among the guests who attended NSTP’s Deeparaya open house at Renaissance Hotel last night.

Guests comprised advertising bigwigs, direct clients and celebrities such as Anita Sarawak, Fasha Sandha, Lis Dawati, and TV3 personalities.

They were treated to a wide array of local delicacies like chicken rendang, lemang, ais kacang, serunding and roti jala, among others.

Win the chance to be the next “bintang Pantene”, just like Siti

PANTENE Pro-V continues to inspire and enable women to shine.

Malaysian women will get the opportunity to shine via its upcoming reality show entitled Siti Nurhaliza Mencari Bintang Pantene.

This reality show will be shown on Media Prima’s TV3 and is aimed at fi nding the next “bintang Pantene”.

The winner of the Siti Nurhaliza Mencari Bintang Pantene reality show will become the next “bintang Pantene” here in Malaysia and join the likes of past Pantene stars such as Waheeda, Maya Karin and Camelia.

The Siti Nurhaliza Mencari Bintang Pantene reality show will start-off with the nationwide auditions.

The first audition session will be held on November 11th, 2006 in Melaka.

The subsequent audition sessions will be at Johor Bharu on November 18, Penang on November 25 and culminate in Kuala Lumpur on December 1.

To audition for the Siti Nurhaliza Mencari Bintang Pantene reality show, participants need to be a Malaysian woman aged between 18 – 25 years old and present a proof of purchase of a Pantene Pro-V 400ml shampoo at the audition venues.

A total of 14 participants will be chosen from the nationwide auditions.

These 14 participants will progress to a final selection on December 2, 2006 at One Utama Shopping Center (Old Wing), whereby only 10 fi nalists will be chosen to continue and proceed to the ‘The House of Pantene’.

At ‘The House of Pantene’, the 10 finalists will learn how to appreciate each of their individual strengths through trials and tribulations.

They will be examples for other Malaysian women to shine in life.

Hosted by Pantene’s shine ambassador, Siti Nurhaliza, these 10 finalists will face weekly challenges at the ‘House of Pantene’.

Viewers will get to witness the transformation story of these 10 finalists as they go through all the weekly tasks that are designed to bring out the inner beauty and true potential.

For more information on “Siti Nurhaliza Mencari Bintang Pantene” reality show, log on to www.tv3.com.my/pantene.

Are you ready to shine?

-by JAD MAHIDIN -
POP queen Datuk Siti Nurhaliza will soon be looking out for someone to groom.

No, we are not talking about her finding a protege but another reality TV show, this one titled Siti Nurhaliza Mencari Bintang Pantene.

The haircare product producers insist this show’s winner will be crowned the next ambassador, after deciding to move away from its host of celebrity ambassadors that have included Camelia, Maya Karin and Waheeda.

The show will be aired over TV3 once 10 fi nalists have been selected, said Tan Hui Woon, P&G Malaysia’s assistant country marketing manager.

“It’s also a chance for the winner to become the next Bintang Pantene, just like Siti herself,” she said.

Her company’s strategy includes empowering women to ‘be all that they can be’ through Pantene’s recently launched Shine philosophy.

However, first there will be the nationwide audition (and no, participants do not have to shower and wash their hair in public).

The first audition will be held in Malacca on Nov 11, followed by Johor Baru (Nov 18), Penang (Nov 25) and Kuala Lumpur (Dec 1).

To audition, participants need to be Malaysian women aged 18 to 25 and present a proof of purchase of a Pantene Pro-V 400ml shampoo at the audition venues.

Only 14 participants will be chosen from the auditions and move to a fi nal selection session on Dec 2 at One Utama Shopping Centre (old wing).

Four will be eliminated in this round before 10 finalists proceed to The House of Pantene.

At The House of Pantene, the fi nalists will learn to appreciate their strengths in various trials and tribulations.

Hosted by Pantene’s Shine ambassador, Siti Nurhaliza, these 10 fi nalists will face weekly challenges and viewers will get to witness their transformation.

“The challenges of the reality show are designed to empower the women to reach their true potential and go beyond,” said Tan.

“Hopefully, viewers will experience the ‘shining’ moments with the contestants and be inspired to follow in their footsteps.”

For details, log on to www.tv3.com.my/pantene.

Baby Siti on the way?

-by Rahman Daros -
NEW photos of Siti Nurhaliza Taruddin have sparked rumours that she may be pregnant.

Despite looking ‘fuller’ than before she left for Hawaii, Siti’s sister-in-law cum manager, Rozi Abdul Razak, denied the buzz. “Taklah… mana dia pregnant (No… she is not pregnant),” she told The Malay Mail last night. Care to explain that glow?

LOOKING at this picture, do you think pop darling Datin Siti Nurhaliza Taruddin is expecting? That’s what we thought when we saw the photograph.

This Saturday marks the songbird’s second month as wife to Datuk Khalid Muhammad Jiwa or Datuk K, 47.

With the loose baju kurung she wore for a Raya photoshoot for a Malay daily re- cently, the 27-year-old looked like she had gained weight.

Her sister-in-law cum manager, Rozi Abdul Razak, however, said there’s no truth to the rumours.

“Taklah…mana dia pregnant (No… she is not pregnant),” she told The Malay Mail over the telephone last night.

“She would tell us (the family) if she’s pregnant.

That’s not true.”

She said Siti would be busy after Hari Raya, especially with TV3’s Mentor w he re the semi-finalists from the show will per- form with semi-finalists from Bintang Cari Bintang, an Indonesian Mentor spin-off, in a joint concert.

“But that does not mean that she doesn’t want to start a family soon.

“Siti told me she is ready but it is all up to God.

We’ll see what happens. ”

Siti Nurhaliza rocked the nation this year when her ‘Wedding of the Year’ to Datuk K created a media frenzy with a ‘live’ broadcast over TV3 of the akad nikah (solemnisation ceremony) and reception on Oct 21 and 28, respectively.

Honeymoon’s over

-by Joe Lee -
NO more Siti Nurhaliza bashing, at least not on her official website to be re-activated soon.

The queen of pop, at her first public appearance last night after her honeymoon, said she would re-activate the forum section of her official website, sitizone.com, but it will only be accessible to registered fans.

The forum section of the website, run by Siti Nurhaliza Production (SNP), was shut down on June 28 when it was besieged with unflattering remarks over her choice of a life partner.

“I will re-open the forum soon, though I think we will have to limit it to only registered fans. It will definitely have to be moderated,” she said.

Siti said the precautions were to filter out those who did not contribute positively to the discussions. “At that point, anyone had access. I think we’ll have to find a way to vet and filter those joining in the forum to avoid a repeat of the incident.”

While her popularity may have been slightly dented since she tied the knot, Siti was adamant that she still has a following.

“Everywhere I go, fans still approach me for photos and autographs, so I thank God for that as it appears that things have not changed that much.”

For the time being, she seems to have no qualms sharing the throne with fellow Malay pop blueblood, Mawi.

The biggest duet between the two most bankable names, announced by Mawi earlier this week, seems set to happen.

“I haven’t discussed the duet with my management, but if everything goes well, I see no problem doing it. After all, it’s not the first time I’ve collaborated with a male artiste before as I have recorded songs with ‘sifu’ M. Nasir, the legendary Tan Sri S.M Salim and hip hop duo Too Phat.”

Siti’s name, in fact, seems more bankable than ever. Last night, Siti launched Cerita Cinta Siti Nurhaliza, a compilation released by Suria Records Sdn Bhd (SRC), featuring the new single, Cahaya Cinta, penned by the diva herself and first sung during her wedding reception at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

She said her new role as a wife gets priority. “The time we had on our honeymoon was very precious and even though it was only a short period, I treasure every moment of it, but now that we’re back, it’s back to work.

“My responsibilities as a wife take precedence including duties like preparing dishes for him for berbuka and bersahur.

“I am happy preparing some of my husband’s favourite dishes. He is a simple man, as long as he has his sambal belacan and some of his choice fare,” she laughed.

Mawi-Siti duet by November

-by Joe Lee -
MAWI and Siti Nurhaliza sing a duet for Mawi’s upcoming album.
Idola Yang Tercinta is expected to hit the stores by late November.

It will feature duets between Mawi and some of his favourite acts, including Siti.

“I can’t wait to record the song with her, but right now, she’s of course, not available,” he said. “We will most likely begin recording after Aidilfitri.”

“Maestro Talent & Management and Maestro Records have approached Siti Nurhaliza Production and gotten their green light.

“Now it’s a matter of waiting for the right time and her availability,” said Mawi.

Excited about the prospects of the yet untitled track composed by M. Nasir with lyrics by S. Amin Shahab, the song will be included in the album that will also feature collaborations on new songs with Ramli Sarip and Yasin, as well as remakes of old favourites with Fauziah Ahmad Daud and Jefri Din.

The album will have eight newly-recorded songs, as well as previous collaborations from his other albums with the likes of Raihan, Jamal Abdillah and M. Nasir.

Mawi said that he did not know when the semi-autobiographical movie, Aduh Saliha, would be shot.

To be directed and produced by M. Nasir with the script by celebrated lyricist, Loloq, the movie is not going to make the screens in the near future if Mawi’s busy schedule has anything to do with it.

“The earliest I’m free to even slot in shooting for the film would be some time in April or May next year, so I don’t know if it’s happening or not.

“But I look forward to learning from another new experience.”

Asked if he had a particular choice of heroine, Mawi shook his head.

“I don’t have any favourites… but my favourite actress is Salma Hayek,” he said with a grin.

However, fans can forget about the possibility of any romantic, let alone steamy scenes, as Mawi said any such scene in the movie would be a no-go.

“I draw the line at that. No physical contact or even getting too close for me,” he said. “I’d prefer not to do the movie if it includes such scenes.”

MM says: Yes, and Siti once said she’d do no duet with men.