Kuala lumpur: The passing of many of his fellow actors in the entertainment industry has gradually changed the way Mahmud Ali Bashah views life. Mahmud, 66, who has spent nearly four decades in the entertainment industry, said he now thinks more frequently about death and preparing for the afterlife.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Sarawak-born actor said life as an actor once caused him to become too absorbed in worldly pursuits and popularity, leaving little attention for religious matters. Mahmud reflected on his younger days, noting that the strength and carelessness of youth often led him to prioritize worldly achievements over spiritual ones.

'When we are young, we feel strong, sometimes arrogant and careless. We only think about worldly matters, but as we grow older and see what is happening around us, we begin to realise and try to change in search of Allah's blessings,' he said. Mahmud, who is among the Malaysian haj pilgrims for the 2026 season, expressed that being in the Holy Land brings an indescribable sense of peace and self-reflection.

He shared that his desire to perform the haj was sparked in his 20s after witnessing friends undertake the pilgrimage, though he faced a long wait due to late registration. 'Alhamdulillah, although I waited a long time and made several appeals, Allah finally invited me to be His guest,' he said. After 37 years in the acting industry, including a role in the film Anna and the King, Mahmud has chosen to return to his hometown in Sarawak to lead a more peaceful life.

Despite stepping back from the limelight, Mahmud remains open to acting offers that convey positive messages and contribute to societal well-being.