1. Overview
Tengku Iskhan Shah bin Tengku Haidar, widely recognized by his stage name Que Haidar, born on May 30, 1979, is a prominent Malaysian actor, singer, producer, writer, and director. He is celebrated for his extensive contributions to the Malaysian entertainment industry, transitioning from a background in theatre to achieving widespread recognition in film and television. His career milestones include numerous acclaimed performances in films and television dramas, significant awards, and a versatile engagement across various creative roles, establishing him as a multifaceted talent in the Malaysian performing arts scene.
2. Early Life and Background
Que Haidar's formative years were shaped by his educational pursuits in the performing arts and his initial foray into theatre before achieving prominence in the broader entertainment industry landscape. His family background also connects him to a significant royal lineage.
2.1. Birth and Family
Que Haidar was born on May 30, 1979. His full name is Tengku Iskhan Shah bin Tengku Haidar. He holds a direct lineage to the Kedah Sultanate, tracing his ancestry back to Tunku Kudin (Tengku Hajji Zhiauddin Shah III ibni Almarhum Sultan Zainal Rashid al-Mu'azzam Shah I), the 19th Raja Muda of Kedah. Tunku Kudin also served as the Viceroy of Selangor and was the son-in-law of Sultan Abdul Samad, the fourth Sultan of Selangor.
Que Haidar's lineage is as follows:
- Tengku Iskhan Shah bin Tengku Haidar (Que Haidar)
- Son of Tunku Haidar bin Tunku Daud (Tengku Haidar bin Tengku Daud)
- Son of Tunku Daud bin Tunku Haidar 'Ali Shah (Tengku Daut, Tengku Daud bin Tengku Haidar)
- Son of Tunku Haidar 'Ali Shah bin Tunku Zia ud-din (Tunku Idah/Eda)
- Son of Tunku Hajji Zhiauddin Shah III ibni Almarhum Sultan Zainal Rashid al-Mu'azzam Shah I (Tunku Kudin), the 19th Raja Muda of Kedah.
2.2. Education and Early Career
Que Haidar is an alumnus of the Akademi Seni Warisan Kebangsaan (ASWARA), where he honed his skills in the performing arts. His professional journey began in the world of theatre before he transitioned into film and television. His debut on television was in the 2001 telemovie Toll Gate Girl, directed by Osman Ali and produced by Tiara Jacquelina, where he starred alongside actresses Amy Mastura and Rita Rudaini at the age of 23. His first film role was in Haru Biru, directed by Shadan Hashim in 2004, although the film was only released in 2007.
3. Career
Que Haidar's career spans across various facets of the entertainment industry, including extensive work as an actor in film, television, and telemovies, as well as ventures into music and behind-the-scenes roles as a producer, director, and educator.
3.1. Acting
Que Haidar has built a prolific acting career, making a significant impact in Malaysian cinema and television with a diverse range of roles.
3.1.1. Film
Que Haidar's film debut in KL Menjerit 1 in 2005 marked a turning point, propelling him into prominence alongside contemporary actors such as Farid Kamil, Fahrin Ahmad, Pierre Andre, Jehan Miskin, and Bront Palarae. His popular films include Zombi Kampung Pisang, Castello, Cinta, and Setem. His popularity in film was further solidified by winning the "Most Popular Film Actor" award at the Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian for two consecutive years in 2008 and 2009.
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | KL Menjerit 1 | Ku Idzham | Film debut |
| Rock | Amy Mat Piah | ||
| 2006 | Castello | Sepet | |
| Senario Pemburu Emas Yamashita | Jali | ||
| Bilut | Yusof Yazid | ||
| Cinta | Muhammad Dhani | ||
| 2007 | Syaitan | Saad | |
| Zombi Kampung Pisang | Deris | ||
| Haru Biru | Kid | ||
| 2008 | Cuci | Singer | Cameo appearance |
| Selamat Pagi Cinta | Azam | ||
| 2009 | Maut | JJ | |
| Skrip 7707 | Zack | ||
| Setem | Iskandar | ||
| Papadom | Mat | ||
| My Spy | Man Chinese | ||
| Duhai Si Pari-Pari | Syadon | ||
| 2010 | Lagenda Budak Setan | Azmi | |
| 2011 | Misteri Jalan Lama | Ilya | |
| 2013 | Rock Oo! | Amy Mat Piah | |
| 2014 | Gila Baby | Cameo appearance | |
| Ophilia | Ozi Gandum |
3.1.2. Television Series
Que Haidar has also appeared in several Malaysian television drama series throughout his career.
| Year | Title | Role | TV channel | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Kasih Nurlisa | TV1 | First drama series | |
| 2006-2007 | Gol & Gincu The Series | Ikan | 8TV | |
| 2007 | Dunia Baru | Umarah | TV3 | |
| 2008 | KL Menjerit The Series | Opie | Astro Ria | |
| 2009 | Cinta Untuk Ain | Shahrul | TV3 |
3.1.3. Telemovies
His work in telemovies includes a range of roles, and he has also contributed as an executive producer and writer for some productions.
| Year | Title | Role | TV channel | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Toll Gate Girl | VCD | First telemovie | |
| 2007 | Tuhan Pun Tahu | TV3 | ||
| 2008 | Terlerai Takbir Kasih | Azhar | ||
| Sebelum Sejadah Dibentang | Aiman | |||
| Orang Minyak Naik Minyak | Astro Prima | |||
| 2015 | Cahaya Malaika | Ezra | TV3 | |
| 2018 | Malek | Majid | Astro Citra | Also as executive producer |
| 2020 | Pencipta Pegang Waktu | Zakree (Zee) | TV3 | Also as original story |
| Yang Tersembunyi | Zharif | TV Okey | ||
| 2022 | Lebai Sampan | Hatta | Astro Citra | |
| Bahalol | - | TV2 | Also as director, original story and executive producer |
3.1.4. Television Appearances
In addition to drama series and telemovies, Que Haidar has made various guest appearances on television programs.
| Year | Title | Role | TV channel | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Spontan (Season 1) | Guest | Astro Warna | Episodes 16 & 20 |
| 2020 | Sepahtu Reunion Al-Puasa | Cameo | Episode: "Kembali Terjalin" |
3.2. Music Career
Beyond acting, Que Haidar has also ventured into the music industry. Early in his career, he was a member of the pop group Sho-gun, although they did not record a full album. His singing talent was featured in the films Rock and Rock Oo!, where he played characters who were singers. In 2017, he released a single titled "Kisah Cinta."
| Year | Song Title |
|---|---|
| 2017 | "Kisah Cinta" |
3.3. Other Professional Activities
Que Haidar's versatility extends to various roles behind the camera and in academia. He has contributed as a film producer for telemovies such as Malek (2018) and Bahalol (2022). He also took on the role of director for the telemovie Bahalol (2022) and is credited for the original stories of Pencipta Pegang Waktu (2020) and Bahalol (2022). Furthermore, he is active as an educator, serving as a lecturer at Sunway College, where he teaches acting classes. In 2013, he was appointed as one of the instructors for Akademi Fantasia Season 10.
4. Awards and Nominations
Que Haidar has been recognized with numerous awards and nominations throughout his career from major Malaysian film and television ceremonies.
| Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian (ABPBH) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Category | Results |
| 2006 | Most Popular Male Film Actor | Nominated |
| 2008 | Most Popular Male Film Actor | Nominated |
| 2009 | Most Popular Male Film Actor | Nominated |
| Festival Filem Malaysia (FFM) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Nominated Work(s) | Category | Results |
| 2006 (FFM 19) | KL Menjerit 1 | Best Actor | Nominated |
| Most Promising Male Actor | Nominated | ||
| Castello | Best Supporting Actor | Nominated | |
| Most Promising Male Actor | Nominated | ||
| 2009 (FFM 22) | Maut | Best Actor | Nominated |
| Papadom | Best Supporting Actor | Nominated | |
| 2010 (FFM 23) | Lagenda Budak Setan | Best Supporting Actor | Nominated |
| 2015 (FFM 27) | Ophilia | Best Actor | Nominated |
| Anugerah Skrin TV3 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Nominated Work | Category | Results |
| 2008 | Tuhan Pun Tahu | Best Supporting Actor (Drama) | Nominated |
| 2009 | Terlerai Takbir Kasih | Best Actor (Drama) | Nominated |
| Anugerah Seri Angkasa (ASA) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Nominated Work | Category | Results |
| 2022 | Pencipta Pegang Waktu | Best Male TV Drama Actor | Nominated |
| 2024 | Bahalol | Best TV Drama Director | Won |
| Lebai Sampan | Best Supporting Male TV Drama Actor | Won | |
5. Personal Life
Que Haidar's personal life saw a significant shift in 2009 when he married choreographer Linda Jasmine. Following his marriage, he made a surprising announcement of his retirement from acting in 2010. Despite disappointing fans and filmmakers, Que decided to transition into business and has since remained active in teaching acting classes, taking on a role as a lecturer at Sunway College. In 2012, he announced that he would only accept acting offers that aligned with his specific preferences. Since then, his appearances on screen have been less frequent, but his subsequent works, such as the blockbuster film Lagenda Budak Setan and Rock Oo! (both released in 2013), as well as television dramas like Seligar and Malaikat Yang Tersembunyi, have continued to receive positive attention.
6. Controversy
In August 2017, Que Haidar faced public criticism following comments he made regarding the standard of acting in local dramas. He openly expressed his disappointment with a segment of new actors, referring to them as "wooden" and criticizing their failure to attend acting workshops organized by the Perbadanan Kemajuan Filem Nasional (FINAS). His remarks sparked anger from several actors and directors, notably Aziz M. Osman, who deemed Que Haidar's statements irrational.
7. External links
- [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2098679/ Que Haidar at IMDb]