#SHOWBIZ: Bella marks a new chapter with 'Lebih Indah Berpisah'

New Straits Times

14-07-2025

A YEAR after finalising her second divorce, singer and actress Bella Astillah has released a heartfelt new single titled 'Lebih Indah Berpisah'.
While many might assume the song reflects her current life, Bella insists it's not a direct account of her personal story.
Bella, whose real name is Dayang Ara Nabella Awang Astillah, officially divorced actor-singer Aliff Aziz for the second time on June 13 last year. The couple first married on Sept 9, 2016.
The single, composed and written by Indonesian musician Ade Govinda, was specially crafted for Bella.
Describing the song as symbolic of her journey toward healing and moving forward, Bella, 31, says the timing of its release — coinciding with the first anniversary of her divorce — was coincidental.
"When I first met Ade in Jakarta to record the song, I suddenly felt overwhelmed," she recalls.
"I couldn't sing right away. The studio went silent. Everyone waited, but then I just burst into tears."
That emotional moment became a cathartic turning point.
"After letting it all out, I felt relieved. The recording then went smoothly," Bella recounts.
"I couldn't hold back the sadness when the lyrics struck so close to home."
Although the song was tailored for her, Bella emphasises that 'Lebih Indah Berpisah' is not entirely "autobiographical".
Rather, her personal experience served as inspiration for Ade's writing.
Originally titled 'Lebih Baik Berpisah', the final version uses the word indah ("beautiful") to emphasise hope and personal growth after separation.
"The message is that not all breakups are dead ends," Bella explains."This song is about preparing oneself to begin anew. It's not about anger or regret, it's about rising from
pain with renewed strength."
She hopes the song resonates with others facing heartbreak.
"I'm not the only one who's gone through this. This could be the story of many others too," she says.
"Sometimes, separation is the best path forward. especially if the relationship can no longer be saved."
Bella also views the single as a personal milestone: "This project challenged me vocally and emotionally. I didn't record it to compete with anyone, but to grow as an artiste and improve myself."
Ade is equally grateful for the collaboration, which came about unexpectedly after Bella's cover of the song 'Masing Masing' — which Ade had originally composed for Ernie Zakri — went viral.
"That cover led to this collaboration. It was all destined," Ade shares.
"Bella is fast, professional, and easy to work with. I'm truly happy to collaborate with her."
Ade also reveals his plans to pitch 'Lebih Indah Berpisah' as a soundtrack for an Indonesian drama series (sinetron).
"This song isn't just a melody, it's an emotional expression, a tribute to the courage it takes to let go and pursue happiness," he adds.
As Bella moves forward in her personal and professional life, 'Lebih Indah Berpisah' stands not just as a song, but as a powerful anthem of resilience and hope.