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| Ali Lee and Lai Lok-yi Launch Filming of The Exiled in Malaysia Following Blessing Ceremony |
Hong Kong star Ali Lee Kai-sum is shaking things up big time as she kicks off filming for The Exiled in sizzling Kuala Lumpur, reuniting on-screen with Lai Lok-yi for the first time since their hit Who Wants a Baby back in 2018. The pair turned up for the drama’s blessing ceremony, all smiles before stepping into what sounds like one fiery shoot ahead.
Ali, 42, looked fierce rocking a sleek power suit as she geared up to play a bold new role—a gangster’s wife with no shortage of attitude. It’s her first time working in Malaysia, and to top it off, she’s been handed dialogue in Mandarin, which is a proper challenge for the usually Cantonese-speaking actress.
“There are a lot of firsts for me this time,” Ali admitted candidly. “It’s my first time filming in Malaysia, and the actors here are all so professional that I really can’t slack off. The biggest challenge has been speaking some lines in Mandarin. It’s very different from daily conversation, and it’s definitely harder than I expected!”
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Meanwhile, Lai Lok-yi, always the joker, revealed he considered trying a bit of Mandarin too, but the director politely steered him away. “I wanted to give Mandarin a go, but after hearing me, the director said, ‘Let’s stick to Cantonese, mate—this is a serious drama, we don’t want it to turn into a comedy!’” he laughed.
While the cast is enjoying the fresh environment, the Malaysian heat isn’t cutting them any slack. Filming gangster-themed scenes in full leather jackets and heavy trousers under the tropical sun has proved a sweaty challenge. But Ali and Lai are keeping spirits up and determined to nail the gritty, intense atmosphere.
This drama marks Ali Lee’s first major project since officially parting ways with TVB in December 2025, after a turbulent run that saw her frozen by the network despite once topping their leading-lady ranks. Fans are buzzing to see her branch out, relaunching with a bolder role on a fresh stage.
Produced by Astro, The Exiled promises action, attitude, and a slice of something new for viewers. And for Ali, it’s clearly more than just another acting gig—it’s a daring next step outside her comfort zone, and she’s smashing right through it.