Arfie Shah Turns Real-Life Pickleball Passion Into On-Screen Role in Dink! I Love You
KUALA LUMPUR: Rising actor Arfie Shah has found an unexpected way to combine his personal passion with his acting career after starring in Dink! I Love You, a television film inspired by the growing popularity of pickleball in Malaysia.
The production marks a unique milestone for the young actor, who revealed that he has been actively playing pickleball long before being offered the role. What started as a recreational hobby eventually became the very reason he was able to portray a pickleball athlete on screen.
Arfie described the opportunity as one of the most meaningful projects of his career, saying he never imagined a sport he genuinely enjoys would one day become the centrepiece of a television production featuring him.
He explained that pickleball initially became part of his routine simply as a fun way to stay active, but the increasing popularity of the sport unexpectedly opened new professional opportunities.
The telefilm also stars Anna Jobling and Aedy Ashraf, bringing together three well-known young performers in a story that blends sports, friendship and personal growth.
Speaking about the collaboration, Arfie said working alongside Anna and Aedy made the filming experience both enjoyable and productive because of their long-standing friendship and mutual understanding.
He praised Anna for her professionalism and commitment throughout production, while describing Aedy as a supportive senior colleague who frequently shared practical acting advice and encouraged him to deliver stronger performances.
Despite already possessing solid pickleball skills, Arfie admitted the biggest challenge was doing the opposite of what came naturally.
In the film, he portrays Ghazali, an academically gifted student with virtually no experience playing pickleball.
As someone who regularly plays the sport, Arfie found it surprisingly difficult to intentionally appear inexperienced, requiring him to adjust his movements and deliberately perform mistakes to make the character believable.
He said portraying Ghazali allowed him to appreciate the importance of perseverance, as the character gradually develops confidence through discipline, determination and encouragement from those around him.
According to Arfie, one of the strongest elements of the story is the friendship between Ghazali and Diba, whose unwavering support becomes instrumental in his personal development both on and off the court.
He believes the storyline delivers an uplifting message that success is not determined solely by natural talent but also by continuous effort and the willingness to learn.
Meanwhile, UTV President Datuk Adzliana Hasan said the production company wanted to introduce audiences to something different after previously producing projects centred on romance, comedy, horror and thriller genres.
She explained that pickleball has rapidly evolved into one of Malaysia’s fastest-growing recreational sports, making it an ideal subject for a television production capable of entertaining viewers while promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Adzliana expressed hope that the film would encourage more Malaysians to discover the sport while appreciating the positive values highlighted throughout the story.
Streaming exclusively on the UTV application since June 18, Dink! I Love You combines contemporary sports culture with friendship, inspiration and light-hearted romance, offering audiences a refreshing alternative to conventional television dramas while celebrating one of today’s fastest-growing sporting trends.
