From The Straits Times    |

ST_20150405_EDTAUFIK05P0CQ_1205735e.jpg(Above) The couple enjoying a boisterous bhangra dance after making their second entrance. Taufik could hardly contain his emotions as he serenaded Ms Akbal with his ballad Hanya Kamu (Only You). — ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM

Former Singapore Idol winner Taufik Batisah ended the speculation about his bride at their wedding yesterday, revealing that she’s the one singing the refrain on one of his biggest hit songs, #AwakKatMane (Where Are You?).

The catchy hip-hop/dance track from his latest album Fique, released last year, had fans wondering about the identity of the mystery singer.

ST_20150405_EDTAUFIK0521R4_1205727e.jpgEntertainer Suhaimi Yusof (right) congratulating Singapore Idol Taufik Batisah and his bride, Ms Sheena Akbal. Selected members of Taufik’s Singapore and Malaysia fan clubs were also invited to the wedding reception yesterday. — ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM

Taufik, 33, and Ms Sheena Akbal, a 31-year-old production manager who works in an events company, solemnised their marriage yesterday at a ceremony at Muslim Delights, a wedding venue at the Luzerne building in Bendemeer.

They later hosted family, friends and selected members of the singer-songwriter’s Singapore and Malaysia fan clubs to a buffet lunch at the same rooftop venue’s outdoor area.

By 5pm, some 3,000 guests had turned up to offer their good wishes, take pictures and feast on dishes such as beef rendang and ayam masak merah (a Malay chicken dish often served at weddings).

ST_20150405_EDTAUFIK05_1205726e.jpgThe couple enjoying a boisterous bhangra dance after making their second entrance. (Above) Taufik could hardly contain his emotions as he serenaded Ms Akbal with his ballad Hanya Kamu (Only You). — ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM

At a press conference during the reception, Taufik revealed that he had proposed to his bride with a self-penned tune last year.

The couple were in his car when he played the song, whose chorus includes the words “Sheena my baby, I wanna marry you, I wanna marry you”. He has no plans to release the song.

He also told the media more about his wife.

He had revealed her name and picture on his social media accounts last month but, until yesterday, had declined to say more about her, citing her need for privacy.

But yesterday, the beaming groom, dressed in a white and cream wedding outfit complete with headgear and ceremonial keris, said: “To me, she is the most beautiful person, but that’s not enough. She is even more beautiful inside. This is the girl I want to spend the rest of my life with, who can make me a better person.”

He added that they are old friends and had known each other before he joined the inaugural Singapore Idol singing competition in 2004.

Their relationship became serious only in the last two years.

The couple made their second entrance just after 5pm dressed in matching cream-coloured Indian outfits and accompanied by a bhangra percussion and dance troupe. Then, eyes shining, Taufik serenaded his wife with his popular ballad, Hanya Kamu (Only You).

The couple is already planning to start a family. He wants to have three children – he has two older brothers – but he said that his wife wants only two.

They have not planned their honeymoon yet as Taufik has to travel to Malaysia to promote his latest album after the wedding, but he said they would like to go to Europe.

Taufik’s childhood friend, singer Mark Subramaniam, 36, whose stage name is Mark Bonafide, said: “Taufik and Sheena are more than just a couple. They are really good friends and I think that’s the key to their relationship. She keeps him grounded and focused on whatever he’s working on.”

Among the fans who were invited was Ms Mazlin Abdul Mamat, 34, founder and head of Taufik’s Malaysian fan club, MY Fiknatics.

She arrived with 28 other fans from across the Causeway.

Describing the event as the “wedding of the year”, she said: “After he announced that he was getting married last month, we started planning our trip. We really want to share his happiness on his big day and we are really happy Taufik kept us in mind.”

The bride and groom held their second reception on the same night – a small dinner for close friends, family and colleagues.

This article was first run in The Straits Times newspaper on April 5, 2015. For similar stories, go to http://www.straitstimes.com/premium/singapore. You will not be able to access the Premium section of The Straits Times website unless you are already a subscriber.