KUALA LUMPUR: Actress Norish Karman says that it has been difficult to get offers for roles that suit her image since she began wearing the hijab in 2018.
The 50-year-old artiste, whose real name is Nor'Ashikin Karman, said that most of the offers she's received for the past six years required her to take off her hijab.
"Since wearing the hijab, I haven't had any drama offers for five to six years. Many offers came, but everyone told me to take off the hijab.
"So, maybe people don't agree with me wearing the hijab. There must be people who say it's just a matter of acting without wearing a hijab, but I say that's not 'Norish Karman'.
"What can I do, I have already worn the hijab and chosen to istiqamah (steadfast), but there are also many challenges," she said in a news report yesterday.
The actress added that it was disappointing since it did affect her finances.
"There is a bit of disappointment and there is an impact on finances. Even if you get lots of offers to act, you are not necessarily rich, but you can carry on with your life.
"Plus, I'm a single mother with eight children, so not having any jobs for years makes me feel sad," she said.
However, Norish is grateful to have children who don't get tired of encouraging her even though she once had the urge to take off her hijab just to get back to acting.
"Because all these children are extraordinary. If there is no husband, God will give us other things and we have to be confident of it.
"I tell my children that I don't have a job offer. Even if there is one, I have to take off my hijab. So, I asked them for their opinion on what they felt I should do.
"I would be lying if I said I never thought about removing the hijab while working because I am an ordinary human being and my faith fluctuates.
"But, the children all said 'no', they told me that there would be other rezeki and maybe now is not the time," she said.
The Singapore-born actress added that she runs a business with her children and is active in the motivation field as an alternative way to earn income.
"We currently do catering, have a roadside stall, and conduct business online.
"I also share topics on life or motivation because what I have gone through in life can be shared with the public.
"But, you can't beat acting because there is fun in it. Alhamdulillah, I can still survive and continue to wear the hijab, so pray for the best," she said.