Sharifah Zarina Says Family and Personal Priorities Now Guide Her Acting Choices
KUALA LUMPUR, July 7— Singer and actress Sharifah Zarina says acting is no longer the centre of her professional life, revealing that she now accepts projects only when they fit comfortably around her personal commitments, family responsibilities and spiritual pursuits.
The 44-year-old entertainer said she has become increasingly selective about the roles she accepts, explaining that maintaining balance in her life has become more important than pursuing every acting opportunity that comes her way.
Speaking during a media visit to the set of the drama Wish List, Sharifah said her schedule today reflects priorities that have evolved over the years.
Rather than focusing solely on expanding her acting portfolio, she now dedicates significant time to personal development, including attending religious classes whenever her schedule permits.
According to Sharifah, filming commitments occasionally require her to pause those activities temporarily, making careful planning essential before accepting new projects.
She explained that every acting offer is considered individually, with her decision depending largely on whether the production schedule allows her to continue fulfilling her personal responsibilities.
If a project fits comfortably into her routine, she is happy to participate.
However, if filming demands become too intensive or interfere with other important aspects of her life, she has no hesitation in declining the opportunity.
Sharifah said she no longer feels pressured to remain constantly visible in the entertainment industry.
Instead, she prefers a pace that allows her to enjoy both her career and her personal life without unnecessary stress.
She added that managing her own professional affairs has also influenced the way she approaches new work.
Unlike many artists who rely on managers or assistants, Sharifah continues handling most of her own scheduling and career matters, making it even more important to maintain a manageable workload.
Although she has become more selective, Sharifah stressed that she still enjoys acting whenever the right opportunity arises.
In fact, one of the aspects she appreciates most about film and television production is the close relationships that naturally develop among cast members during long filming schedules.
She observed that acting creates a very different working environment compared with her career as a singer.
When performing at music events, artists typically complete their performances and leave shortly afterwards, leaving little time to build lasting friendships.
Television and film productions, by contrast, require performers to spend extended periods together, allowing stronger personal connections to develop over weeks or even months.
Sharifah said those shared experiences often create a family-like atmosphere on set, making it easier for actors to support one another throughout demanding filming schedules.
She admitted that she now better understands why many actors remain close friends long after productions have wrapped.
The friendships formed during filming, she said, often become one of the most rewarding aspects of the profession.
When productions conclude, saying goodbye to colleagues can sometimes be surprisingly emotional because of the bonds established during the project.
Looking ahead, Sharifah indicated that she remains open to future acting opportunities but has no intention of returning to an extremely busy production schedule.
Instead, she hopes to continue participating in projects that align with both her professional interests and the lifestyle she now values.
For Sharifah, success is no longer measured by the number of productions she completes each year.
Rather, she believes the most meaningful career is one that allows her to continue pursuing her passion for acting while preserving time for family, personal growth and the commitments that have become increasingly important at this stage of her life.
