Actress Shiqin Kamal Willing to Shave Head for Roles, Discusses Hijab Portrayal in Action Film

Malaysian actress Shiqin Kamal has declared her readiness to embrace significant physical transformations for her craft, even stating she would shave her head if a role demanded it. Kamal views such sacrifices as part of her commitment as an artist, aiming to deliver the best possible performance for her audience.

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Hair can grow back, so for me, there's no problem. If there's a work that requires me to shave my head, for example, to play a cancer patient, I am fully prepared.

"Hair can grow back, so for me, there's no problem. If there's a work that requires me to shave my head, for example, to play a cancer patient, I am fully prepared," Kamal told Utusan Malaysia recently. She affirmed her willingness to alter her image for any character she undertakes, highlighting her dedication to the art of acting.

Kamal also shared her experience preparing for the film 'Konspirasi,' where she portrays a character who wears a hijab. Initially, she felt skeptical about the director Ghaz Abu Bakar's vision, as the character's original concept involved short hair, more typical for female characters in action films. "When we first discussed it, Ili's image was a woman with short hair. Usually, female characters in action films display open, tough styles with their hair," she explained.

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When we first discussed it, Ili's image was a woman with short hair. Usually, female characters in action films display open, tough styles with their hair.

Her skepticism stemmed from concerns that audiences might find a hijab-wearing character in a local action film unusual. "I was actually skeptical at first. I was afraid people wouldn't watch it or would find it strange because it deviates from the usual action film tropes," Kamal admitted. However, the director successfully convinced her that the portrayal would be compelling and potentially groundbreaking for Malaysian cinema, making her one of the first actresses to play an action role in a hijab.

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I was actually skeptical at first. I was afraid people wouldn't watch it or would find it strange because it deviates from the usual action film tropes.

Kamal ultimately trusted the director's vision, especially as many of her drama and telefilm offers over the past year also required her to appear in a hijab. She acknowledged the high expectations audiences have for films but placed her full confidence in the director's creative choices. "Turns out, this image brought a difference to Ili's character," she concluded.

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Turns out, this image brought a difference to Ili's character.