Egyptian actress Hala Shiha has taken off her Islamic headdress (Hijab) after wearing it for a period of two months amidst objection from family and members of the acting world. During her visit to Beirut the actress was seen in a number of public places without the Hijab and the rumor became a fact when dozens of people witnessed her upon her return at the Cairo airport without being covered and wearing the latest fashions.
According to the London based daily, Al Hayat, Hala said that taking off the Hijab does not lessen her connection with God and her commitment to Islam. She added that the real Hijab is that of the heart and soul, and good manners, and not just the mere covering of the head. Hala stressed that the decision affects her alone and no one else.
Shiha is now looking into picking off her career where she left off and plans to begin acting in new films that serve for bettering humanity. It was revealed from close contacts that Hala had already received a number of offers to star in different films.
Shiha had received an offer by a satellite TV channel to present a new religious program "Nasihati" (My Advice) alongside her sister Maya, who had followed in her sister's footsteps and wore the Islamic headdress (The Hijab). Actor Ahmad Al Fishawi, son of renowned actor Farouq Al Fishwai, is the middle man between Hala and the producers of the program, trying to convince the former actress to accept the offer, especially since religious programs presented by actresses who resigned from their profession have proven great success among viewers.
Hala's wish to continue her role in the film "Waraka" (Paper) wearing the Hijab (Islamic headdress), was refused by the producer and director. Hala had previously accepted the role in the film after having doubts of whether to continue in the sequel of the original film "Al Limbi", in which she played the role of girl from downtown.
After her rejection, Hala had decided to use her popularity, which she achieved throughout her acting career, in religious programs on TV. The former actress stressed her desire in enlightening people with the religion of Islam, and added that her determination to take part in such program has nothing to do with keeping her fame, but rather comes from her strong devotion to God and Islam.
Shiha had previously taken the decision to join the list of covered actresses and wore Hijab (Islamic headdress). The Twenty-four year old actress, eldest of the four Shiha stars, Hana, Rasha and Maya, stressed that she is not thinking of quitting acting, but will limit herself to taking roles that allow her to appear wearing the Hijab.
Hala denied that her decision came after the sudden death of Egyptian actor Alaa Wali El Din. Her Hijab caused confusion among directors and producers of films who had previously offered the actress a number of roles for films, forcing them to rethink their decisions and placing them in awkward positions.
Hala said that she will not rethink her decision, as was the case with her sister Maya who wore the hijab and then took it off. She added that everyone is responsible for the decisions they make in life and hers was one made after careful thinking and planning.
Growing up, Hala always had musical and artistic talent, as she excelled at dancing, drawing, fashion designing, piano and keyboard playing. But it wasn't until renowned actor and family friend Adel Emam encouraged her to join the academy of arts, did she think of pursuing a career in acting – Albawaba.com
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
