The success of local telekung (Muslim women’s prayer garment) brand Siti Khadijah reminds versatile actress Lisdawati of her mother Risda Chalidi, who supported the family by sewing and selling prayer garments.
Lisdawati, 47, whose real name is Nisdawati Nazaruddin, 47, said her mother was hardworking and that she and her siblings grew up on the income their mother received from selling telekung sewn by her.
"That’s why I feel proud of Siti Khadijah’s success and feel compelled to support the brand,” she said when met at the recent launch of the brand’s latest face design Maharani.
The Mitos Cinta Akira drama actress shared that her mother had been sewing prayer garments since she was young, only slowing down after Lisdawati became an actress.
"My (69-year-old) mother hasn’t been sewing for a long time now. These days, she spends more time resting and studying religion. But I’m still keeping one of the telekung she sewed. I take good care of it and occasionally use it because it’s deeply meaningful to me,” she said.
Lisdawati, meanwhile, also revealed that her life took a major turn after performing the Haj in 2023, leading her to reflect more deeply on life and spirituality.
"When you realise that our future is death, you start to think about this temporary life. So, I need to fill it with things that please God, do good and keep striving to be a better human,” she said.
She added that her modest dressing style reflects a continuous effort to draw closer to God, without neglecting her responsibilities as an actress, wife and mother.
Lisdawati, who is married to actor and director Fauzi Nawawi, said she remains open to accepting acting offers as long as they do not go against her personal principles.
"I’m not limiting the type of roles I want to do, but there are certain conditions, especially when it comes to dressing and physical contact. Thankfully, the production teams have been understanding and cooperative so far.
"I’m still working because I feel it’s my responsibility to support my mother. This income isn’t just mine, it’s the family’s,” she said, adding she will soon appear in the film Munajat Kekasih, directed by Osman Ali, alongside Mira Filzah and Remy Ishak. – Bernama
