#SHOWBIZ: Beyond the limelight, it's family first for Zarina Zainuddin

New Straits Times

a day ago

AS we celebrate Hari Raya Haji, a time steeped in the profound lessons of sacrifice, responsibility, and devotion to God, we are reminded of the ultimate submission to a divine will.
This spiritual essence, echoing through the ages from the trials of Prophet Ibrahim, finds a contemporary resonance in individuals who embody these virtues in their daily lives.
Take actress Zarina Zainuddin, for example, whose steadfast commitment to her family, especially her twin sons diagnosed with autism, stands as a testament to her profound understanding of what it means to truly give of oneself.
"What I do for my children isn't a sacrifice; it's my responsibility and a trust from God. Not everyone is given the opportunity that He has given me," says Zarina, when asked about the dedication she has shown to her family.
Zarina is a mother of four sons: Muhammad Razil Azrai Abu Raihan (Azil), 29; Muhammad Raizal Azrai Abu Raihan (Azal), 29; Muhammad Naim Azrai Abu Raihan, 22; and Muhammad Adam Azrai Abu Raihan, 19.
The twins were both diagnosed with autism at the age of three, with one being non-verbal.
"At first, when I found out they were both autistic, it felt like a heavy burden. I kept asking, 'Why me?' I felt overwhelmed, exhausted, and at times, like I couldn't bear it. It truly felt like a weight on my shoulders," she says during a recent chat.
However, Zarina began to see things differently. "I realised that these children were sent to me not as a test to break me, but as a way to teach me about patience, about life, and unconditional love," she explains.
"Through them, I've received countless rezeki (blessings). They're the reason I strive to be a better person every day, and for that, I am truly grateful. I've accepted them wholeheartedly as gifts from God."
Weathering challenges
The 54-year-old mother admits that the early days of raising her two eldest sons were incredibly difficult. "Raising autistic children is not the same as raising ordinary children," she says. "Their tantrums are different — more intense, more unpredictable."
Zarina opens up about some incredibly tough moments: "There were times when I felt so helpless that I didn't know what to do. I even felt so angry that despicable thoughts crossed my mind about causing them harm. But then I would look into their eyes, and I'd think, how could a parent harm her own children? Any parent in their right mind would only want to protect their child, no matter what. Even animals instinctively protect their young — how could we, as humans, do any less?
"Before the diagnosis, I hadn't noticed the signs. But once we knew, everything began to make more sense."
Aside from reading extensively about autism and parenting, Zarina also sought help from professionals. "It was important for me to do things right from the start. I wanted to prepare my children early, to teach them about life, about self-care, and give them the tools they'd need to live with dignity and independence."
To young mothers embarking on a similar journey, Zarina offers this advice: "Be patient. Autistic children have different temperaments and needs, and raising them requires a lifetime of commitment. Even if we have children who are normal, as parents, we can't expect them to take over that responsibility, as that wouldn't be fair to them. They'll have their own families and lives to manage. So, for as long as I live, I will keep them under my wings. To autistic children, the people they trust most are their parents."
Culinary success after the limelight/b>
Zarina began acting at 19, appearing in the 1989 film 'Sumpahan Berdarah' after receiving basic acting training from Malay film primadonna Datuk Sarimah Ahmad. However, when she married in 1993, she slowed down before eventually stepping away from the limelight.
"I briefly returned for a drama titled 'Baby Boom' when the twins were just a few months old because they were featured in it. After that, I devoted my time to fully focus on my family. I didn't act again until 2007, first in the drama series 'Tidak Pernah Ku Sesali'."
In 2017, Zarina also embarked on her own business, selling pulut kuning (turmeric glutinous rice).
"One day, I brought the dish to a filming set, and after that, someone asked if I could make it for her, for a child's akikah feast. Soon, word spread."
She decided to take the business more seriously as her husband's business was struggling at the time. While it all began in her humble kitchen, demand quickly grew, and two years later, Zarina moved production to a factory.
"I had to set up a proper central kitchen to meet demand and comply with health regulations," she explains. "My brand now has all the required certifications, including halal certification, and all necessary permits and licences.
"Running a food business today isn't easy. You can't just wait for customers to come; you have to go out and find them."
As such, Zarina joins bazaars and expos all over Malaysia, and even in Singapore and Brunei, to promote her brand.
Zarina is also proud that one of her twins, Azal, often accompanies her to these events.
"He's very skilled at promoting the business. Sometimes people might miss our booth, but he'll walk around and start directing them to go to my booth.
"At the end of the day, everything I do, whether as a mother or an entrepreneur, is rooted in love, responsibility, and faith.