KUALA LUMPUR: Teenage actress Puteri Balqis Azizi, who recently revealed that she and her mother were in dire financial straits, has been moved by the strong fan support for her book.
In the popular TV3 documentary Bersamamu aired yesterday, the 13-year-old award-winning artiste who is recovering from cancer and a heart ailment, said that she did not expect such strong support for her book which contains 38 self-penned poems.
“I'm extremely touched, and I want to thank all Malaysians who have supported and encouraged me. Their gestures have given my mother and I lots of hope and positivity," she said.
“At first, we didn't want to share our difficulties, but after some thought, we chose to do so, in a beautiful, poetic manner."
Balqis' book 38 Poems Of Puteri Balqis is currently sold in bookstores and stalls in the Klang Valley.
Balqis and her mother Norashikin Mohamad Aziz have even sold it in the streets.
The actress' poems speak about her life experiences, including her battle with illness and her courage in facing financial hardship.
She said: "When Bersamamu contacted us, we were moved to tears. Now, many Netizens have sent messages to me, expressing interest in my book."
Despite having to go hungry for a couple of days, the Asian Television Awards 2014's Best Actress said that despite her difficulties, she was thankful to be reminded of God's grace.
“This sudden hardship is God's way of telling us not to go astray. Fortunately, we only went without meals for two to three days," she said.
The documentary showed scenes of Balqis and Norashikin taking public transport, visiting a clinic for her follow-up treatment and having a meal while sitting on a bench.
Norashikin, who has been separated from her husband, said that she and Balqis had been facing financial problems since the middle of last year.
Water supply to their house was disrupted for four months, and they had to take showers at a nearby petrol station and surau.
“Balqis wrote these poems during Hari Raya. They are largely about the challenges we've been facing, and she wants to remind fans that hardship is a test from God to make us stronger," she said.
Norashikin also said that her daughter would resume schooling next week.
“Balqis is taking an English course at the British Council, and she will also study Mandarin, besides continuing with her piano lessons."
Meanwhile, actress Nabila Huda Suhaimi called on fans to help Balqis rise again.
Nabila, 35, described Balqis as an extraordinary girl who was a gifted and brilliant actress with a bright future in showbusiness.
“I'm terribly sad with what has happened to Balqis. She is extremely talented, and I believe many production houses will want to offer her acting roles.
“Who doesn't want Balqis? Seldom do we find a teenage star as bright as she is," said Nabila.
She added that Balqis had been somewhat inactive on Instagram last year, and as a result Netizens had no knowledge about her latest developments.
Nabila Huda, who played Balqis' mother in the drama series Akulah Balqis in 2015, said: "I hope all Malaysians who love Balqis give her the strength to come back. Let's all encourage Balqis to rise again. She has a bright future."
When Balqis was ill, Nabila and her fellow actress friends Sharifah Sakinah and Jihan Muse organised a preloved goods' sale to raise funds for her treatment. They successfully collected RM2,500.
“She's a very strong girl, and she's shown it by selling her book. I pray that she will find happiness and success," said Nabila.
In 2018, Balqis was diagnosed with cancer and a heart ailment.
Her best known films include Upin & Ipin: Jeng Jeng Jeng!, Makrifat Cinta and KL Special Force. She has won two local entertainment awards, the Pantene Promising Artiste Award in Anugerah Skrin 2012 and Best Drama Actress in Anugerah Skrin 2014.
Puteri Balqis on Bersamamu