Artistes need Plan B, popularity doesn't last forever - Rosyam
It's like with vehicles, people tend to prefer newer models.
WHILE the entertainment industry may appear glamorous, the constant influx of new talent creates intense competition, making it challenging for those in the field to stay relevant.
As a result, many have begun formulating backup plans-often by branching out into business.
One example is actor and entrepreneur Datuk Rosyam Nor, who believes an acting career offers little long-term security, as it relies heavily on available roles and is often limited by age, which can reduce opportunities over time.
"An artiste should have a backup plan. We can see how older artistes are no longer in demand because people want replacements.
"It's like with vehicles, people tend to prefer newer models. The same goes for artistes; as they age, so do their fans, many of whom have followed them since the beginning of their careers," he told Bernama recently.
Rosyam, known by the nickname ‘Hero Malaya’, said that since an artiste’s popularity typically lasts around 10 years, they need to be smart in planning their career if they wish to stay relevant in the industry.
"I was fortunate because I planned my career. For example, I acted in the film Memoir Seorang Guru, playing the character Cikgu Sunan, which was screened in all schools across Malaysia. After that, school kids started calling me Cikgu Sunan, so I gained a new group of fans,” he said.
Rosyam, who gained fame for his role as Iman in the drama Keluarga Itu, advised artistes to plan ahead and explore additional sources of income, including leveraging technology, which can also boost financial gains.
"Today’s young artistes are more educated and intellectually equipped than in my time. They’ve embraced the digital media landscape and know how to leverage it to generate additional income.
"Being an actor or celebrity can serve as personal branding to boost the business they want to pursue. These days, a business doesn’t need to have a physical presence-it can exist entirely online. For instance, a single TikTok Live session can earn up to RM10,000,” he said.
Echoing a similar sentiment, singer and entrepreneur Shiha Zikir believes it’s essential for every artiste to have an alternative source of income, given the unpredictable nature of earnings in the entertainment industry.
"As an artiste, there are times when work is available and times when it isn’t-which is why I need to have a plan. I simply pursue businesses that interest me. For example, I love entertainment, so I thought, why not start a business related to it?”
"In addition to entertainment, I also have a passion for food, which led me to open a restaurant. When people ask, ‘Aren’t you worried the restaurant might fail?’ I believe that growth requires courage and taking risks. It’s important to explore other interests beyond your main income to help supplement it,” said the 38-year-old.
Shiha, who began her business on a small scale in 2016, shared that owning a business not only serves as a future safeguard but also enables her to share her success with the local community. - BERNAMA
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