#SHOWBIZ: Sophia Albarakbah takes acting break to focus on family and business

KUALA LUMPUR: After a non-stop year on set, actress Sophia Albarakbah is stepping back from the spotlight for a month-long break to spend quality time with her family and lay the groundwork for her upcoming business venture.

Sophia, 33, said the breather is a much-needed pause to recharge before diving back into her acting commitments.

She explained that her gruelling filming schedule had left her with little personal time, making this sabbatical the ideal opportunity to reconnect with loved ones and map out her entrepreneurial plans.

"When you are caught up with continuous filming, free time with family becomes a rare luxury. So, I want to take this opportunity to rest, spend time with them and strategise for my business," she said.

"I have to manage my time wisely to ensure that my acting career and my passion for business can move forward hand in hand.

"God willing, the business will be launched next year. Taking a break is also essential to avoid burnout after back-to-back shoots," she added at the recent launch of the Anugerah Melodi Terhangat (AMT) 2026 X Cuckootopia event at Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur.

Reflecting on her journey, Sophia was happy that public attention has shifted from her personal life to her professional acting roles.

"I much prefer people to know me through the roles I play in dramas and films. It brings a deep sense of fulfilment when people talk about the characters I embody," she noted.

Unfazed by rumours that her star power is dimming due to a lack of headlines, Sophia insists her priority is building a lasting legacy through solid work rather than chasing fleeting fame through gossip.

"Let people say my name is fading or whatever simply because there are no sensational stories about me, as long as I remain active in my craft and intentionally steer clear of unnecessary drama.

"I don't like it when people know me for unpleasant or untrue matters, so I am far more comfortable living like this," she said.