#SHOWBIZ: Lufya Omar battled depression post-divorce; bounced back by selling cakes

MELBOURNE, July 24 - Actress Lufya Omar, 41, has opened up about her journey through depression following her divorce six years ago. The revelation of her partner's infidelity led to a severe depression that left her feeling utterly despondent. Gaining weight became her coping mechanism, as food was the only thing that brought her joy.

Lufya, who was fully committed to the marriage despite the burdens, acknowledged that the life she was leading was not as enviable as it appeared to others. Pressure mounted from all sides - left, right, above, and below.

Following the divorce, Lufya distanced herself from the idea of a new relationship and instead focused on self-improvement and raising her daughter, Laana Haura. However, returning to her acting career was challenging, as many roles required her to remove her hijab. In a moment of despair, she confided in God about her inability to run a business, as she only knew how to sing and act.

It was during this time of personal crisis that Lufya's mother suggested she sell durian cakes made by an acquaintance. Although initially uninterested in baking, the high demand for the cakes led Lufya to learn how to bake them herself, even though she wasn't particularly fond of it. Despite multiple attempts, her skills improved, and she eventually fell in love with the world of baking.

The proceeds from these cake sales have enabled Lufya to support Laana Haura and achieve other successes. Lufya views her past struggles as a process of personal growth and expresses gratitude for the opportunity to visit the Holy Land every year. She now harbors a greater ambition to assist those in need in Muslim nations like Palestine, Syria, and Yemen.