I am the daughter of the great musician Ahmed El Gamel. I saw countless singers, actors and musicians in our house, and as a result I was brought up in an extremely art oriented family and environment. I acquired from my surroundings the sense of appreciation to art. I wanted to be in this circle of art; therefore I studied singing (vocals), acting, and learnt to play many musical instruments such as the piano. I am convinced that any talent should be supported by education. I wanted to enroll in the High Academy for Arts (acting). The first time that I entered the exams for the Academy I failed and I was very sad and disappointed however the following year I tried again and finally I was accepted. The second time I went I was aware of the characteristics they are looking for in the actor and I educated myself in many ways to ensure that I succeed in the exam.

 

How did you start your career and journey of acting?
Prior to entering the academy I worked in commercial advertisements and video clips with various famous directors. I had an opportunity to work with Director Ahmed El Sabaawy in ‘El Masyada’, starring Tayseer Fahmy, Ahmed Bedeer, and received several offers. Afterwards, I noticed that all the excellent parts went to those who are studying or graduates of the academy, therefore I was determined to enroll. In the early 90’s we did not have many satellite channels compared to nowadays, so many of the series did not have the chance to be broadcasted here and they were sold to other channels in the Middle East. When the chances were available and I was beginning to become known, I got married and moved to England and had my son Adham, so I became very busy with the family and did not concentrate at all on my acting career. When I felt that Adham was old enough I focused on acting once again. During these past 4 years I was able to prove my talent and acted in numerous significant movies and TV series, now I am known and have made a good name for myself.

 

Are you in the quantity or the quality phase, in view of the fact that you are in the beginning of your career?
After I returned to acting I wanted to become known, so I was looking for quantity. Now after the award I am choosing my roles more carefully. Recently I received some scripts, so I am choosing with awareness. Sustainability is especially important.

 

What is your opinion in the so called ‘Clean Vs Unclean’ cinema?
I would say that this is an incorrect portrayal, many of the golden age movies had luring scenes that were never described as unclean. I believe that the so called clean cinema should describe the movies which have goals and lessons. I don’t believe in this term at all.

 

 

To what extent do you agree to have daring scenes particularly after watching “Ehky Ya Sharahzad”?
Until I reach the level of the great actress Soad Hosny. When she made Shafika and Motwaly, she took many awards for her role and all the critics were positively acclaiming her. As long as the role does not undermine my talent, and the script does not have unnecessary scenes I am going to do it.

 

Which great director and actor/actress are you keen to work with?
Frankly speaking I would have loved to work with the late director Youseef Shaheen, in addition I would like to work with Nour El Sherif and Ilham Shaheen who I consider my role model. However, now I am convinced that this would satisfy me as a viewer not as an actor since I admire and respect them deeply. As an actor I should work with all the actors to learn more and enhance my skill and experience.

 

How do you enhance your acting talent?
I have fairly good general knowledge, but I won’t say enough since no one can know enough, as you learn more you strive for more, I desire knowledge and experience.

 

What do the special awards mean to you when you are still in the beginning of your career?
It gives added self confidence and a sense of responsibility towards the audience and me. As you receive an award locally you would want to acquire another in the Middle East then you go internationally, you become ambitious for more recognition and innovative good work. I appreciate the awards that are from the audience since they reflect how people recognize my work. The festivals awards are as equally important to me, and to all the actors I presume.

 

Are you with or against change in general?
I would say that I am pro modification not change, I believe that no one really changes. Perhaps I can modify my appearance or behavior, etc. When any one assesses their life and mistakes you learn a great deal. However I wish I was not as shy as I am nowadays. For instance, when a famous director asks me to take part in a very small role, and I agree, I would be agreeing for a particular reason not because I was shy enough to refuse. Also I would be more picky and selective in my friends. Once Shereen Abd El Wahab said that “our friends relationships should be a win-win situation” many people criticized her, however I would repeat the same statement. It is not a material gain; however it is a gain of trust, advice, comfort and being able to be as ordinary and natural as you can etc…

 

What are your hobbies?
I like to ride horses and play Football. My main hobby is my work, acting... I consider myself lucky since I work in an atmosphere that I enjoy.