Lamita Frangiah

 

We haven’t heard from you ever since our previous interview, where have you been?

Since our last interview I was determined to become a TV presenter. My television program is broadcasted on the LBC channel; it discusses prime sightseer attractions all over Lebanon. I believe it’s a very important series that helps promote Lebanese tourism. As well as deciding to act for the first time, by taking part in a huge Lebanese television production(series) with an immense cast. My character was an underprivileged girl wearing tattered clothing. The fact that the plot was written well was an opportunity allowing me to present my true ability. My ultimate focus is to astonish the viewers in displaying that I’m not just a sweet-face, by proving to them that I’m more than capable to act. In fact, this specific role assisted me in doing so. … The director and script writer were remarkable.

 

Why did you choose to partake in a movie or TV series here in Egypt?

I genuinely believe that to make it in the acting industry – you must approach the leading doorway to fame. Egypt is identified as “Hollywood of the East”. I have been offered several series and movie scripts here and I am currently in the phase of making a choice. Ramadan is just around the corner, and I must make my pick as soon as possible. I am actually contemplating moving to Egypt, but at this present time it will be difficult as I have many obligations keeping me tied to residing in Beirut. However, perhaps later on I will move to Egypt.

 

Can you tell us which Egyptian Ramadan series you have decided on participating in?

Unfortunately I can not tell you, but promise to notify DG magazine exclusively. But I can say this, “it will be an important role” because I prefer to take my time before settling on my decision. This is very important for me because I want to live up to the expectations of my fans. I want to be taken seriously – even it means taking the role of a disfigured woman, I’ll accept - to provide evidence that I’m not just a pretty face. My beauty may possibly be a preliminary passport for my primary role, but good looks lacking talent will not promise my continuation.

 

You told me earlier that you have obligations back home in Lebanon? Yes, I am about to start shooting my second Lebanese series upon my return which will be aired immediately after Ramadan.   Who supports you in choosing which roles to take? I have a tendency to listen to the choices of my professional Egyptian colleagues within the industry. I know they care about me and my career and also my family back home in Beirut.   Do you fear being measure up against other Lebanese actresses? What do you plan on doing to create your own individual allure…? I have a chief aim and this is to act. I want to present my talent and not rely exclusively on my appearance. I intend to advance my qualifications and talents by working hard, and believe that intelligence and attractiveness go-hand-in-hand. Unfortunately pretty woman are stereotyped as being small-minded and shallow, and I am determined to attest the complete opposite through the choices I will make.   Are you still involved in a modeling career? I stopped my modeling years before becoming Miss Lebanon. I do not like modeling, although I began at the ripe young of 15. In addition, I do not have the gift to become a singer either and I was too young to initiate a profession in acting. At that time, modeling was the most appropriate option. During the later stages of modeling I discovered that I was not happy, and this is why I decided to discontinue – I’m a true believer of doing what I am passionate about.   This proves that you are aware of your capabilities – and therefore made a conscious decision not to just sing for the sake of singing like various singers these days. In spite of this fact I have been presented with several singing offers. Nevertheless I can not just sing because it’s a trend, to sing I must have the tone of voice too. Unfortunately each career has a few people that aren’t fully proficient, but this doesn’t mean we should tag along and make bad choices.   What do you think of the diversity of multi-national talents in Egypt? Egypt, until the end of time will be known for welcoming up-andcoming talents. Everyone knows about the warmth and support of the Egyptian people, and this industry is no exception.

Which Lebanese actor/actresses do you like? I utterly enjoy watching Gamal Soliman, especially when he speaks with an Egyptian accent. He is a very gifted actor and on the personallevel an extremely unassuming individual. Nour is also a very talented actress. I like the choices she makes and her love towards Egypt and the Egyptian people is extremely apparent.   I know that the publicity attained is imperative to many actresses? What do you think? I believe international festivals are extremely important at this point. These festivals are what present us to the public.   Do you think that watching foreign movies is beneficial? I mean, exposing your self to talents of various cultures? Definitely, I love watching movies – and this is why I became an actress. I also frequently monitor the Oscars, Cannes and similar events. We constantly witness motion picture ideas from overseas that are truly inspiring? What are your thoughts regarding the Egyptian cinema? I believe that a successful production ought to be reasonable. For instance, “Heena Maysara” this movie was both genuine and realistic; it depicted the reality of certain backgrounds. Lately the Egyptian cinema has opened immensely. Now we see daring, bold ideas, adventure movies and even action productions. So it is evident that the Egyptian cinema evolution is dynamic. However, my humble opinion is that the cinema industry should exemplify each country’s individual culture.   Which directors would you like to work with? Working with any big name would be a delight to me. There are countless names, and the Egyptian directors in specific are too commended to mention any single one. Working with any of them would be an honor.   What about Lamita’s personal life? Presently, my core focus is my career. Unfortunately, these days’ separation and divorce are increasingly high, due to the choices made upon impulse rather than significant consideration and caution. Marriage is not an easy decision, especially that Beirut is a small population and I steer clear of putting myself in a bad situation mainly to avoid gossip and rumors. I have been in some relationships but none have led to marriage.   What do you fear most about rumors? I fear scandals – some of the media publish tabloids that can be detrimental to any celebrity. The paparazzi have the potential of ruining any reputable person’s image; they are like hunters waiting for their prey. Of course there are numerous decent journalists, so I make an attempt to be very selective towards the magazines I appear in. Even, if this means only appearing in one or two publications each year.   Moving onto some serious discussion, what is your perspective regarding politics, and the war in Beirut? As I grew older I became further aware – I learnt that even if something appears to be harsh, the outcome is sometimes to the better. Regardless to what happens, the citizens of Beirut are fearless and fond of life. Actually, the Lebanese people in general have grown to become adapt to conflict, but the inconsistency does not hinder our people. Another point is, Lebanon has many “political parties” which cause divergence regarding internal affairs I think we need to resolve these issues without delay.   If you were not an actress, what would you have liked to be doing? I would have loved to own my personal business. I’m quite interested in real estate too. So I am confident I would be a business woman   Is there anything you wish to add before we finish? No - we discussed all aspects… Thank you so much…