Rachel McArthur brings you the latest gossip from the Arab world
It has been a quiet couple of years for Mai Ezz Al Deen. Following her appearance alongside Mohammad Sa'ad in the film Al Lemby 8 Giga in 2010, the Egyptian actress took a year off before signing up to star alongside long-time friend Tamer Hosni in the 2011 Ramadan television series Adam, which went on to become one of the top-rated shows of the season.
Prior to the Arab uprising, Mai was set to team up with Hosni again to begin shooting the scenes for Omar w Salma 3 — the follow-up to the multi-million pound hits Omar w Salma parts one and two. Unfortunately, political unrest in the country resulted in them having to postpone filming. But with the situation becoming less volatile in recent months, the duo was able to finish the project, and the film has been released in Egypt this month — just in time for her 32nd birthday — raking in an impressive 225,000 Egyptian pounds (Dh136,154) on the first day of release alone.
With the film scheduled to be screened in UAE cinemas later this month, tabloid! met the actress at the film's premiere in Cairo to find out more.
Tell us more about Omar w Salma 3. How does it differ from the previous two movies?
Well, the film now follows the couple in a different situation — the first one showed how they met and explored their relationship, while the second one focused on their marriage and family life. Obviously, they are still a family in this film, but the characters Omar and Salma are now experiencing new things, and Omar, played by Tamer Hosni, is still up to no good, as usual.
You've starred with Tamer in not only these films, but 2011's television show Adam as well. What is it like working with him?
Tamer and I have become really good friends now and you know, our families know each other and everything. He is a fantastic guy and great to work with.
Tamer is one of the most hard-working people I know, and if it wasn't for him, this film wouldn't be what it is today. He is so hard-working that it inspires me to achieve the best I can, and for that I am very grateful.
So is there an Omar w Salma 4 in the making? Is that a project you would like to be involved with?
Oh, definitely. I will always be interested in playing the role of Salma, because you can do so much with her character and that of Omar's. There are so many storylines that can still be introduced. However, I will only sign on for the fourth providing the fans want it.
If the third instalment achieves the success of the previous two and fans want to see more, then I will want to get involved. It purely depends on what everyone else wants.
What's coming up for you?
I am working on a new film called Game Over, and I am hugely honoured to be acting alongside the superstar Yousra — I simply adore her. It's a light comedy, and without giving too much away, it's quite a different idea for Egyptian cinema and filmed in a really unique way. But honestly, I can't express how excited I am to be working alongside Yousra.
I acted with her when I was first starting out, and now I am back acting with her. It is amazing.
Finally, this week sees the anniversary of the Egyptian revolution of January 25. What are you hoping to witness this year?
We're currently at a time where we don't really know what's happening. I'm just praying for stability, and hope that everyone can get to live in peace. I also hope we achieve the democratic state the people of Egypt initially sacrificed their lives for.
Nancy: I deserve it
Year after year, it's that one story that just refuses to go away: Do Arab singers really buy their World Music awards? Well, according to Nancy Ajram — the recipient of this year's award for best-selling Middle Eastern artist — the rumours are "untrue".
"I deserve the award — I do not need to buy it," the singer responded to media questioning the authenticity of the title.
In recent years, a number of artists including Elissa and Amr Diab have been accused of paying big bucks in order to win the accolade after other artists claimed they were also made offers to buy the award but turned them down.
After beating stiff competition from Nawal Al Zoughbi and Diab for the 2012 title, Nancy said the award is "proof that my fans admire me as it is based on total sales of an artist's album".
Only the good die young?
Fans of Elaine Khalaf have expressed concern over her well-being after the Lebanese singer told media she would like to die young.
In an interview with MBC, Elaine revealed that she didn't want to reach an age where she wouldn't be able to care for herself. However, with the singer said to be suffering from depression and seeking the help of a psychiatrist, many fans are worried about the mental state of the singer, taking to Facebook to leave their messages.
In the interview, Elaine also said that her depression was due to her bad luck in love, and the fact she always seemed to "choose the wrong man", adding: "Past relationships have affected my career and my life in a huge way, which I now realise was a big mistake."
Arabia Online
"The main reason I got divorced [from the late Egyptian musician Baleegh Hamdy] was because of the song he presented to Mayada Al Hinnawi. I wanted Mish Awaydak, but Baleegh insisted on giving the song to Mayada."
— Algerian singer Warda
"Marriage is not something that happens just by thinking about it. I have reached an age where I am not concerned about it any more, to be honest."
— Egyptian actress Elham Shaheen
