Remember this face, as we bet you'll be seeing more of it in the future. Hossam L. Hussaini is one of Egypt's most promising rising stars, and 2012 is off to a great start for the actor after his latest film, Omar w Salma 3 — in which he appears alongside Tamer Hosni and Mai Ezz Al Deen — has shot to the top of the box office charts.
And UAE film fans can catch the latest instalment in the popular comedy series in cinemas across the country.
Multi-talented Hussaini first made a name for himself as a director, working mainly on television commercials and music videos — his latest video being Hosni's Akalemha. He's also a keen rapper. Hussaini then made his acting debut two years ago, appearing in the hit television series Al Hara, followed by an appearance in the movie Nour Einey.
Here's what he had to say about his latest film.
Tell us about the role you play in Omar w Salma 3.
I play Jimmy, who's the family's new best friend. He's a rich airhead that messes things up for Omar [played by Hosni], but in the end actually helps him to fix things with Salma.
This is the third film in the series, the first of its kind in Egypt. Were you worried fans might be getting bored?
I don't think so, because this sequel is totally different from the other two. Each part discusses a different stage in a couple's relationship.
The film is showing in the UAE. Are you excited that it is reaching the Gulf so soon after being released in Egypt?
I am, because I'm one of those people that believe that the whole Arab world is one, therefore I would love to see the film being shown in every Arab city.
This is not your first acting appearance opposite Tamer. You first appeared together in Nour Einey. It seems you have a great working relationship.
Me and Tamer go way back since 1994, and we've been friends ever since. Tamer is such a great person and an amazing friend. He searches for the talents within his friends, and he always believed in me as a multi-talented artist. He introduced me three times in three different songs on three of his different albums: Sweet Melody, Erfet Teghayar Men Nafsaha, and Nour. He was almost done with the movie, and I was shooting Al Hara — he loved my character so much he told me we have to introduce the same character in the movie.
I was lucky they found a way to squeeze me in the last two weeks of shooting, and it worked.
Many people that reach the level of fame like Tamer have tended to not think about anyone but themselves. They become selfish and arrogant, but Tamer proved that he is the same guy I met back in 1994.
Tamer has come under fire in the press recently for two things — his no-show at the media premiere of Omar w Salma 3 in Cairo and for his duet with Shaggy. Do you see Tamer as just someone that is heavily misunderstood?
He is, at some point, but the song with Shaggy was a success — it has over two million hits on YouTube. And he has his reasons for not showing up in the premiere, which is totally understandable.
What was it like working with him and Mai?
I love working with Tamer — he has amazing energy and is extremely funny. It's always fun to work with him. Mai too — we go way back, as we both took an acting course together. She's very nice. It was fun working with her.
What's coming up for you next?
I'm finishing my first draft of a script with my partner Mohammad Al Hawwan in my new company Unexpected Productions. He's also an actor and we're acting in this movie together called Sahlet Al Teneen.
I am also finishing my album, set for release in the summer. Finally, I signed on as a commercial and music video director for a British management company, meaning I will start working internationally, which is a major step for me.
Finally, the current political state of Egypt is quite unstable. Do you have any thoughts about the anniversary of the overthrow of the previous regime? Do you think films and music will become more censored under the new leadership?
I don't think so. Filmmakers and musicians will never stop — we will find a way no matter what. I'm actually just hoping for the best and expecting the worst, so let's see.
It's all up in the air; no one really knows or has a clear vision of what Egypt will look like in the near future.
"I never insulted the men and women of [the] revolution of January 25. I find it very hurtful that people would make these comments against me."
— Lebanese singer Nicole Saba
"I do regret not getting married and not having children. It's a decision I wish I can turn back."
— Egyptian actress Nabila Obaid
Fadl in hot water
Fadl Shaker has come under fire after apparently criticising fellow Lebanese singer Yara in a recent interview.
According to Arab media reports, Shaker said he found Yara to be a "typical female singer, who has little dignity and is only in showbiz for the money". The insults have come across as surprising considering the duo enjoyed huge success with their 2010 single, Akhidney Maak.
However, Yara's fans have been quick to defend her, creating a page on Facebook called "Except Yara". One member posted: "Fadl should be ashamed of himself for insulting other singers, especially those from his home country.
"If Fadl feels his popularity has decreased, he should not begin insulting other singers. He should just keep quiet."
Nour's not happy
Nour Al Sharif strongly opposes the current political situation in Syria.
In a rare television appearance with Arab news network Al Arabiya, Al Sharif said that the allegations made against him stating he supports Syrian President Bashar Al Asad were an "insult" to him.
"Even when I see a photograph of Bashar Al Asad, that's an insult," the Egyptian actor said. "One of my good friends is [Syrian cartoon artist] Ali Farzat, who was tortured and had his fingers cut off by the Syrian government. This makes me resent Bashar and all that he represents.
"Ever since he got to power, Bashar never fought or even stood up to Israel — so why should we support him now? He has to leave."
