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Italian cinema icon Lia Massari dies at 91

The renowned Italian actress Lia Massari passed away in Rome at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy of success

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The famous Italian actress Lia Massari passed away in the Italian capital, Rome, at the age of 91, leaving behind a rich cinematic legacy that spanned decades. Her death was announced on Wednesday, and her funeral was held in the town of Sutri, north of Rome, on Tuesday.

The Italian Minister of State for Cultural Affairs, Lucia Borgonzoni, confirmed the news, describing Massari as an “actress of irresistible charm and dazzling talent,” in an expression of deep sorrow at the loss of one of the icons of Italian and European cinema.

Lea Massari, whose real name was Anna Maria Massatani, was born in Rome in 1933. She began her artistic career in the mid-1950s, where she established a strong presence in Italian and French cinema. She chose her stage name “Lea” in honor of her late fiancé Leo, who died in a car accident before their marriage, an event that affected her artistic personality, adding emotional depth to her performance.

She became famous for her outstanding roles in films such as “La Ventura” in 1960 by director Michelangelo Antonioni, which is considered a landmark in modern cinema, and “Le Souvlé au Cour” in 1971 by director Louis Malle. She also starred alongside Alain Delon in the films “L’Ansomme” in 1964 and “La Prima Notte de Coîté” in 1972.

Massari was distinguished by her artistic flexibility and ability to embody diverse roles, whether leading or supporting, which made her one of the prominent figures in the cinema of the sixties and seventies. After a prolific career, she preferred to stay away from the limelight at the end of the twentieth century, leaving behind an unforgettable artistic legacy.

Massari contributed to enhancing the status of Italian cinema globally, and was part of a golden generation that included stars such as Gina Lollobrigida, Sophia Loren, and Monica Vitti. Despite her declining appearances in cinema since the 1980s, her name remains engraved in the memory of art cinema lovers.

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The Saudi News Network first launched on Twitter via its official account, @SaudiNews50, and quickly became one of the Kingdom's leading independent news sources, thanks to its fast and reliable coverage of major local and international events. Due to the growing trust of its followers, the network expanded by launching its website, a comprehensive news platform offering regularly updated content in the fields of politics, economics, health, education, and national events, presented in a professional style that meets the public's expectations. The network strives to enhance public awareness and provide accurate information in a timely manner through on-the-ground reporting, in-depth analysis, and a specialized editorial team, making it a trusted source for anyone seeking up-to-the-minute Saudi news.

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Ahmed El Sakka supports Hend Sabry behind the scenes of the series "Immunity" after the crisis

Details of Ahmed El Sakka's visit to the set of the series "Manaa" to support Hend Sabry after her conflict with Maha Nassar. Learn about Ashraf Zaki's intervention and the cast list for Ramadan 2026.

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Ahmed El Sakka supports Hend Sabry behind the scenes of the series "Immunity" after the crisis

In a gesture reflecting the depth of artistic ties and camaraderie within the Egyptian artistic community, the great star Ahmed El Sakka his colleague, the Tunisian star Hend Sabry, with a special and unique visit to the set of her new series “Manaa,” which is scheduled to be shown during the Ramadan marathon of 2026. This visit was not just a passing by, but carried strong messages of support for the star of the work and her entire team.

Details of El Sakka's visit and the support of the work team

Producer Hani Abdullah documented these special moments by sharing a series of photos and videos on his official social media accounts, expressing his deep gratitude for Ahmed El Sakka's presence, which brought joy and enthusiasm to the set. El Sakka was seen chatting and laughing with Hend Sabry and the rest of the cast and crew, congratulating them on the new project and wishing them success in the upcoming Ramadan season.

Background to the crisis and the union's intervention

This visit is particularly significant as it comes at a critical time, just days after a crisis erupted behind the scenes of the series between actress Hend Sabry and actress Maha Nassar. The dispute, which began with statements from Maha Nassar expressing her refusal to accept any disrespect or belittling of her, and her filing of official complaints, was quickly contained thanks to the swift and wise intervention of Dr. Ashraf Zaki, head of the Actors' Syndicate. This intervention resulted in an agreement stipulating the removal of Maha Nassar's offensive posts, while guaranteeing her artistic and literary rights and ensuring that her scenes in the series would not be altered, thus restoring calm to the set.

A shared artistic history brings together El Sakka and Hend Sabry

It's worth noting that the relationship between Ahmed El Sakka and Hend Sabry goes beyond mere professional camaraderie; they form a successful artistic duo that has left a clear mark on Egyptian cinema. They have collaborated on iconic works that achieved widespread popular and critical acclaim, most notably the two films "El Gezira" and "Ibrahim El Abyad." This shared history makes El Sakka's support for Hend in her new drama project a natural step that fosters a positive atmosphere and underscores the strong bond between these top stars.

The cast of the series "Immunity" and predictions of its success

The creators of the series "Immunity" are betting on delivering a rich dramatic experience for audiences in Ramadan 2026, relying on a constellation of stars. Alongside Hend Sabry, the cast includes veteran actor Riad El-Khouly, singer and actor Khaled Selim, and rising star Ahmed Khaled Saleh, in addition to Mohamed Anwar, Karim Kassem, Ahmed El-Shamy, Maha Nassar, and Huda El-Etreby. The series is directed by the distinguished Hussein El-Manbawy and is expected to be highly competitive given the prominent names involved and the issues it is anticipated to address.

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Lena Chamamyan sings the theme song for the TV series "The King's Family" in Ramadan 2025

Lena Chamamyan sings the theme song for the series "The King's Family" titled "A Journey in Ramadan," with the participation of a selection of Syrian drama stars such as Salloum Haddad and Shukran Murtaja, and directed by Muhammad Abdul Aziz.

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Lena Chamamyan sings the theme song for the TV series "The King's Family" in Ramadan 2025

In a move that heightens audience anticipation for the upcoming Ramadan drama season, the esteemed Syrian artist Lena Chamamyan her participation in the Ramadan lineup, not through acting, but through her distinctive voice, which will accompany the theme song of the series "The King's Family." This announcement confirms the continued trend among Syrian drama producers of prioritizing the quality of theme songs and considering them an integral part of the visual and auditory identity of the production.

Details of the song "Meshwar"

Shamamyan revealed via her official Instagram account that the theme song will be titled "Meshwar" (Journey) . This musical work was meticulously crafted, with lyrics and music composed by Ghaleb Zeidan , and musical arrangement by Diab Maqri . This collaboration represents a significant addition to Shamamyan's career, which is characterized by its fusion of Eastern music with touches of jazz and classical music, creating a sophisticated and poignant sound perfectly suited to the atmosphere of Syrian social dramas.

The story of the work and the dramatic conflict

The series "The King's Family" unfolds within a compelling social framework, reflecting the complexities of the human psyche and the struggles for power. It tells the story of a Damascene merchant who amassed a vast fortune thanks to the support of his powerful wife. As events escalate, this merchant finds himself caught between security forces pursuing him on one hand, and old secrets resurfacing to threaten the family's stability on the other. The series boldly addresses the fierce conflicts over inheritance and power, making it one of the most anticipated works that sheds light on the hidden aspects of the lives of the wealthy elite.

A selection of Syrian drama stars

What distinguishes "The King's Family" is its star-studded cast, featuring some of the brightest names in Syrian drama, reviving the concept of "ensemble acting" that characterized major Syrian productions. The cast includes the veteran actor Salloum Haddad , and actresses Shukran Murtaja , Salma Al-Masri , and Nadine Khoury , in addition to Dima Bayaa , Talal Mardini , Safaa Sultan , and the esteemed actor Tayseer Idris . This artistic ensemble is directed by the distinguished director Mohammed Abdel Aziz , known for his innovative directorial vision.

The importance of the opening credits in Ramadan dramas

The theme songs of Syrian dramas are a crucial element in the success and marketing of a production, as they contribute to shaping the viewer's first impression. The selection of a voice of Lena Chamamyan's caliber reflects the creators' desire to present a well-rounded artistic product, combining strong script, skillful acting, and captivating music, making it a strong contender on Arab television screens during the holy month of Ramadan.

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Fayez Al-Maliki reveals details of his cancer diagnosis and his friends' reactions

Fayez Al-Maliki recounts his moving experience with cancer, and how Hamad bin Jarwan and his friends' reactions changed his perspective on the disease and life. Full story details.

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Fayez Al-Maliki reveals details of his cancer diagnosis and his friends' reactions

In moments that revealed genuine human emotions, the esteemed Saudi artist Fayez Al-Maliki details of his harsh experience with the disease, explaining the reaction of his close friends after he told them the news of his cancerous tumors, and how those moments turned from despair into a lesson in patience and hope.

The shock of the diagnosis and the feeling of the end

Al-Maliki spoke with complete candor in a video he posted on his official social media accounts, describing his emotional state upon receiving the medical diagnosis. He said, "After the results came in, I was in a state of turmoil, thinking about my children and my life, as if it were over. I was deeply affected psychologically." These feelings reflect the initial shock many experience upon hearing the word "tumors," as fear grips them regarding the future and the fate of their family.

A lesson in patience from a "cancer warrior"

In his search for solace, Al-Maliki contacted Hamad bin Jarwan , known as the "Cancer Warrior," an icon of patience in the Kingdom. Al-Maliki recounted the details of the call, saying, "I told Dr. Hamad bin Jarwan that I have cancerous tumors, and his response was surprising: 'Okay, what do you want, my friend? I have 12 tumors, I've been a regular patient of hospitals for 20 years, I spend more time in the hospital than at home, between chemotherapy and cancer treatments. So, put your trust in God and relax. I want to sleep; I just took my pills.'"

Al-Maliki added, commenting on this situation: “His words made me feel ridiculous next to him,” noting that comparing his suffering to the suffering of someone who had lived with the disease for two decades with a smile and contentment gave him a strong incentive to change his view of the matter.

Psychological support in a different way

The support didn't stop there. Al-Maliki met with his media friends Sami Al-Shaibani and Faisal Al-Abdulkarim . Regarding this meeting, he said, "I spoke to them and said I wanted to see them, talk, and shout without anyone interrupting me. I told them I had a tumor and was unwell." Ironically, their reaction was described by Al-Maliki as, "They didn't even acknowledge me."

Al-Maliki explained that this reaction was extremely positive; they cried with him in sympathy, but quickly brought him back down to earth by reassuring him, saying, "Treatment has advanced, and the world has advanced; now it's normal." This kind of support, which blended empathy with rationality, helped to ease the impact of the news on him.

Fayez Al-Maliki: A Journey of Humanitarian Giving

This announcement adds another human dimension to the personality of Fayez Al-Maliki, who has long been known for his comedic roles, such as the character "Manahi," and for his prominent work in the field of charity and humanitarianism as an ambassador for the "Insan" Association. Al-Maliki's sharing of this personal experience highlights the importance of psychological support for patients and confirms that celebrities are not immune to health challenges, and that kind words and reminders of medical advancements can be an essential part of the treatment.

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