The tax authority seizes the pension of the esteemed artist

In an incident that sparked widespread sadness and sympathy in Egyptian artistic and public circles, Ahmed, the son of the renowned artist Abdel Rahman Abu Zahra, announced that the Egyptian Tax Authority had seized his father's pension. This announcement came in a poignant post on his personal Facebook account, revealing the details of the difficult situation facing one of the most prominent figures in Egyptian and Arab art.

Abu Zahra's son explained that this measure was taken despite his father not possessing substantial assets or large bank accounts, emphasizing that all he owns is his long artistic career and the love of his audience. He added that the pension from which his father's pension was seized is insufficient to cover even a small portion of the costs of the medications and treatments his father requires regularly at this stage of his life. He appealed to officials to consider with compassion and humanity the legacy of an artist who dedicated over sixty years to serving his art and his country, and whose only wish now is to spend his final days in peace and tranquility.

Abdel Rahman Abu Zahra: A prolific artistic career

Abdel Rahman Abu Zahra, born in 1934, is an exceptional artistic figure in the history of Egyptian drama, cinema, and theater. His artistic career spans more than six decades, during which he performed hundreds of roles that are etched in the memory of Arab audiences. He was renowned for his remarkable ability to embody diverse characters, from dignified historical figures to complex social roles. Among his most memorable television roles are his portrayal of "Teacher Ibrahim Sardina" in the series "I Will Not Live in My Father's Robe" and his role in the series "Money and Sons." He also left a unique vocal mark through his voice acting as the villainous "Scar" in the Arabic dubbed version of Disney's famous film "The Lion King," a role that continues to resonate with different generations.

The impact of the crisis and questions surrounding the honoring of icons

The crisis surrounding the seizure of artist Abu Zahra's pension sparked widespread controversy on social media platforms, with thousands of users and fellow artists expressing their full solidarity with him and condemning the treatment of an artist of his stature in his old age. This incident has brought renewed attention to an important issue concerning the mechanisms for honoring and protecting veteran artists in Egypt after their retirement, and the adequacy of social and professional safety nets to ensure a dignified life for them. Many are questioning the role of the Actors' Syndicate and other relevant authorities in intervening to resolve such crises that affect symbols of Egypt's soft power.

Health status and final retirement decision

In a related development, the artist's son reassured the public about his father's health, confirming in press statements that it is "completely stable and, thank God, much better." Regarding the possibility of his father's return to the art scene, he definitively settled the debate, stating that his father's decision to retire is final and irrevocable, and that he refuses any media or artistic appearances at the moment, wishing to enjoy peace and quiet away from the spotlight.

The “He who has no elder” controversy: How did Yasmine Abdel Aziz’s phrase become a trend?

The teaser trailer for the series "Elli Maloush Kbeer" (He Who Has No Big Shot) caused a sensation before its premiere during Ramadan 2021, captivating audiences with scenes that blended action, drama, and romance. However, a single line uttered by star Yasmine Abdel Aziz in one of the most poignant scenes—"No one has hurt me as much as you"—was enough to ignite social media platforms, becoming a memorable line that continues to resonate today and encapsulates the profound psychological struggle experienced by her character, Ghazal, throughout the series.

Background to Yasmine Abdel Aziz's dramatic transformation

The series “Elli Maloush Kbeer” (He Who Has No Big Shot) marked a significant turning point in Yasmine Abdel Aziz's artistic career. After years of dominating the box office in cinema with light comedic roles, she began in recent years to shift towards more complex and profound dramatic roles on television. While she successfully portrayed a romantic and social character in the 2020 series “We Nehabb Tani Leh” (Why Do We Fall in Love Again?), earning critical and popular acclaim, “Elli Maloush Kbeer” showcased her ability to powerfully embody action and suspense roles, portraying a strong female character who defies the difficult circumstances imposed upon her.

The importance of the series and its regional impact

The series' success wasn't limited to being a local hit; its impact extended to becoming a pan-Arab phenomenon during Ramadan. The on-screen chemistry between Yasmine Abdel Aziz and her then-husband, actor Ahmed El Awady, who portrayed "Saif El Khedive," created a unique level of audience engagement in Egypt and the Gulf region. Phrases like "Ala Allah Hekaytak" (God knows your story) and "Wahsh El Kon" (The Beast of the Universe) became part of everyday slang, reflecting the show's deep resonance with Arab viewers. The series tackled sensitive social issues such as domestic violence, forced marriage, and class conflict, all within a compelling and engaging framework that captivated a wide audience.

A story of struggle and power

The series revolves around Ghazal (Yasmine Abdel Aziz), who is forced by her father to marry a wealthy and cruel businessman (Khaled El Sawy) many years her senior. She endures a life filled with oppression and both physical and emotional humiliation. The phrase "No one has ever hurt me as much as you have" is uttered during her confrontation with him, expressing the depth of her suffering. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she meets Saif El Khedewy (Ahmed El Awady), a strong young man with whom she embarks on a love story fraught with challenges and dangers. In him, she finds the protection and support she has always lacked.

Integrated team

The success of "Elli Maloush Kbeer" (He Who Has No Master) is due to the combined efforts of a distinguished team. The series was written by Amr Mahmoud Yassin, who excelled in crafting complex characters and a cohesive plot, and directed by Mustafa Fikry, who delivered a modern visual style and masterful action sequences. The cast included a constellation of stars alongside Yasmine Abdel Aziz and Ahmed El Awady, including Khaled El Sawy, Dina Fouad, Iman El Sayed, and Badria Tolba, each of whom delivered a remarkable performance that contributed to the series' strength and resounding success.