In a move long awaited by Egyptian and Arab audiences, veteran actor Tarek El-Desouky announced his strong return to television drama this Ramadan season, through his participation in the series "Ali Clay." El-Desouky described this return as a "new artistic birth" in his illustrious career, emphasizing that the project rekindled his passion for acting after years of self-imposed absence.

Hesitation before making a decision... and the bet is on the text

In an exclusive interview with Okaz newspaper, Al-Desouki revealed the behind-the-scenes details of his joining the project, explaining that he initially felt considerable hesitation. His concern stemmed from the series' popular appeal, as he feared it might fall into the category of works relying on cheap sensationalism. To resolve his hesitation, Al-Desouki stipulated that he read 15 complete episodes before giving his final approval. The outcome was reassuring; he found a well-rounded script that presented a dignified, socially relevant, and popular drama, one that respected the viewer's intelligence and lived reality, and completely avoided the vulgarity he has always opposed.

Mansour Al-Gohary: The Challenge of a Complex Personality

Regarding the nature of his role, El-Desouky explained that he portrays the character of "Mansour El-Gohary," describing it as one of the most challenging characters he has ever played due to its psychological and dramatic complexities. To ensure the character's optimal portrayal, the actor held intensive and lengthy workshops with director Mohamed Abdel Salam, during which all details concerning the character's external appearance and internal dimensions were finalized. This reflects the production team's commitment to delivering a work of art worthy of the history of Egyptian drama.

The context of absence: Preserving identity and values

Tarek El-Desouky's absence, which lasted for more than 14 years, specifically since 2011, was not a coincidence or due to a lack of offers, but rather a firm, principled stance. That period witnessed radical shifts in the drama industry, with a surge of works focusing on excessive violence, thuggery, and vulgar language. El-Desouky saw this as a departure from authentic Egyptian identity and deeply rooted societal values. The artist preferred to remain in the shadows rather than participate in works that lacked a meaningful message or contributed to building awareness, holding fast to his legacy, rich with social, historical, and religious works that shaped the conscience of an entire generation.

The importance of the comeback and its impact on the art scene

The return of an artist of Tarek El-Desouky's stature is particularly significant at this time, as it signals the beginning of a recovery for television drama and its return to a path that balances entertainment with a meaningful message. The presence of such prominent figures in modern dramas lends them artistic weight and credibility with the audience, and also contributes to the transfer of experience to new generations of actors. The series "Ali Clay" represents a meeting point between the pioneering generation and the younger generation, promising a rich drama season that will restore Egyptian drama to its former glory.

Egyptian artist Bassem Samra a positive debate in artistic circles and on social media, following his recent statements, which were characterized by his usual frankness, as he addressed the phenomenon of artist Mohamed Ramadan , his stance on rap music, and specifically his experience with the young singer Wegz .

A clear stance on "Number One"

In recent television interviews, Bassem Samra affirmed that Mohamed Ramadan possesses undeniable acting talent, highlighting his ability to diversify between acting, producing, and directing. However, Samra drew a clear distinction between his admiration for Ramadan the actor and his opinion of Ramadan the singer. Samra stated unequivocally, "I'm not convinced by his songs, and I don't follow them. The 'number one' concept and all that doesn't appeal to me, and I don't enjoy listening to them.".

This statement comes in the context of the ongoing controversy in the Egyptian street regarding the type of songs presented by Mohamed Ramadan, which often rely on showmanship and talking about oneself, a style that has achieved great popular success but faces criticism from some artists and critics who see it as a departure from traditional music.

Bias towards rap music and Wegz's experience

In contrast to his stance on Ramadan songs, Bassem Samra expressed great admiration for the work of Egyptian rapper Wegz . Samra explained that what attracts him to Wegz is the "honesty" in the lyrics and themes he addresses, noting that his songs carry national and social messages that resonate with reality.

This opinion reflects a remarkable shift in the taste of a large segment of the public and established artists towards rap music, which has become the leading music scene in Egypt and the Arab region, where Wegz has succeeded in imposing his musical style to be a voice expressing the new generation, which Bassem Samra has picked up with his artistic sense, confirming his respect for this bold experience.

The truth about the attack on the children of artists

In another context, Bassem Samra clarified his stance on the issue of "inheriting art" or the entry of artists' children into the field. Samra denied any intention of attacking them, explaining that his previous remarks had been misinterpreted. He pointed out that artists' children may indeed have easier access to opportunities due to their family connections, which is a reality, but he doesn't see this as a problem as long as the talent is there.

He added that he deals with them very professionally, putting the interest of the artwork above all considerations, and stressing that “honesty with oneself” is the true standard for success and continuity, and that the public is the final judge in accepting or rejecting the artist, regardless of his family background.

Samra concluded his remarks by emphasizing his great confidence in himself and his talent, noting that he does not seek to claim perfection, but rather focuses on presenting roles that leave a mark on the viewer, considering the audience's love for his work to be the greatest reward he seeks.

Egyptian star Mohamed Ramadan has officially announced the final release date for his new and highly anticipated film “Asad”, putting an end to speculation about its release date, and confirming that the film is ready to compete in the summer of 2026.

This announcement came via a brief message posted by Ramadan on his official Facebook account, where he wrote: “God willing, summer 2026,” in a clear indication that the audience is in for a different cinematic experience that combines suspense and historical drama.

Exceptional artistic collaboration with Mohamed Diab

The film "Asad" holds special significance in artistic and cinematic circles, not only because it stars Mohamed Ramadan, who enjoys a wide fan base, but also because it represents a unique artistic collaboration with the internationally acclaimed director Mohamed Diab . Diab is considered one of the most prominent Arab directors to have achieved global recognition, especially after his great success directing the Marvel series "Moon Knight," in addition to his previous films that have garnered critical acclaim at international festivals.

This collaboration between Egypt’s number one box office star and a director with a global vision raises expectations for the film, which is expected to offer a visual and narrative quality that differs from what is prevalent in commercial cinema, making it one of the biggest anticipated productions in the Arab region.

The film's story and its social dimensions

The film "Lion" unfolds as a thriller, action-packed drama set in a bygone historical era. According to available information, the work sheds light on profound human issues, most notably racial discrimination and the unjust treatment suffered by society during that period.

The film is not just an entertainment work, but carries important social messages about justice and equality, presented in an epic “action” format that suits the nature of the roles that Mohamed Ramadan excels at, but with a different directorial vision.

A battalion of stars and filmmakers

The film boasts a stellar cast of Arab filmmakers and stars, significantly enhancing its chances of both critical and commercial success. The screenplay was penned by the talented trio of Sherine Diab, Mohamed Diab, and Khaled Diab , renowned for their masterful scripts and realistic dramas.

The cast boasts a strong lineup, featuring the renowned actor Maged El Kedwany and the brilliant Razan Gamal , alongside Ali Qassem, Ahmed Dash, Islam Mubarak, and Kamel El Basha . On the technical side, the team includes some of the brightest names, guaranteeing high artistic quality. Ahmed Bashari , Ahmed Hafez (who recently worked on international projects) is the editor, Ahmed Fayez Reem El Adl is the costume designer , and the score is composed by the talented Hisham Nazih .

A humanitarian gesture: Donating a TikTok account

Away from cinema, Mohamed Ramadan continued to stir up positive controversy on social media platforms, as he recently announced an unprecedented step by deciding to donate his official verified account on the “TikTok” application to one of his followers.

In a post, Ramadan explained that this move is a gesture of appreciation to his audience, emphasizing that true stardom on this platform belongs to the followers and original content creators, and that he doesn't see himself in competition with them, but rather as a supporter. Ramadan is expected to choose the winner of the account soon, a move that reflects his astute management of his relationship with his vast audience.