In shocking and moving confessions, Egyptian artist Ahmed Zaher opened his heart to the public, revealing the behind-the-scenes details of the most difficult periods he lived through in his personal and professional life, when a rare disease kept him away from the art scene for three years, which made him close to the brink of complete psychological collapse, to the point of seriously considering suicide to end his suffering.

Suffering with illness and weight gain

In a recent tribute seminar, Zaher recounted the details of that difficult period, noting that stopping work was not a choice but a forced decision due to a severe thyroid disorder, which caused him to gain excessive weight, exceeding 100 kilograms. He explained that this period was the most psychologically challenging, especially after he had established himself as one of the most prominent stars of his generation, only to suddenly find himself confined to his home while leading roles he had been considered for were given to his colleagues, deepening his feelings of helplessness and depression.

The moment of defeat in front of the leader

Zaher spoke with deep emotion about the pivotal moment when he appeared alongside the legendary actor Adel Imam in a project. Audiences and critics alike noticed the significant changes in his appearance and weight due to his illness, which deeply affected him. He emphasized that the looks of pity and surprise were slowly killing him, but at the same time, he considered that moment a wake-up call and an internal decision to fight back. He added, "I started again with very small roles that didn't reflect my previous career, but I didn't allow despair to defeat me, and I decided to start climbing the ladder from the very first step.".

The journey back and up to the top

Ahmed Zaher's comeback wasn't easy. He embarked on a grueling journey to lose weight and regain his physical fitness, while simultaneously accepting supporting roles to prove himself. Zaher said, "It was the most difficult period of my life, but I learned to face the pain, not to give up, and to return step by step until I regained my self-confidence and my artistic standing." This perseverance culminated in the resounding success he has achieved in recent years, particularly in the complex villainous roles he has brilliantly portrayed, such as his famous role as "Fathi" in the series "Al-Prince," which returned him to the ranks of the leading stars in Arab drama.

A message of hope and inspiration

Ahmed Zaher's statements sparked widespread reaction on social media, with many considering them a powerful motivational message about willpower and resilience in the face of the most difficult health and psychological circumstances. Zaher's story highlights the immense psychological pressures celebrities face and the importance of psychological and familial support in overcoming adversity. Zaher has emphasized on more than one occasion that his wife was his primary supporter on his journey from the brink of collapse to the pinnacle of success.

Egyptian star Amr Saad to the forefront of the artistic and media scene after his swift reversal of his decision to retire from television dramas. This move sparked widespread controversy and reopened the debate surrounding the immense pressures faced by A-list actors. This reversal was not a mere coincidence, but rather the result of intensive efforts by decision-makers in the entertainment industry. Specialized reports covering the global entertainment industry, such as Variety and The Hollywood Reporter , indicated that a wave of intensive contact from major Arab producers and production companies played a decisive role in convincing Saad to reconsider his position, especially given the existence of several major projects in development for upcoming seasons.

Context of the event: Between the pressures of Ramadan and the allure of cinema

To understand the implications of this decision, one must consider the broader context of Amr Saad's career, as he is considered one of the pillars of Egyptian drama in the last decade. Saad has always been known for portraying popular heroes and social stories that resonate with the realities of Egyptian street life, making him a force to be reckoned with in the Ramadan television season. However, the commitment to producing 30-episode series annually imposes immense psychological and physical pressures, prompting many stars to consider retirement or temporary hiatus in search of rest or to focus on cinema, which offers less demanding schedules and greater artistic impact.

Market shifts and the impact of digital platforms

Informed sources within the production market confirm that the crisis is not personal, but rather a reflection of fundamental shifts in the industry. The current phase is witnessing a rapid transition from traditional television broadcasting to digital platforms , which have changed the game by favoring short-form content (10 or 15 episodes) with a fast pace. This shift is forcing stars, including Amr Saad, to rebuild their artistic strategies to deliver content that aligns with the evolving tastes of the platform audience, avoiding the "stretching and drawn-out" that can plague longer productions.

The phenomenon of fluctuation and the future of drama

Art critics believe that Amr Saad's reversal of his retirement decision reflects a state of flux within the artistic community, where artists are torn between the desire to maintain their public presence and the pressing need to reassess their careers. Predictions suggest that Saad's return will be anything but conventional, focusing instead on works with profound human and social themes, in an attempt to present a mature artistic image that aligns with new global standards of quality and responds to the challenges posed by fierce competition in the Arab drama market.

In a move that is expected to reshape the landscape of Syrian drama early on, all eyes are on Beirut, Lebanon, where filming has begun on the new Syrian series "Ana wa Hiya wa Haya" (Me, Her, and Her). This project is not just another new drama; it represents a significant artistic event, bringing together stars Basel Khayat and Taj Haidar, marking the latter's return to the small screen after years of absence that had sparked curiosity among her fans.

A strong comeback for top-tier stars

The series "Ana wa Hiya wa Hiya" (Me, Her, and Her) marks the return of star Taj Haidar, whose name is etched in the memory of Arab viewers for iconic roles in works such as "Bab Al-Hara" and "Al-Zeer Salem." Her return today through this social drama reflects a desire to present mature and different content, especially with a leading role alongside the renowned actor Basel Khayyat. Khayyat, who has achieved resounding success in recent years through pan-Arab dramas and adaptations, is a major asset to the series, with critics predicting that his on-screen chemistry with Haidar will create a unique artistic phenomenon reminiscent of the brilliance of successful Syrian duos.

A distinguished cast and a fresh directorial vision

The production's strength lies not only in its two main characters but also in its cast of prominent Syrian actors, including the esteemed Nadine Khoury, Ali Karim, Tayseer Idris, and Sawsan Mikhail. It also provides a platform for emerging talents such as Taraf Al-Taqi, Taif Ibrahim, Shahd Al-Zalaq, and the young actress Roussel Al-Ibrahim. The script, penned by writer Iyad Abu Al-Shamat, is brought to life visually by director Nour Arnaout in her directorial debut, infusing the work with fresh energy and a contemporary visual perspective, under the artistic supervision of Firas Al-Omari.

Story and production context

The series revolves around contemporary social drama, departing from the traditional setting of the Levant to delve into the complexities of human relationships and the intertwining of destinies amidst the vicissitudes of daily life. This ambitious project is being produced by Ebla International for Artistic Production, a company renowned for its high-quality artistic output.

With filming having begun last November, “Ana wa Hiya wa Haya” is expected to be the dark horse in the Ramadan 2026 drama race, as the Syrian and Arab audience eagerly awaits what this unique artistic combination will yield, which combines the longing for the return of beloved stars with a renewal in presentation and treatment.