In candid statements that revealed many hidden aspects of her professional and personal life, Egyptian singer Mai Farouk that her exceptional participation in the “Masterpieces of Al-Mogi” concert as part of the Riyadh Season events in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, specifically her performance of the song “Ask Your Soul” by the legendary Umm Kulthum, represented a radical turning point in her artistic career, ending years of continuous attempts to reach the position she deserves.

From opera to international acclaim: a long artistic journey

Mai Farouk's statements bring renewed attention to the long journey of this artist, a graduate of the Egyptian Opera House, who was known from the beginning for her commitment to performing authentic Tarab music. Despite the undeniable quality of her voice, Mai Farouk faced significant challenges for years in a music market that often favored fast-paced, rhythmic songs, which slowed her progress towards widespread popularity compared to her considerable talent.

The “Masterpieces of Al-Mogi” concert, organized by the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia in honor of the late musician Mohamed Al-Mogi, is a pivotal event that restored the prestige of Arab music stars, as it provided Mai Farouk with a wide creative space in front of a discerning audience, which contributed to her rediscovery in the Arab world in a manner befitting her history.

The weight of talent and the challenges of lean years

In her television interview, Mai Farouk explained that she had faced rejection and criticism in the past for her insistence on singing in the old and classical style. She noted that this insistence, despite its difficulty, later turned into a positive force.

The Egyptian artist admitted that she sometimes felt that "her talent was a burden on her," especially during her first marriage, which lasted 12 years, as she made strenuous attempts to appear at concerts and festivals without finding sufficient appreciation that matched her vocal abilities, before the major breakthrough came through the Riyadh Season.

Controversy surrounding second marriages and bullying

Mai Farouk's statements weren't limited to the artistic aspect; she also addressed the widespread controversy surrounding the announcement of her second marriage. She expressed her surprise at the contrasting reactions, which ranged from overwhelming support to unwarranted attacks.

She noted that the criticism did not stop at expressing an opinion, but went so far as to interfere in her personal life and criticize her appearance and clothes, which negatively affected her psychological state at times, before she decided to ignore these voices and focus on her art and private life.

Betrayals by those close to you and the price of success

In a related development, Mai Farouk revealed that some attempts to sabotage her career came from close associates, including friends and relatives. She confirmed that these actions caused her significant psychological distress and led to deep self-doubt about her abilities and skills. However, she was able to overcome these crises thanks to her belief in her talent and the unwavering support of her fans.

Mai Farouk’s current success reflects a strong return of Arab artistic taste that seeks authenticity, and confirms that true art is capable of asserting itself no matter how long periods of marginalization last or how much market standards change.

Turkish dramas are no longer just a form of entertainment in the Arab world and the Middle East; they have transformed into a powerful cultural and social phenomenon, with the actresses in these series becoming icons of beauty, fashion, and fitness. With this significant influence, the public is increasingly interested in discovering the real secrets behind the slender figures of Turkey's top stars, especially after pregnancy and childbirth, moving beyond rumors of cosmetic surgery or miraculous slimming pills.

The truth behind fitness: commitment, not magic

Amidst the proliferation of misleading advertisements exploiting celebrity images to promote weight-loss products of dubious origin, several Turkish actresses have broken their silence to clarify the facts. Their unified message was clear: there is no magic wand, only dietary discipline and inherited healthy habits.

Fahriye Evcen: Returning to nature and traditions

Actress Fahriye Evcen faced campaigns that exploited her name to promote turmeric-based products after the birth of her son, Karan. However, the truth she revealed was simpler and healthier: Fahriye relied on traditional Turkish healthy foods, consuming dried fruits, dates, bulgur, and the traditional drink "khoshaf." Her primary focus was on her child's health and breastfeeding, refusing to introduce any chemicals into her body.

Sinem Ünsal: Strict Intermittent Fasting

In contrast, Sinem Ünsal, star of the series "The Faraway City," follows a more modern and rigorous approach known as "time and food economy." Ünsal relies on a very narrow eating window of no more than four hours a day, compared to 20 hours of fasting. This advanced form of intermittent fasting explains her remarkable slimness and ability to maintain a stable weight despite the pressures of filming.

Tulin Shahin and Shenay Akai: The Multi-Meal Strategy

Unlike prolonged fasting, model Tulin Shahin and her colleague Shenay Akai rely on speeding up their metabolism through frequent meals:

• Tulin Shahin: She divides her day into 6 small meals, starting with a royal breakfast rich in whole grains and protein, with a focus on nuts to promote skin freshness.
• Shenay Akai: She focuses on preventing low blood sugar through frequent meals, walks for an hour daily, and occasionally allows herself to eat Turkish manti in moderation.

Nurgül Yeşilçay and Berna Laçin: Psychological Balance and Non-Deprivation

Actress Nurgül Yeşilçay proves that being slim doesn't mean complete deprivation. She successfully regained her figure by reducing portion sizes and avoiding fried foods, while still enjoying a daily piece of chocolate. Berna Laçin agrees, having lost 10 kilograms in a year by adopting a "half-measures" approach and avoiding the obsession with numbers that hinders both mental and physical progress. She prefers home-cooked meals prepared with olive oil.

Seda Sayan and Sibel Jan: Specific Dietary Systems

TV presenter Seda Sayan follows a food and water separation system, starting her day with dried apricots and warm water, and separating carbohydrates and proteins in her meals. Meanwhile, singer Sibel Can relies on a comprehensive system that begins with fruit salad and water, along with regular exercise twice a week to maintain a toned physique.

Medical warning: Nutrition experts emphasize that these diets, despite their success with celebrities, may not be suitable for everyone. They strongly caution against following strict diets or taking weight-loss pills without medical consultation, noting that some commercial products have caused serious health problems in the past.

In an unforgettable evening of art, the iconic Arab singer Assala Nasri the night in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, into a vibrant celebration of love and nostalgia. Her exceptional performance transcended melodies, touching the hearts of the audience with poignant human and familial moments. This concert reaffirms Riyadh's prominent position as a capital of art and entertainment in the Arab world, where its stages have become a destination for the biggest names in music to present their grandest artistic performances.

Looks that reflect identity and occasion

Assala didn't just captivate the audience with her powerful voice; she also made sure to convey visual messages through her outfits, transitioning between three carefully chosen looks. She wore a traditional Syrian dress as a gesture of loyalty and pride in her rich Levantine heritage, then shone in a Gulf-style dress reflecting her respect and appreciation for the Saudi and Gulf audiences who have embraced her art for many years. The Valentine's Day theme was also present, as she chose a third look that harmonized with the romantic atmosphere of the evening, which was dominated by love songs.

This diversity in fashion reflects an artistic intelligence that links authenticity and modernity, and belonging to the roots and integration with the surrounding cultural environment, which is what distinguishes Asala's artistic journey that has extended for decades.

Human moments and artistic surprises

The concert witnessed a great deal of interaction with its diverse segments, with Assala surprising the audience by performing a duet with a Turkish artist. This move reflected the openness of Arabic music to neighboring cultures and created a unique and melodious blend that was well-received by the attendees. In a spontaneous and heartwarming moment, Assala welcomed the young girl, Sham Al-Homsiya, onto the stage, playfully interacting with her and greeting her warmly, adding a touch of innocence and human warmth to the lively atmosphere of the concert.

These spontaneous moments are what distinguish Assala's concerts, which often break the fourth wall between the artist and the audience, turning the stage into an intimate family space.

Loyalty to family: father and uncle

As is her custom, in honoring the legacy of her late father, the artist Mustafa Nasri, Asala performed a selection of his timeless songs. However, the most moving moment came when she sang to her uncle, who was present in the audience. She dedicated the song "Ya Khali" (Oh My Uncle) to him amidst thunderous applause, in a scene where tears mingled with joy, reaffirming the values ​​of loyalty and family bonds that she has always celebrated.

Sola concluded her night by paying tribute to her homeland through the famous national song “Raise your head, you are Syrian,” to emphasize that art is a message of belonging that knows no borders, after a series of friendly conversations and jokes with the audience between the musical segments.

At the press conference following the concert, Asala demonstrated her interest in Saudi affairs, expressing her delight at Al-Hilal's victory in a match that coincided with the event, jokingly telling the audience that the joy had doubled. She concluded by affirming that Riyadh had left an indelible mark on her memory thanks to the warm welcome and world-class organization.