Latest news with #AdelImam
Daily News Egypt
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily News Egypt
Adel Imam turns 85: Egypt's enduring icon of laughter, defiance, and truth
This year, the legendary Adel Imam turns eighty-five, yet he remains an irreplaceable presence in the collective memory of Egyptians and Arabs alike—not merely as a beloved actor, but as a cultural force who made generations laugh, reflect, and confront uncomfortable truths. His work has always gone beyond entertainment; he became the nation's mirror, capturing its joys and wounds, its revolutions and its regressions. 'Valentino': Legacy and Continuity In 'Valentino' (Ramadan 2020), Imam returned to the screen with a series that fused social comedy with subtle critique. Addressing Egypt's educational system through satire, he shared the screen with the late Dalal Abdel Aziz and lifelong friend Samir Sabri. By spotlighting young talent, Imam demonstrated a long-standing belief: art lives on only through generational renewal. As always, he delivered laughter with a dose of truth. Defying Red Lines with a Smile From his earliest films, Adel Imam never bowed to censorship. In 'Bakhit wa Adeela' (1995), he took direct aim at parliament, portraying MPs as corrupt profiteers. While some focused on the film's romantic scenes, its deeper message was a bold political critique. The same subversive spirit animated 'Elwad Mahrous Betaa Alwazir,' which cloaked a biting indictment of government corruption in comedic form. Standing Up to Extremism In the 1990s, as terrorism spread and artists were targeted, Imam did not retreat. Against the advice of loved ones, he released 'The Terrorist,' confronting extremism at a time when fear silenced many. The film drew fierce backlash, but its impact resonated more deeply than any editorial—art became resistance. The Stage as a Platform of Protest Imam's stage plays, including 'Al Zaeem' and 'Body Guard,' continued his tradition of critique—lampooning power structures and even mocking late president Hosni Mubarak. These performances risked state reprisal, but Imam remained undeterred, committed to the principle that an artist must speak truth to power. A Return to Political Drama With 'Firqat Nagy Atallah' (2012), Imam marked his return to television, delivering a scathing portrait of Arab disunity. His most piercing line—'Countries toppling over countries'—summed up the region's geopolitical chaos. Later, in 'Ostaz wa Ra'ees Qesm' (2015), he tackled Egypt's most pivotal era: the lead-up to and aftermath of the January Revolution. The show offered a balanced, human portrayal of diverse political factions, emphasizing that disagreement is not division, but democracy in motion. More Than an Actor: A Conscience Throughout his career, Adel Imam was not merely a performer. He was a thinker, a provocateur, and a master of nuance. Every role carried a message, every film a mirror to society's contradictions. He possessed the rare courage to articulate the unspoken, offering Egypt not just entertainment, but introspection. A Legacy Etched in Laughter and Truth Now, in 2025, Adel Imam remains the joyful soul and the unflinching voice of Egypt. He spoke when others were silent, laughed in the face of fear, and gave his people not only reasons to smile, but the clarity to understand themselves. His legacy is not only in what he portrayed—but in what he challenged, what he defended, and what he dared to say. He is not just 'Al Zaeem' ('The Leader'). He is Egypt—when it laughs, when it questions, and when it refuses to be silenced.
Identity
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Identity
TV Gems We Want Back on Our Screens
You know those shows you suddenly find yourself missing, ones you'd happily rewatch your favorite episodes from, even years after they first aired? Entertainment and prank shows, in particular, have a way of sticking with us. They built a lasting connection with their audiences, the kind that proves just how successful they were. The jokes, the unforgettable moments, the iconic one-liners you still catch yourself quoting without even realizing it. Here are four TV gems we wish would be back on our screens again with new seasons. Darak This show was a gateway to unforgettable moments with some of the most beloved actors, with conversations you could never get tired of watching. From Adel Imam's iconic episode to Ahmed Helmy's and everything in between, Ashraf Abdel Baky delivered what felt like a reality show with his own creative twist. Man Sayarbah El Bonbon You probably wished you were one of the contestants on his show when you were a kid, right? Ahmed Helmy truly left a lasting mark on children's television with this unforgettable classic. It set the bar incredibly high, with a level of spontaneous, unscripted humor that still feels unmatched. El Sha2a Hend Sabry's appearance as a host was undoubtedly well-received. She blended charisma with effortlessly genuine conversations, managing to keep viewers engaged even without sharing the same frame as her guests. The unique concept allowed for deeper, more personal glimpses into the lives of the guests, with sides we hadn't seen before and instantly loved. Helhom Benhom This prank show still feels iconic in every way. A host who managed to bring out the worst—yet funniest—reactions from his guests was a twist no one saw coming, especially compared to the typical Egyptian prank show format at the time. It's hard not to wonder what it would look like if it were renewed today, eighteen years later.
