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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.
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
State to reclaim Hebbal land for key infrastructure projects
Shobha Karandlaje Mohandas Pai After prolonged uncertainty, the Karnataka government has now made it clear that it intends to reclaim the strategically located 45-acre land parcel in Hebbal to facilitate major infrastructure developments. Following a high-level meeting on Monday, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar confirmed the decision, stating, 'We have firmly decided to acquire this land. It is essential for key projects including the Metro depot, tunnel road, and an integrated transport hub. Compensation will be offered in the form of TDR, FAR, or other applicable norms—but we cannot let go of this land. It is the gateway to Bengaluru, and we must upgrade the entire area.'The decision comes amid delays in handing over the land to BMRCL, raising speculation that real estate interests may be slowing the process. With mounting pressure from various stakeholders including MPand entrepreneur, who have called on the state to fast-track the Metro-related land transfer, Monday's announcement is seen as a critical step forward. The Deputy CM added that the government has directed planners to create a comprehensive development blueprint combining the Metro, tunnel road, and a multi-modal transport hub to maximise the land's public said that the disputed land was originally acquired by KIADB in 2000 for a private company, but as the company failed to develop it, BMRCL offered `12.10 crore per acre, amounting to `551.15 crore, to purchase the land for Phase 3. The Metro authority had initially sought 6,712.97 square meters and had already purchased it at the same rate set by KIADB. Now, it seeks an additional 45 acres for its expansion. The land is technically under KIADB's control but was acquired for private use, creating legal aims to build a crucial Metro station at Hebbal under Phase 3, connecting JP Nagar 4th Phase to Kempapura via the Orange Line. Additionally, it plans to establish stations for the Blue and Red Lines and integrate the suburban rail project (K-RIDE), along with multi-level car parking, a multi-modal transport hub, a bus terminal, and a Metro depot. If the government directly transfers the land through KIADB, legal disputes could arise, leading to a potential 10–12-year court battle. To avoid delays, the government previously suggested that BMRCL negotiate directly with the private company to reach an amicable settlement. The upcoming meeting will be crucial in determining the way forward for this vital infrastructure project.
