Is Ghada Abdul Razek the new queen of the small screen?
After suffering a massive backlash in recent years due to her support for ousted Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak, it seems that fans have forgiven the actress, judging by the recent success she has been enjoying.
Not only was her Ramadan drama Hekayat Hayah named one of the top serials of the season, Ghada has now been offered the role of a lifetime. One that fellow actress Ghada Adel had been reportedly desperate to take on.
In the upcoming TV drama Shajar Al Durr, Ghada will portray the widow of Saleh Ayoub, who played a crucial role during the Seventh Crusade against Egypt and was later crowned Queen. Adel has been quoted in the press that it would be her dream role. However, sources reported that producers chose Ghada due to her ability to attract better TRP.
It also may have something to do with the fact she is never out of the news. This week, the actress revealed that she has married — for the sixth time. Despite getting divorced only months ago from Mohammad Fouda, Ghada is now hitched to Haitham Zinta, who was part of the camera crew for Hekayat Hayah.
Her first marriage was to a Saudi businessman when she was just 17, with whom she has her only child, daughter Rotana. All her other exes were Egyptian.
Miss Lebanon pageant
There’s only one country in the region that gets openly excited about a beauty pageant, and this year’s Miss Lebanon competition dominated Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation on Sunday.
Interior design student Karen Ghraoui, 22, strutted her way to the top, beating 15 other contestants, including first runner-up, Jose Rita Azizi, and second runner-up, Christina Dagher.
Assi Al Helani and The Voice France’s Anthony Tomo performed during the event, which was held at Beirut’s Biel Centre.
Al Jasmi records song in English
Hussain Al Jasmi has released a new song — and it’s a little different to what fans are used to.
The Emirati superstar has recorded his very first song in English. Titled A Moment of Anger, the ballad was posted on YouTube earlier this week and has received positive reviews.
Al Jasmi is not the first Arab singer to produce a song in English. Others who have experimented with Western influences include Haifa Wehbe and Tamer Hosny.
Stars’ virtual lives
“Giving up to Instagram! Follow hendsabri.”
— Tunisian actress Hend Sabry (@HendSabry) has caved in to fans’ requests to start an Instagram account.
“Good morning! Up early today & started getting prepared for the shooting of my new video clip! Stay tuned for some behind the scenes photos!”
— Lebanese singer Nancy Ajram (@NancyAjram) is one busy lady
