Due credit?
Having overcome a number of personal issues in the past, things have been looking up for Mirna Al Mohandes in recent years.
However, despite appearing in various film and television productions, the Egyptian actress has not had luck finding a role that truly showcases her talent. While many actresses from her generation bagged starring roles, Mirna continued to appear as a supporting actress in mediocre films such as Al Ayal Herbet, Ayazono and Al Academeya.
The beginning of this year showed a lot of promise for Mirna's career after it was revealed that the actress was set to appear in the television series Fi Hadret Al Ghaeb. The drama, which was televised last Ramadan, revolved around the life of the late poet Mahmoud Darwish, and saw Mirna take on the role of one of Darwish's wives. Sadly for the actress, her appearance was overshadowed by the negative reviews the series received, with critics branding the story as inaccurate and giving less than favourable reviews to actor Feras Ebrahim, who portrayed Darwish.
Nevertheless, Mirna is remaining upbeat and positive. Here's what she had to say.
Fi Hadret Al Ghaeb was arguably one of the most controversial releases during Ramadan. What are your thoughts on its reception?
To be honest, I think this is something that would be more suited for the lead actor or producers to respond to, because until now, I really do not know what the problem is.
There are a lot of individuals from my generation, as well as generations that came before my generation and after my generation who do not know a lot about the life of the great poet Mahmoud Darwish. This series was an opportunity for viewers to get to learn more about his work and his life.
Mahmoud Darwish was one of the most hard-working poets in the Arab world, and we wanted to show this. There was nothing controversial in the content.
What do you think of Feras Ebrahim being cast in the lead role?
Feras did a fantastic job, and let me tell you, this actor has such a great admiration for Mahmoud Darwish. I remember that during breaks and between takes, he would constantly talk about the poet's work. Feras was genuinely passionate about the role, and he researched for the part for about two years — he even met Mr Darwish's family during this research.
I also want to say something that Feras might not like me saying, but during filming, he suffered a car crash and was hurt pretty bad. But he never delayed filming or anything like that. He continued to turn up for shoots, despite being in a lot of pain. I don't know how people can criticise that dedication.
Does it bother you when the media or fans criticise a production you have appeared in?
It comes with the territory. With Fi Hadret Al Ghaeb, though, I feel that it did not receive the credit it deserved. But anyhow, to all the critics out there, if you really did not like the series, then why not write your own script with the facts you want corrected, and let's produce it! Or better still, why not write a beautiful tribute to Mahmoud Darwish in your own publication instead?
Out of the series that were televised during Ramadan, which ones did you personally enjoy?
There were a number of really good shows, but for me, I really liked Al Rayan, Al Mowaten X and Sharea Abdul Aziz. To me, those were the best productions that I got to watch during Ramadan.
A lot of the television shows this year have been based around the Arab Spring and the Egyptian revolution. What do you think of actors who have been expressing their support for particular political parties?
They have a right to. Everyone has a right to an opinion, and just because we don't agree with those opinions doesn't mean that we have the right to attack them. Unfortunately, this has been happening a lot. It is as if everyone thinks that they are right, and the rest of the country is wrong.
We're so enthusiastic about change that sometimes we get a little caught up in it all.
Finally, what's coming up next for you?
I was travelling a lot this year, filming Fi Hadret Al Ghaeb, so I was between Syria, Turkey and Lebanon. I have decided to take some time out this year to focus on preparing for roles coming up in 2012.
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Celebs cash in
It's not just kids that get a lot of money during Eid — it seems that a lot of celebrities got a big pay day for a few hours of work during the holiday season earlier this week.
Following a number of concerts across the Arab world by the region's best-known performers during Eid Al Adha, it has emerged that Amr Diab was the highest paid singer, earning $600,000 (Dh2.2 million) for a two-hour concert in Porto Al Sukhnah in Egypt.
Nancy Ajram, Elissa and Fares Karam were paid $200,000 each for their performances in Lebanon. Elissa also made an additional $250,000 for her performance in Dubai a few days ago.
Haifa Wehbe and Fares Karam, who performed at the Movenpick Hotel in Beirut, received $150,000, and Ragheb Alamah earned $100,000.
Wael and Fares are ‘close friends'
Lebanese singer Wael Jassar has denied circulating rumours that he recently insulted fellow singer Fares Karam, stressing that he has nothing against Karam.
According to Arab news reports, Jassar had been offered a concert for a low fee, and was overheard telling the promoter, "Go to Fares instead, because he will accept any fee."
However, Jassar has rubbished the claims, stating: "First of all, Fares is a very close friend, and he does not believe these rumours. I honestly do not know what the motive is behind all these ridiculous lies."
