Showbiz Arabia: Latest gossip from the Arab world

Although one of the most beautiful and talented Arab actresses of our time, Sulaf Fawakherji has not been having the best of luck in her career lately.

Following the tremendous success of her 2009 Ramadan television series Asmahan — a biopic where she played the lead role of the 1940s Syrian star who tragically died at the age of 31 — things took a turn for the worse in 2010 when the Syrian actress returned to television screens playing the lead in Cleopatra. Even Zahi Hawas, Attorney-General of the Higher Council of Archaeology in Egypt, stated that the series was the "worst historical drama I have ever seen in my life".

This year, things did not get any better after the 34-year-old played the love interest of Mahmoud Darwish in the Ramadan television series about the late Palestinian poet's life, Fi Hadrat Al Gha'ib. The drama was named one of the worst television series of the Ramadan 2011 season.

Finally, to rub salt in her wounds, Sulaf came under fire recently after she was misquoted in the press, claiming that the GCC region should not fund Syrian productions.

Understandably, Sulaf has had enough and is keen to tell her side of the story. The actress recently met with a number of Arabic media to clear up a few things.

Excerpts from the interview.

You've been notably absent from showbiz for a period of time now, and you have not starred in any productions this year. Why?

It's a matter of timing to be honest. We have been working on the project, Al Wilada Men El Khasra, but this television series has been delayed repeatedly. Shooting was first delayed when the Egyptian demonstrations of January 25 started, and then shooting was delayed further due to the fact that after the demonstrations, the financial situation in the region became unstable and a lot of cuts were made. Then there was another project called Ashgar Al Dar which has also experienced delays. Finally, there was my appearance in Fi Hadrat Al Gha'ib where I played Rita, but that was merely a guest role.

Why have you not taken part in more projects?

I do not like repeating roles, therefore do not like taking on a job where I feel it will not benefit my career. I believe there is no point in playing the same role twice. I like to challenge myself.

Asmahan is one of your greatest roles, with the series receiving critical acclaim. Do you think it is hard to top that role?

Asmahan really did wonders for my career and I am so happy to have played her in the biopic. I put all my heart into the project, and it was great to see it achieve great success despite the negatives and positives we experienced during production. However, while that was a great time in my career, it shouldn't define me for the rest of my life. I want to challenge myself with even more difficult and darker roles.

You were recently quoted as saying that Syrian productions should not be funded by the GCC. Can you confirm this?

I was misquoted by a journalist unfortunately. When the unrest began in Syria, I said that Syrian productions should be protected, so that the country's economy does not weaken. I said that Syrian drama should be funded by Syrian money, meaning to say that we should still invest in our own country. Unfortunately, some took it as if I was refusing any sort of investment from outside of the country.

Are you shooting anything at the moment?

No, I am keen to return to work in Egypt, but as you know, the unrest has made it difficult for many artists. Hopefully, Ashgar Al Dar will be complete by next year. I am also keen to return to work in Syria, but the situation is not stable. I hope next year will be better for everyone.

"No, Omar has not signed to star alongside Gada Abdul Razek in a Ramadan series next year. The rumours are not true."

Mayar attacked

Following the unrest in Egypt this week, it has been reported that Mayar Al Ghity was attacked by thugs and had her car stolen, with onlookers not even trying to intervene.

According to Arabic news reports, the actress, who is a university student, arrived to attend lectures at noon, when a gang slammed into her car causing significant damage. After Mayar got out of the car to investigate, the burglars attacked her before driving off with her car and possessions.

Although the Egyptian actress escaped unharmed, Mayar's mother has spoken out about the theft that occurred in the middle of the day in a busy university campus, with not a single person trying to stop the thugs.

"What is really sad is the fact that a lot of people there just stood there and watched without helping Mayar out," she said.

Haifa teams upwith Dogg

Lebanese singer Haifa Wehbe is reportedly working on a duet with international hip-hop artist Snoop Dogg. The track — titled Yaga Toufin — will be produced in both Arabic and English. The song, which will feature Wehbe singing in an Iraqi dialect, was written and composed by Haitham Tarchichi and Adel Al Iraqi.

This is not the first time Wehbe has lent her vocals to an international track. Last year, the singer collaborated with French house producer DJ David Vendetta on the smash hit, Yamma Layaly. 

Amar threatens Jamal

Jamal Marwan has allegedly filed a lawsuit against Lebanese singer Amar (pictured), accusing her of sending him abusive text messages as well as threatening to cause him and his family harm.

According to news reports, the Egyptian producer and owner of Egypt's Melody satellite channels has explained that Amar's actions are due to a dispute between them over business. Amar reportedly wants to leave Melody before her 12-year contract ends without paying the required penalty for breaking a contract.

Earlier this year, Amar announced that she was pregnant with Marwan's child, a claim the producer denies.