Showbiz Arabia: Latest gossip from the Arab World

This Saturday, Egypt's transition to democracy faces a major test as citizens are expected to vote in a referendum on amendments to the constitution. Voters will be asked to cast ballots to say "yes" or "no" to the entire package of nine proposed changes to ensure that upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections are fair.

For the first time, celebrities are speaking out about their political choices — with a number of artists pushing heavily for a "no" vote, claiming the changes are not appropriate and that the country's ruling military is rushing the process. In fact, not one famous face has come out to support the vote.

One actress campaigning heavily against the vote is Basma Hassan, who told reporters she was completely against the nine amendments saying: "First of all, the point of the revolution was to topple the regime and constitution, therefore it would be ridiculous to amend what is essentially meant to be erased.

"Secondly, I do not think it is fair for people to have one vote on nine changes — what if you agree with some changes, and others you don't? For example, why are we preventing a person from running for office just because one of their parents is not from Egypt?"

The actress, who is said to have sat in Tahrir Square for a number of days during the uprising, added: "I can just see us returning to the old system like this."

Ahl Cairo star, Khalid Al Sawy, who also participated in protests last month, took to his blog to encourage his fans to vote against the amendments.

"Amendments to the constitution? Constitution has already died thanks to the revolution!" he said.

"The constitution is dead and meaningless, so why are some attempting to recover these things of the past. People want democracy."

Egyptian actress Jihan Fadel also took to her official blog, making her stance clear, stating: "I say no to the constitutional amendments on March 19. They want to use our revolution to make a new constitution for the country. This is not fair."

Other celebrities that have spoken out about the upcoming vote include Mena Shalaby, Amr Waked, Hend Sabri and Amr Salama. But regardless of the outcome, the referendum offers Egyptian citizens their first taste of a free vote in decades — and will likely be remembered as a milestone in Egypt's road to democracy.

However, one thing is for sure: those from the entertainment world are no longer afraid to speak out about their political choices.

Film Review: Rasayel Al Bahr goes swimmingly well

The release of Rasayel Al Bahr (Messages from the Sea) comes at an appropriate time. Although the title of the film might make it seem like a sappy, romantic story, it is actually quite the opposite.

The movie — directed by Dawoud Abdul Sayed — already enjoyed success once before in the UAE, thanks to its participation in last year's Abu Dhabi International Film Festival

Egyptian actor Asser Yasseen plays Yehia, a young man, who used to live in Alexandria, the cosmopolitan city on the northern shore of Egypt that was once home to a multi-cultural society: Egyptians, Greeks, Italians, Christians, Muslims and Jews all living there in harmony.

But now — as a form of Islamic-driven ruling is transforming the city into a depressing culture that chooses to ignore the city's beautiful past — the death of Yehia's mother brings him back to the city. And he decides to find out where all the people from his childhood went.

Encounters with old and new friends introduce him to the new face of the city, where he comes across a landlord, who attempts to kick him out of his house for not being religious enough, as well as a beautiful, open-minded lady (played by Basma Hassan). Will he be able to handle the pressure or will he bow down to religious oppression? All shall be revealed in this drama that is definitely worth watching.

Will Sarhan make a comeback?

News sources are suggesting that presenter Hala Sarhan has returned to Cairo following the reopening of Rotana's production studios in Cairo Media City, to resume her role as Rotana Cinema's main host.

Sarhan, who resides in Dubai, was banned from entering Egypt a few years ago after interviewing alleged prostitutes who were based in Cairo on her programme, Hala Show. She was also threatened with being arrested if she ever tried to enter the country. It is now revealed that Egypt's former interior minister, currently in prison facing corruption charges, banned her from entering Egypt upon request by former first lady Suzanne Mubarak.

However, now that the former Egyptian government has been overthrown, Sarhan is free to re-enter the country.

Labaki Vs Ajram

Nadine Labaki has been voted more powerful than Nancy Ajram and Elissa in a new poll.

According to the Arabic edition of Arabian Business's 100 Most Powerful Arab Women, Lebanese director Labaki, filmmaker of the hit film Caramel, was ranked at number 48, while singer Ajram only managed to make it to the 68th position.

Meanwhile, Elissa only made it to number 88 despite the fact the Lebanese singer's albums are top selling and she is involved in multiple business ventures.