Nowadays it seems that no new hair care product is released in the region without having an Arab starlet to represent it. Following in the footsteps of the likes of Hend Sabry, Mai Selim and Yara, Rania Yousuf is the latest celebrity to be snapped up to become a product ambassador.
The Egyptian actress was at a Dubai press conference this week to launch a range of Parachute Gold products. Rania — along with Emirati singer Ruweida Al Mahrouqi and Lebanese actress Nadine Al Rasi — are the three faces of the brand, and recently returned from a trip to Sri Lanka where they filmed the first commercial.
No stranger to the UAE, Rania was last in the emirate promoting the film Wahed Saheeh at the Dubai International Film Festival. tabloid! caught up with her to find out what she has been up to since.
You're no stranger to Dubai — do you enjoy coming out here?
Yes, I absolutely love it. What I love about the UAE's people is that they are extremely decent and have a lot of love for their country, and I have a lot of respect for those that respect and love their country.
How did the collaboration with Parachute come about?
It's funny, because I remember one day returning home from work and my 8-year-old came up to me with a new hairstyle, saying, "Mummy, mummy, look at my hair!" And I found that she had some hair cream on, so I asked to see it and it was actually Parachute. By complete coincidence, my agent received a call about a month later asking me to be the product's brand ambassador.
I'm proud to be associated with a great product. It's something I now use myself and I wouldn't have represented something had I not believed in it. It is also the first time a brand uses three Arab females, not one!
What's coming up for you? I believe you're appearing in a new television drama this Ramadan?
Yes, that's right. It's called Khotoot Hamra, and it has an all-star cast, including Ahmad Al Sakka, Ahmad Rizk, Mohammad Adel Imam, Arwa Gouda, Yousra Al Louzy and many more wonderful actors. It is set in Cairo and upper Egypt, and I take on the role of Hekmat, a girl from upper Egypt who is looking for revenge for the death of her brother. It's a very interesting story and I hope viewers enjoy it.
And what about movies?
Yes, there's Haflet Nos Al Leil. I play Shahd, a young woman who inherits a lot of money following her father's death, but she soon realises that her family and friends are not what they make out to be. It's a smaller cast, so this is more of a starring role.
But, to be honest, I like being in all-star casts, because I like variety — a lot of people are involved, you don't get bored with your co-star and nobody gets bored with me, plus I don't get burned out.
Your latest movie, Reklam, which also stars Gada Abdul Razek, was recently released in Egypt. Is it true that you are not happy with the film?
Yes, that is kind of true. I wasn't happy as they played around with the script behind my back so the film was different upon release. However, it has received a good response, and did well in the box office, so I am happy fans liked it.
Nancy's the key
Every one wants a piece of Nancy Ajram. Following her mini tour in the US last month, it has been reported that the Mayor of Las Vegas, Carolyn G. Goodman, presented the Lebanese singer with a key to the city.
Nancy was honoured in recognition for the role as a Unicef Goodwill Ambassador, where she has contributed to various projects aimed at protecting women and children throughout the region.
"I'd like to express my gratitude for being bestowed with this honour; I have had such a great time in the US, and can't wait to see my fans again," she said.
Nancy performed in Atlantic City and Houston as a part of her tour, with support from fellow Lebanese singer Ayman Zibib.
Yousra's back on TV
Yousra fans can breathe a sigh of relief — she is definitely back on TV this Ramadan.
After refusing to appear in a television drama last season "out of respect for those that lost their lives during the [Egyptian] revolution", the actress has confirmed that her programme Sharbat Loz will show on satellite channels this year.
The show — which also stars Ragaa Al Gedawi, Sameer Ganem, Aida Riyad, Tamer Hagras and Saba Mubarak — sees Yousra take on the role of Sharbat, who remained unmarried until her 40s after dedicating her life to her younger siblings. However, it all changes when she meets a sexy designer.
Tweets this week
@jadshwery: Never look down on anybody unless you are helping them up
— Lebanese singer and director Jad Shwery Choueiri
@LaraCScandar: Long day in Seville, Spain tomorrow! Goodnight world. I might question you at times, but I love you
— Egyptian singer Lara Scandar
