Tamer Hosny, Dorra talk ‘Tisbah Ala Khair’

Egyptian singer-actor Tamer Hosny and Tunisian actress Dorra Zarrouk have reunited once again, this time in the romantic comedy Tisbah Ala Khair, which is currently playing in UAE cinemas.

When wealthy engineer Hussam (Hosny) grows dissatisfied with his life and marriage, he seeks an escape. He enlists the help of a high-tech device to transport him to different worlds through his dreams. In one realm, he’s a version of Captain Jack Sparrow of Pirates of the Caribbean. But in another, more significant realm, he’s Jamal: a simpler, happier version of himself, who trades in pressed suits for colourful street wear and a traditional tarbush (fez), then falls for the charms of boisterous Aisha (Zarrouk).

For Hosny, the challenge of playing three characters was a welcome one.

“This whole time, as Tamer, I’ve felt like I have a strength as an actor that still hasn’t surfaced in any of my roles. Here I play three different characters, who are opposite to each other, but have some similarities. The feedback has been amazing,” he said.

In separate sit-down interviews in Dubai, Hosny and Zarrouk, who previously co-starred in the 2011 television series Adam, told Gulf News tabloid! what it was like teaming up again — and what kind of dreams they really have.

Out of the three characters you play in the film, which did you enjoy most?

Hosny: There’s a depth to the main character, Hussam, who’s going through personal problems. The other characters are all inside him. But from a comedic point of view, Jamal, the guy with the tarbush, he’s the one who’ll make you laugh.

You’ve become known for your roles in romantic comedies — is that something that you like to do?

Hosny: I used to like the idea of romantic comedies. For the past year or two, I’ve been focused on changing the genres that I work in and improving myself. I feel like I have an acting force within me that people haven’t yet seen, so I wanted to bring it out in a more serious way. There’s something different about my performance in this film — even the people who are close to me are surprised, like, ‘How did Tamer act like that?

Dorra, are you a fan of romantic comedies yourself? Is it a genre you grew up on?

Zarrouk: Absolutely. As a viewer, and I think us girls in general, I love romantic comedy above all else. I’ve acted in action and suspense films, but it’s not my favourite to do. Back in the day, during the black and white period of Egyptian cinema, they did romantic comedies so well, [like the actresses] Souad Hosny, Shadia and Faten Hamamah. I wish that would make a comeback. Tamer and I tried to bring in those elements of romantic comedy here.

What roles would you still like to see yourself play?

Zarrouk: When a role is superficial or it isn’t written well, it’s difficult to pull it off. I’d like to do characters that represent the Arab women in all different shapes and forms. Sometimes we can take on important issues, and sometimes it can be more lighthearted, more romantic. I’d love to do a truly romantic film, like the olden days — a love story to talk about.

Which heartthrobs from back in the day would you have liked to act with?

Zarrouk: Omar Sharif. Hands down.

Tamer, if you were able to do what your character does in this film, and change your life through a dream, would you do it?

Hosny: In truth, I wouldn’t want to change my life — but I’d like to develop as a person. There are a lot of people who look at others and say, ‘if I was in that person’s shoes, I’d do this and that.’ But if you actually were in their shoes, you’d find their life harder than yours. Whatever God has chosen for you, that’s the best life.

How were you able to get into character for this film?

Zarrouk: I’ve been living in Egypt for so long, that some people might even think I’m Egyptian, though I’m originally Tunisian. I’m very familiar with Egypt and the characters there. I talk to people and pick things up from them. That helps me when I’m playing a character like this.

What was it like working with Tamer?

Zarrouk: He’s a superstar, both as a singer and actor — one of few that have succeeded at both. On a personal level, he has a great sense of humour. We were always joking around behind the scenes. That helped us to find a chemistry between us. The second time you work with someone, you’re always more comfortable.

What was it like working with Dorra? Did you two discuss the roles beforehand, and how did you achieve your chemistry?

Hosny: Ever since we filmed Adam, we felt like we had a lot of chemistry between us, and we wanted to make a film together. Dorra is a great artist — she’s dedicated and good at what she does. She respects everyone. She respects her work and commitments. She researches her roles well. I was honoured to work with her.

You’ve amassed a huge fan base. Do you ever miss the times you could go out and be anonymous?

Hosny: I had big dreams and I fought and worked hard until I reached my goal. But if you’re asking about whether I’d like to walk down the street alone, without being recognised — it doesn’t make me think, ‘I wish I never got successful.’ But sometimes my friends and I go down at 4 or 5am in the street, by ourselves, and we pretend it’s six at night. At the same time, in any public place, if someone greets you, you have to be warm with them, take pictures, and celebrate your success with them. I came up from below zero, so this is a dream come true.

If you could meet any celebrity, dead or alive, who would it be?

Hosny: Abdul Halim Hafiz or Michael Jackson, because of how hard they had to work to get to where they are, and to become legends.

Do you dream a lot, as a person?

Hosny: I have a significant relationship with dreams. I went through a depressing period when I was in university. I removed the idea of singing from my head. But when I went home, I dreamt I was famous, and people were chanting, ‘Tamer, Tamer’. The year that I was making my first album, I told my manager about the dream. I asked him if he thought it would come true. At my first concert, I saw it was really happening.

Zarrouk: I have phases where I dream a lot, and times when I don’t dream at all. When I was younger, I used to dream that I could fly, and that was the best dream I’ve had in my life. Sometimes I remember my dreams like films, which is why I like the idea of this movie.

Don’t miss it!

Tisbah Ala Khair is now playing in UAE cinemas