AlRawabi School For Girls Season 2 Cast on Life Advice, Societal Issues And School Fashion Choices

Bazaar Arabia chats with Tara Abboud, Kira Yaghnam, and Thalia Elansari from the show’s second season which premieres today

The wait is over as school is officially back in session.

AlRawabi School For Girls, Season 2 officially premieres exclusively on Netflix today – on February 15, 2024 – and in celebration of the world-renowned show’s highly anticipated release, Bazaar Arabia caught up with Kira Yaghnam (who plays Hiba), Thalia Elansari (who plays Shams), and Tara Abboud (who plays Sarah); as part of a lighthearted yet deeply insightful and exclusive interview with the upcoming stars.

All three strikingly beautiful actors serendipitously donned black outfits, proving just how their in sync they are. “We didn’t even plan this,” shares Kira, who also disclosed that the three AlRawabi classmates were actual classmates at the same high school—in real life, that is. From their identical educational backgrounds, to the palpable positive energy they share; Kira, Thalia, and Tara are truly aligned.

Kira Yaghnam, who portrays the role of Hiba, initially gives off an air of toughness, which is primarily attributable to her signature grungy appearance both on and off the show. The actor’s intimidating exterior is, however, swiftly counterbalanced by her sweet, kind, and warm interior, which shines through in everything she does. Thalia’s extremely strong sense of self and self-assured demeanour, which was also rightfully praised by her fellow co-stars, gently commands the room; whilst Tara’s down-to-earth, graceful, and grounded nature is a breath of fresh air, restoring balance.

Discussing a variety of topics – from life advice they would give their younger selves and pressing societal issues, to self-confidence, fashion, and friendship – the AlRawabi School For Girls, Season 2 leading ladies offered us an insightful glimpse into their lives, both on- and off-screen.

Bazaar Arabia‘s Interview With The AlRawabi School For Girls Season 2 Cast

Harper’s Bazaar Arabia (HBA): How did it feel joining a show that already generated so much buzz in the region?

Thalia: AlRawabi School For Girls already has a huge fanbase and is already very successful, so it felt like such an honour to continue the show.

HBA: As young Jordanian girls, did you draw any inspiration from your own high school experiences whilst acting on the show?

Tara: I think every character had a lot of our own selves in it, but we also had to get inspired by different people because we sometimes didn’t exactly have the same story or the same experience in high school as our characters. That being said, we all had something of the character in us, and that’s exactly why Tima found we were the right fit.

Kira: All in all, we feel that Season 2 and AlRawabi School For Girls in general tackles universal themes. I think a lot of girls in school – not just in Jordan or the Arab world, but around the world – will relate to the show and will hopefully feel that they’re not alone in their struggles. Season 2 definitely adresses different themes.

Tara: We’re really excited to share the new season with you, and we really hope that people enjoy it as much as we enjoyed doing it.

HBA: Season 1 of AlRawabi School For Girls indeed addressed pressing societal issues such as bullying. Does Season 2 of the show address similar issues, or rather different ones entirely?

Kira: Season 2 of AlRawabi School For Girls has the same vibe as Season 1. It has the same pink uniforms, the same yellow buses – but the umbrella theme of this season is quite different. The show primarily addresses the effects of social media on the mental health – particularly that of young girls and young people in general at school. The show also tackles a range of sub-themes such as cyberbullying and peer pressure. We hope that these topics will create conversations that need to be had, and that they will build bridges between generational gaps.

Thalia: AlRawabi School For Girls, Season 2 addresses the struggles of young girls in society in general. With social media, we’re looking at an unrealistic life that we believe to be true – which is very hard for young girls to go through. It’s like living in a bubble. They’re just trying to find validation through followers and likes when there’s way more to life.

Tara: This social media life that we live in now is hard for everyone. It’s really hard to not look at and compare yourself to other people, and it’s even harder on teenagers who don’t really know that this isn’t real, that this isn’t the truth. Not everything you see is what it seems.

HBA: Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to your high-school-self? Alternatively, what advice would you give to young high school girls today?

Tara: I think, just be yourself and don’t compare yourself to others. This is really hard in practice. I mean, no one is perfect, and no one really masters self-confidence and not comparing yourself to others; we all do it, and it’s really hard not to. But you should really try to focus on what you’ve got that others don’t, and what you should be grateful for in your life. I know this might sound hard, but it’s really important to try to see the glass half full.

Try to make the most out of high school because you’re never going to go again. Well, we did (laughs). I mean, we were lucky enough to go to high school twice by joining AlRawabi School For Girls, Season 2. In fact, Thalia went to two schools at the same time whilst filming: AlRawabi School, and actual school!

Thalia: The first step to mastering life is knowing who you are. Once you know who you are, you know what you want in life, your aspirations and goals. You know who to surround yourself with. I think in general, if you’re true to yourself, everything will come to you – because you just strive to become better every single day. As long as you have the aspiration, you’re set.

Kira: Just enjoy it – the good and the bad. It’s going to pass by very quickly.

HBA: You’re restricted by school uniforms on the show. How did you express yourself through fashion back in school?

Tara: I was really not a style icon when I was in school. I’m still figuring out my style, but I didn’t even know what style is to be honest.

Kira: Not at all, Tara! Fun fact, we all went to the same school. Tara used to wear this denim jacket that I used to love. I don’t know why I never stole it from you, Tara.

Thalia: I remember back in grade 10, I went through this crazy phase where I started wearing more rings and more jewellery. I would wear a ring on every single finger and multiple necklaces and bracelets stacked over each other. It was very colourful.

Kira: Thalia is so unique. She has such a unique sense of style and, I don’t even know how to describe it, you’re amazing.

Thalia: Coming from you, Kira!

Kira. You found yourself at such a young age; that’s amazing. At school, I used to wear this very dark eyeliner, which I think is the only thing Hiba – my character on AlRawabi School for Girls, Season 2 – and I have in common. I would say I’m a pretty dark person, and I never felt that I should hide that. I’m glad my school never suppressed that or felt the need to be strict. I just remember the eyeliner and my wild hair.

One time, I entered class and my teacher told me, “Why are you dressed like an AlRawabi girl” (referencing the character of Noaf from Season 1 who, like Hiba, has a grunge style). So, I definitely manifested this.

Stay tuned for more AlRawabi School For Girls, Season 2 updates.

Lead image courtesy of Instagram/@alrawabinetflix.