Sawsan Badr Answers Rapid Fire Questions: Everything You Missed From Her Hebr Serry Interview

From dealing with criticism to her thoughts on Mona Zaki’s role in Perfect Strangers, the award-winning Egyptian actress speaks candidly on the popular Arabic talk show

Known as the Nefertiti of Egyptian cinema, Sawsan Badr made an appearance yesterday evening on Hebr Serry where she answered a series of rapid fire questions in a segment of the programme called “Min Gheir Kousouf,” revealing her thoughts on some of the most controversial topics surrounding both herself and other Arabic actors.

Sawsan, who has worked in the film industry for over forty years, wasn’t shy when it came to discussing “hot topics” like the portrayal of women in Al Bahth Aan Ola – a series which touches on themes that include relationships and divorce – and Perfect Strangers, Netflix’s hit Arabic film which premiered earlier this year and received some backlash for critics due to its controversial story and scenes.

See Sawsan’s comments on Al Bahth Aan Ola below.

When the host, Asmaa Ibraheem, asked her about her thoughts on Mona Zaki stepping into the role of Maryam in Perfect Strangers – a flick which follows seven friends who agree to somewhat risky game, which involves giving one and other access to their phones throughout the course of a night – Sawsan made it clear she thought the backlash the actress received was unwarranted.

Watch Sawsan answer the question below.

Asmaa also questioned Sawsan on beauty and distinct facial features, ones which give her a classically Egyptian look, regal like Nefertiti – a character she actually played in a campaign for Women of Egypt. The actress made it clear her beauty has never put her at a disadvantage; rather, it gives her the ability to play any role regardless of the character’s background.

At the end of the interview, Asmaa graciously thanked Sawsan for her honesty and modesty.

Sawsan also told Asmaa all about her strange encounter with one of her fans.

Watch her answer below

If you want to watch more of the interview, click here.

Photography: Tarek El Mokaddem. Styling: Ahmed Srour

Lead from Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s September 2019 issue