Some stars are born, while others are discovered at the most unexpected moments. For Aicha Ben Ahmed, the spotlight found her when she least expected it. Before captivating audiences across Tunisia and Egypt, she never wanted to be an actress. That all changed when renowned director Nouri Bouzid saw something in her, a spark that would soon ignite a flourishing career in film and television. In an exclusive conversation with Enigma’s Farida Elserty, the talented star revisits the serendipitous moment that led her to acting, her journey between Tunisian and Egyptian cinema, and the exciting new chapters ahead.
The moment you lay your eyes on Aicha Ben Ahmed, you can’t help but pause. It’s not just her striking, beautiful face—it’s the effortless presence she carries. Even at 1:00 AM, amid our Ramadan night cover shoot, she radiated warmth and energy. Flashing a grin, she welcomes me into her little encampment, slipping into conversation as if we weren’t all running on fumes.
She chats with our Social Manager, Moustafa Elhalfawy, about the latest trends, laughs at the makeup artist’s jokes, and gushes with me about her love for cats and dogs. There’s an ease to her, a quiet self-assurance that makes her stand out beyond the camera. Ben Ahmed remains refreshingly grounded—and that might just be the greatest compliment of all in a world often defined by ego and competition.
As the room empties and the buzz fades, she trades her glamorous look for a sleek bun, wide-legged jeans, and a pair of well-worn Converse. Sitting across from her, I feel less like I’m interviewing a star and more like I am catching up with a friend. She is effortlessly real—unfiltered, unguarded, and entirely herself.
Ben Ahmed’s journey into acting was anything but conventional. She first stepped into the arts through dance, joining a troupe led by Souhaib Belkhodja, before earning her baccalaureate in the arts. She then pursued a diploma in graphic design, arts, and advertising at Ecole d’Art et de Décoration in Tunis. Initially working as a designer in an events agency, her life took an unexpected turn when Nouri Bouzid spotted her talent and introduced her to the world of acting. That serendipitous moment led to her debut in the Syrian movie My Last Friend (2012) and then in the Tunisian movie Thursday Afternoon (2013), setting the stage for what would become a flourishing career.
Acting was never part of Ben Ahmed’s plan—until fate intervened. Working on that first film, she found herself drawn to the craft, captivated by its depth and artistry. What started as an unexpected opportunity soon became an undeniable passion. She immersed herself in theatre workshops, studied the nuances of acting, and committed to mastering her new path. Today, she is one of the most recognisable faces in both Tunisian and Egyptian cinema, seamlessly navigating between the two worlds with remarkable ease.
Leaving behind everything she knew—her home, her family, her comfort zone—Ben Ahmed took a leap of faith into the unknown. Moving to Egypt wasn’t just about building a career; it was about rebuilding a life. “To be honest, I didn’t feel a huge difference between Egypt and Tunisia in terms of work, except that Egypt has a significantly larger production scale,” she shares. The transition came with its challenges, but with time, she found her place, proving that talent knows no borders.
Ben Ahmed isn’t one to settle for the familiar. She thrives on roles that push her boundaries and challenge her versatility. “I always strive to take on different characters and avoid repeating myself,” she explains. If she notices a pattern in the roles being offered, she makes a conscious effort to break away from it. “For me, the most important thing is that each role brings something new and distinct.”
Her performances carry a quiet intensity—subtle yet deeply impactful. It’s no surprise that she gravitates towards complex, layered characters. Or perhaps they’ll find her. “I love complex and layered characters—they inspire me, and I find joy in portraying them. Sometimes, they come to me, and other times, I actively seek them out. Either way, I always aim to bring out the depth in each role.” This approach is evident in her latest performance as Fatma in Al Ghawy. While the character may initially seem lighthearted, deeper layers gradually unfold as the story progresses.
This Ramadan, Al Ghawy has been making waves, with audiences captivated by Ben Ahmed’s portrayal. What drew her to this particular role? “I was deeply drawn to the intricacies of this character’s personality. It’s a space I’ve never explored before, and I loved the opportunity to do it alongside Ahmed Mekki.”
Al Ghawy wasn’t just an exciting new role for Ben Ahmed—it also marked her first collaboration with Ahmed Mekki, a name synonymous with comedy and sharp wit. Yet, working with him turned out to be much more than just sharing screen time. “Working with Ahmed Mekki was an extraordinary experience,” she says. “There was great chemistry between us, and beyond his incredible acting skills, he’s also a brilliant director. Working with him feels like attending an acting workshop.” Perhaps the most unexpected discovery in Ben Ahmed’s point of view is that he’s exceptionally good at tragedy—far beyond what people might assume.
Ben Ahmed has built a career that effortlessly bridges Tunisian and Egyptian cinema, adapting to different storytelling styles with ease. But how do the two industries compare? “The main difference is that Egyptian productions are on a much larger scale, with a higher volume of films and series. But for me, there’s no major difference in the work itself,” she explains.
Having conquered both the big and small screen, Ben Ahmed finds that each medium comes with its own set of challenges. “Both are equally challenging, but cinema has a unique charm and is more enjoyable in its way. Also, since films are shot over a much shorter period than TV series, an actor doesn’t get fully consumed by the character in the same way.”
Yet, some roles have left a deeper imprint on her, not just as an actress but as a person too. “Every role I’ve played has shaped me in some way, both as a performer and as a person. Some roles have had a particularly profound impact on me, like my roles in Rogue Arrows (2018), the Tunisian series Harqa (2021), Newton’s Cradle (2021) with Mona Zaki, The Affair (2022) with Khaled El Nabawy, and Without Prior Notice (2024) with Asser Yassin.”
Portraying strong, resilient women has become a defining aspect of Ben Ahmed’s career, but embodying such powerful personas comes at a cost. “Many of the strong female characters I play reflect aspects of my personality. At first, transitioning in and out of these roles was easy, but now, I feel like I need a phase of healing to regain my mental balance.”
If she could offer her younger self a single piece of advice before stepping into this industry, it would be simple yet profound: “You can’t please everyone.” A sentiment that has only grown stronger in the age of social media. While criticism comes with the territory, Ben Ahmed has learned how to filter out the noise. “To be honest, I no longer pay much attention to criticism on social media. I only check when someone mentions me directly. I don’t think it’s beneficial to dwell on either extreme—overly positive feedback isn’t helpful, and negative criticism can be mentally harmful. The best thing an actor can do is focus on their work.”
As for what’s next? Ben Ahmed is looking ahead to new creative frontiers. “I’d love to take on more historical roles, especially after my experience with Mu’awiya,” she reveals. “I also want to explore new territories—characters and genres I haven’t delved into before—so that my upcoming roles feel truly different from what I’ve done in the past.”
And while she keeps the details of her next project under wraps, she teases something exciting on the horizon. “Right now, I’m working on a film, but we’ll resume filming after Eid. You’re going to love it! Once we start shooting again, I’ll share all the details with you.”
With each role she takes, Aicha Ben Ahmed continues to evolve, proving that the best performances come from those who dare to push their limits. And if her journey so far is any indication, it’s that she is still developing, still reaching for something greater. Perhaps her most defining role isn’t just ahead of her—it’s already within her, waiting for the perfect moment to emerge.
Photography: Batool Al Daawi
Stylist: Maisaa Azab & Sahar Azab
Location: Unn Studios
Makeup: Soha Khoury
Hair Styling: Malak Samy