In the famous Egyptian TV series Waraa Al Tout (Berry Leaves), one cannot miss the remarkable talent of Aya Selim, a gifted and burgeoning actress who portrays Yasmine, a young and privileged girl grappling with personal and familial challenges, sharing the screen with esteemed actors such as Sherif Salama, Asmaa Galal, Khaled Anwar, and many others. Her portrayal of a compassionate and affectionate character amidst the chaos and turbulence of the storyline, combined with her captivating presence and striking beauty, has deeply resonated with numerous viewers. Following a mini photoshoot at the eniGma Magazine office, eniGma’s Farida Elserty had the opportunity to sit down with the young star and delve into her incredible journey into acting, the valuable lessons she has learned, and her plans on going next.
Over the past two incredible years, while working at eniGma Magazine, I have had the pleasure of meeting numerous stars and celebrities. Some were humble and funny, while others… well, let’s just say they were a bit distant. But there were a select few who I instantly felt were my long-lost friends. One such luminary is Aya Selim, a talented young actress whose star continues to rise with each captivating performance. Aya, with her dreamy eyes and a smile that radiates warmth, has quickly become a beloved figure in Egyptian entertainment. As I sat down with her for an exclusive interview, I was amazed by the incredible soul behind the characters she has brought to life.
“What inspired you to become an actress?” I asked, eager to unravel the start of her artistic journey. Aya’s eyes sparkled with nostalgia as she reminisced about her beginnings. She spoke of a young girl, wide-eyed and full of wonder, who found solace in the magic of acting. “It all started when I was walking in El Mohandsein area and stumbled upon a crowd. I discovered it was an audition for Tamer Hosny’s series, Farq Tawkit (Bad Timing) for Ramadan 2014. Without hesitation, I decided to give it a shot. I waited at the office until midnight because I hadn’t made an appointment beforehand. Thankfully, they eventually called me in to audition for the role. I only appeared in five scenes, but it was the best thing that ever happened to me,” she recalls with a smile. “I always had a dream of becoming an actress, but I never thought it would happen.” It seems like Aya was destined for stardom. As a young girl, she would talk to herself and act out imaginary scenarios in front of the mirror. She found all forms of happiness in it. “I love acting because it allows me to be someone different every day,” she expresses with genuine passion.
After her successful TV debut during the coveted Ramadan season, Aya continued to captivate audiences through a variety of TV series. Her impressive repertoire includes Nelly & Sharihan, Harbana Menha (Unstable Mind), Rayah El Madam (Keep Your Wife Happy), Qamar Hady (Hady’s Moon), El Brinseesa Beesa (Princess Beesa), W Neheb Tany Leh? (Why Fall in Love Again?), El Prince (The Prince), Azmat Montasaf Al Omr (Midlife Crisis), W Beena Maa’ad (We Have a Date), and most recently, Waraa Al Tout (Berry Leaves). With each new role, she showcased her versatility and undeniable talent.
As our conversation unfolded, I delved deeper into her artistic exploration, curious to know which role was the most challenging for her. “I consider Yasmine in Waraa Al Tout and Arwa in W Beena Maa’ad to be among the most challenging characters I’ve ever done,” she reflects, adding, “Yasmine, on one hand, was a spoiled girl grappling with mental health challenges, perpetually feeling overlooked. Conversely, Arwa, on the other hand, diverged significantly from my own experiences; her parental situation differed, and she navigated through a sense of being lost in life.” These two characters resonated with her on a profound level, allowing her to delve into the depths of human emotion and vulnerability.
And with numerous opportunities at her doorstep, Aya revealed that her decision-making process is guided by a blend of intuition and artistic discernment. Aya seeks projects that challenge her as an actress, ones that push the boundaries of her craft and allow her to grow both personally and professionally. “I select roles based on the quality of the character, the script, the director, and the screenwriter,” she asserts.
The life of an actor frequently calls for versatility given that characters often demand specific skills. To know more, I asked about her experience with such challenges and how she prepares for any role physically and mentally. With a smile, she recounted the arduous yet rewarding process of preparing for any role. “Physically, I always make sure to get enough sleep during off days, consume healthy food to stay active and engage in regular workouts to stay fresh. Mentally, I try to understand the character’s emotions and feelings, aiming to craft a multidimensional persona that resonates with the audience,” she affirms. For Aya, it is a delicate dance between the actress’ personality and the character, a symbiotic relationship that allows her to embody the essence of her roles.
Balancing multiple projects is a common challenge for many actors, and Aya has had her fair share of juggling commitments. Aya believes that organisation and prioritisation are key. She meticulously plans her schedule, ensuring that she devotes good time and energy into each project. Reflecting on her journey, “I used to handle multiple projects simultaneously when I had smaller roles that didn’t demand intense acting. However, with main characters, it’s crucial to give my full focus, and that’s not something I can compromise on at the moment.”
Nevertheless, the spotlight can be both a blessing and a curse, casting a glaring gaze upon those who dwell within its glow. I asked Aya about the pressures and expectations that come with being in the public eye as an actress. “On a personal level, I value a low-profile existence and I cherish a private, quiet life. Fortunately, I can navigate the pressures and expectations that accompany being in the public eye as an actress at this moment,” she says.
But what keeps Aya motivated to continue pursuing acting during all of that? Her eyes sparkled with determination as she expressed her unwavering love for the craft. Aya finds inspiration in the stories she tells, in the power of art to touch hearts and provoke meaningful conversations. “I love acting like a loving partner. My eyes sparkle when I see a camera, my heart beats fast when I enter any location. This, I believe, is what keeps me motivated,” she shares with a dreamy voice.
Aya’s admiration extends beyond acting. She finds inspiration in women who embody strength, perseverance, and compassion in their daily lives. “Women, in general, who consistently strive for self-improvement, build careers, address their insecurities, prioritise inner beauty over external appearance, and actively love and empower themselves, inspire me on numerous levels. Their resilience ignites a fire within my soul, serving as a powerful reminder of the limitless possibilities that lie ahead,” she expresses.
As our interview drew to a close, I probed deeper into Aya’s artistic preferences. Were there specific genres or roles that resonated with her? Aya finds herself drawn to roles that push the boundaries of her abilities. “I aspire to take on the role of a girl from a working-class neighbourhood, but without the typical clichés we’re accustomed to. You know, those girls with an attractive attitude, dignity, and bravery? I’m eager to portray one of these characters authentically,” she says.
Excitement radiated from Aya as she finally shared her upcoming projects. While she couldn’t divulge all the details, she hinted at the coming of the second season of the well-acclaimed series, W Beena Maa’ad (We Have a Date), with Sherine Reda and Sabry Fawaz.
Photography: Sherif Youssef
