In the glittering world of Egyptian cinema, where dreams often remain just dreams, Caroline Azmy stands as a testament to perseverance, passion, and the power of belief. An actress who embarked on her journey at the tender age of 19, Azmy’s story is one of unique dedication and a relentless pursuit of her dreams despite all odds. eniGma’s Farida Elserty had the chance to chat with the young actress about her journey to stardom, the roles that shaped her, and everything in between.
Azmy’s entrance into the acting world was not one of instant success. “It all began when I was 19 years old. I decided that the first thing I had to do was to learn how to act, to see if I was talented or just delusional,” she recalls, adding, “I applied to the Higher Institute of Theatrical Arts and unfortunately the first year I applied I did not get in. I worked on myself harder and the following year I was accepted.”
Azmy also faced skepticism from those around her, but she held onto her dream with a firm grip. “No one around me believed that I could be an actress. I got condescending comments like, ‘Yeah go do your acting thing’. But this made me hold onto my dream even more,” she adds.
Happily, her perseverance did pay off. Azmy landed her breakthrough role in the acclaimed series El Ab El Rouhy (The Godfather) in 2017, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey that has since taken her to new heights. As she navigated the complexities of the industry, her path was not always smooth, yet she remained undaunted, embracing the lessons learned along the way.
“The most important thing I’ve learned so far is how to separate my personal life from my acting,” she explains, “From the moment I step onto a film set, I have to fully become the character and completely separate from my real personality. I’ve also learned how to find the good in someone so I can work and act with them, even if they don’t like me or we don’t necessarily have chemistry together.” Punctuality is another virtue Azmy holds dear, a lesson learned from veteran actress Sawsan Badr during the making of Abo El Arousa (Father of the Bride). “I learned to respect showing up on time. I didn’t pay a lot of attention to this before acting. Now even if I am on time, I feel late,” she adds.
Azmy’s ability to portray diverse characters has profoundly impacted her. Reflecting on some of the roles that have deeply affected her, she says, “Most of my roles always have a piece of me. For instance, Hager in Abo El Arousa was the easiest role I’ve ever played because I was mainly playing myself. However, two roles significantly affected my mental health. One was in Feeh Amal (There is Hope), where my character had cancer. Someone close to me had died of cancer, so being confronted with the disease again was mentally exhausting.” Another challenging role was in Hadota Mora (A Bitter Story) with Ghada Abdel Razek, where she played a daughter reconnecting with her mother after twenty years. “After filming those scenes, I lost all my energy and fell into a depressive episode, especially after Feeh Amal. But fortunately, I bounced back quickly.”
For Azmy, choosing roles is an art form. She immerses herself in each script, looking for stories that resonate deeply with her soul. “I don’t like doing stuff just for exposure. I like doing stuff where I’m sure I can add something or I don’t do it at all,” she says with conviction. Each role must challenge her, stir her emotions, and reveal facets of her talent. “I might be a bit slow in my process, but it’s always the same. I seek roles that ignite a spark within me, that push me beyond my comfort zone, and allows me to grow as an artist and as a person. I want my success to come from projects that I’m truly proud of, from performances that leave a lasting impact and inspire others,” she explains.
Proper preparation is the cornerstone of Azmy’s performance. She immerses herself in detailed character analyses, delving into her characters’ backgrounds and experiences. “I do a character analysis that goes back to childhood to the moment I’m playing her because it’s important for the performance. If the character has an internal dilemma even if it’s not visible to others she knows it, and so must I,” she explains. This deep dive allows her to fully believe in and embody the character. After meticulously dissecting the script, she experiments with different interpretations of each scene. “I pick at the script scene by scene and try them differently each time, then show them to the director to find the best possible one,” she adds. This rigorous process ensures that every performance is authentic.
Reflecting on her favourite role, Azmy reveals that it mirrors her own experiences in life. “The role of Hagar in Abu El Arousa is my favourite because it’s not just a role it’s me. It’s like portraying the story of my life.” Yet, her artistic spirit is restless and ambitious. “I want to undertake new roles and explore uncharted territories. I crave the opportunity to offer something new and original,” she says. Her passion for innovation and growth drives her to seek out roles that challenge her, and most importantly, allow her to bring fresh, unique stories to life.
Through the highs and lows of her acting career Azmy considers her journey to be a masterclass in self-awareness and resilience. “In the beginning, I was sensitive to the whispers and critiques about me,” she reflects. Yet, as time has passed, she cultivated a powerful filter for negativity. “Negative feedback doesn’t hold much sway over me. I’ve learned to disregard the negative comments about me or my roles. Instead, I focus on the positive. If someone has something good to say, that’s when I truly listen and appreciate their feedback,” she explains. By consciously choosing to embrace encouragement and sidestep criticism, she feels she remains steadfastly true to herself.
Looking back on her career, Azmy has no regrets. “There’s nothing I want to change about myself. on the contrary, I wish to always stay the same in terms of the positive energy and love I always try to spread. I’m on a continuous path to change into a better version of myself,” she asserts.
Azmy’s face lights up as she describes her dream collaborations. “I’d love to join forces with Tamer Hosny for a rom-com. His spontaneity is infectious, and I’m convinced we could create something truly electric together.” She also holds a special place in her heart for Karim Abdelaziz, envisioning a collaboration that promises excitement and depth.
As for her current projects, Azmy is buzzing with activity. She’s gearing up for several new ventures, including a much-anticipated advertisement with Tamer Hosny, that hit the screens these days. Her ongoing dedication to her craft continues to captivate and inspire, making every new project a thrilling addition to her dynamic career.
Art Director & Stylist: Mayan Hesham
Photographer: Ahmad Nahal
Videographer: Ahmed Reda
Dresses from: Taya Couture
Jewellery: Glamour Jewellery
BTS: Dina Sabry
Makeup: Nour Risk
Hairstylist: Michael Ghabour
Location: Remal Wellness Resort