Pursuing one’s passion often comes with challenges, and Farah El Zahed has emerged as a shining example of determination and talent in Egyptian cinema. A young actress who began her career in 2021, El Zahed has already captivated audiences with her performances, blending youthful exuberance with a dedication to her craft. Her passion for acting, nurtured since childhood, has driven her to overcome challenges and embrace her true calling. El Zahed’s story is not just about entering the industry; it’s about embracing destiny, facing obstacles head-on, and making a meaningful impact on and off the screen. eniGma’s Farida Elserty had the chance to chat with the young actress to delve deeper into her inspiring journey and her dreams.
I consider myself fortunate to have known from a young age that I wanted to be an actress,” El Zahed reflects. “Since the 1st grade, I felt a strong sense of what I wanted to do. It was an innate feeling that had never left me.” This early certainty set El Zahed on a path unlike many of her peers, one driven by a deep-seated belief in her unique gift. While other children indulged in cartoons, she found herself drawn to the cinematic world, inspired by Nelly and Sherihan’s Fawazeer. But it was The Pursuit of Happyness, starring Will Smith, that left an indelible mark on her. “I re-watch this film whenever I feel like giving up. It tells the true story of Chris Gardner, and I admire how Will Smith used his voice and fame to share Chris Gardner’s story and convey an important message.”
El Zahed’s journey from television to film has been both challenging and fulfilling. Her first experience in cinema in 2023 with Sugar Daddy, alongside the esteemed Laila Eloui and Bayoumi Fouad, was particularly memorable. “Seeing the poster in the cinema and knowing that people were coming to watch a film I was in was incredibly fulfilling. It felt like a dream come true,” she shares. Despite the thrill, it also brought a heightened awareness of her own imperfections. “Seeing myself on the big screen also meant seeing all my faults, which was both challenging and enlightening.”
Balancing the demands of TV series and films, El Zahed appreciates the distinct experiences each medium offers. “TV series often reach a wider audience as they are broadcast in many homes, leading to greater recognition. However, people choose to watch films in theatres and purchase tickets, which makes the experience more personal.” Yet, it is the immersive nature of cinema that she finds most challenging and rewarding. “Drama and cinema both have their distinct advantages, but cinema is particularly challenging because it provides a more immersive experience.”
El Zahed’s most significant professional achievement to date is her first role in the drama series El Tawoos (The Peacock), which aired during Ramadan 2021. Reflecting on this milestone, she recalls, “It was an incredibly challenging role.” The series tackled serious issues, particularly women’s rights, and involved many dramatic and emotionally intense scenes. “I was initially shocked when they informed me that the role would be renamed Farah to better suit me,” she says, highlighting the directors’ faith in her ability. Without even auditioning, El Zahed was chosen by the director, Raouf Abdel Aziz, and the producer because they believed she was perfect for the role. “They told me, ‘The way you speak and your appearance are very suitable for the role, and we are confident you will do it justice,’” she recounts. This confidence was both validating and daunting, as the role required her to delve into complex and weighty themes, including rape and other critical women’s issues.
“The series was very heavy with many dramatic scenes and different emotions. It was a real test of my abilities,” she explains. The positive reception she received was overwhelming, with many viewers unable to believe it was her first acting role. “People told me they couldn’t believe it was my first time acting. This feedback was incredibly validating and one of the moments I am most grateful for,” El Zahed shares passionately. Her sister Hannah El Zahed’s support was also crucial. “Hannah told me, ‘You’ve done it now. You deserve to say out loud that you want to be an actress because people see in you what you see in yourself,’” she recalls. This role marked a turning point, giving her the confidence to continue pursuing her career with passion and determination. “The impact of this role, especially as it dealt with such a serious issue, made me realise the power of my craft. It gave me the confidence to say, ‘I will do more,’” she affirms.
Working alongside her sister, Hannah El Zahed, has been a unique and memorable aspect of her career. One standout moment was during the filming of Bahebak (I Love You) with Tamer Hosny, where Tamer suggested including her in a cameo appearance, creating a lasting memory for both sisters. This movie marked El Zahed’s first time seeing herself on the big screen, a moment she cherishes deeply. However, the comfort and familiarity of working with her sister come with their own set of challenges. “On set, Hannah and I sometimes forget to act professionally because we’re so used to being together. We often chat and laugh before scenes, forgetting that we’re on a film set rather than at home,” she shares. Their natural chemistry often leads to uncontrollable laughter, requiring frequent reminders from the director to stay focused. Despite these occasional lapses into sisterly banter, the chemistry between the two translates into their performances. “We have great chemistry, and it often makes our scenes more authentic, but it can also be a challenge,” El Zahed admits. To maintain professionalism, they sometimes remind each other to stay in character and avoid making each other laugh. In fact, El Zahed’s meticulous nature, influenced by her OCD, adds another layer to their dynamic. “I prefer to keep my trailer organised, and Hannah respects that,” she says. The sisters often share makeup and accessories, creating a comfortable, home-like atmosphere on set.
Nevertheless, handling social media comparisons, especially with a sibling in the same industry, can be tricky, but El Zahed navigates it with grace and wisdom. “When I first started acting, I knew comparisons were inevitable. It’s a natural part of being in the public eye,” she admits. For El Zahed, personal growth trumps comparisons. “Comparisons don’t bother me much. The only person you should compare yourself to is yourself,” she emphasises. Regarding the inevitable comparisons to her sister Hannah, she takes it in stride. “People naturally notice our resemblance and make comparisons, but we’ve become accustomed to it. We support each other and know the most important thing is to be true to ourselves and our talents.”
In a candid moment, El Zahed opened up about the challenge of being seen beyond her striking looks. “Beauty is a gift, not something I’ve chosen,” she says. “But relying on it alone isn’t enough.” El Zahed’s goal is to shift the focus from her appearance to her acting prowess. She recalls, “It’s about showing what lies behind the surface. I’ve had to work extra hard to prove that my talent goes beyond just being a pretty face.” Her efforts have been validated by industry veterans like director Wael Ehsan, who praised her skills in addition to her looks. “Receiving such recognition from a respected director reassures me that my hard work is paying off,” El Zahed reflects, highlighting the importance of being recognised for her talent as well as her beauty.
Looking ahead, El Zahed is eager to tackle roles that shed light on real struggles. “I’d love to play someone with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). It’s an illness that’s often misunderstood and can lead to severe distress,” she says passionately. Having battled OCD herself since childhood, El Zahed is working on a short film to raise awareness. “My family struggled to understand my condition, but campaigns like ‘Judge Me’ and my interview with Mona Elshazly have helped them see it more clearly. I hope to bring more visibility to the real challenges faced by those with OCD.”
El Zahed’s passions extend beyond the silver screen. “Music is a huge part of my life,” she reveals. This love led her to learn sign language, enabling her to sing and perform in a deeply emotional way. “I see it as a form of free therapy,” she says. For El Zahed, sign language is more than just a skill; it’s a bridge to better communication and connection. “I believe everyone should learn it. It opens up a new realm of interaction and understanding.”
And with only three years in the industry, El Zahed is brimming with optimism about her future. She’s focused on embracing new opportunities and adapting to the evolving entertainment landscape. “I’m excited about what’s ahead and eager to explore the possibilities that social media and other avenues offer.” Her forward-looking attitude underscores her commitment to growth and her enthusiasm for the journey ahead.
On her influnces, El Zahed’s career has been profoundly shaped by Talaat Zakaria, a figure she describes as her greatest influence. “Taalt Zakaria wasn’t just a mentor; he was a living lesson in dedication and resilience,” she reflects. Growing up, she witnessed Zakaria’s passion for his craft, even in his final days. “His commitment to his work, regardless of his health, taught me that true dedication doesn’t falter. He showed me that being passionate means giving everything, even when it’s tough,” she shares. His words and work ethic continue to inspire El Zahed, reminding her to embrace every challenge with the same fervour.
El Zahed is buzzing with excitement about her latest projects. “We just wrapped up filming for El Mayet Da Btaa’ Min? (Who Does this Dead Body Belong to?)— a light-hearted comedy with a fresh concept,” she enthuses. The film boasts a stellar cast including Mohamed Lotfy, Mohamed Radwan, Edward, and Walaa El Sufi, and is directed by Shadi Ali. “It’s been amazing working with such talented people again, especially with Isaad Younis as the producer.
Additionally, she’s gearing up for a new series on Shahid, featuring Ahmed Hatem in a new cooperative venture. “I’m thrilled about this series. It’s a collection of separate episodes that I hope will resonate with viewers,” El Zahed reveals. With these exciting ventures on the horizon, she’s looking forward to sharing her diverse roles with her audience and continuing to grow in her craft.
Art Director & Stylist: Mayane Hesham
Photographer: Alia Rady
Fashion Designer: Christina Leon
Videographer: Youssef Eldera
Makeup Artist: Sandra Magdy
Hairstylist: Mahmoud Gioushy
