Some individuals create art to escape reality, while others use it to understand and transform it. Gihan El Shamashergy is undoubtedly the latter. A master of reinvention, her artistic journey bridges jewellery design, acting, and contemporary dance, showcasing her boundless creativity and passion for storytelling. With each piece of jewellery she designs, every character she channels, and every performance she brings to life, El Shamashergy weaves a narrative that resonates with her audience. In an exclusive interview with eniGma’s Farida Elserty, the young star reflects on her evolution as an artist, her commitment to social impact, and the lessons she has learned along the way.
In a world that often urges people to specialise, El Shamashergy defies conventions by embracing her multifaceted identity as a designer, actress, and advocate for the transformative power of art. Her work isn’t just about aesthetic appeal; it’s about creating meaningful connections—between artist and audience, craft and emotion, and ultimately, between people.
Before gracing the screen, El Shamashergy’s first creative love was jewellery design, a field where she found a unique outlet for self-expression. “Jewellery design was my first creative love, and it still holds a special place in my heart,” she explains. Even as she ventured into acting, she maintained her bond with this art form. “Whether by sketching designs, teaching jewellery making, or creating pieces now and then, I make it a point to stay connected.” For her, jewellery design and acting are not separate pursuits; rather, they exist as complementary facets of her artistic journey. “Both are about self-expression, and they often inspire each other. It’s all part of the same journey of bringing beauty and emotion to life.”
El Shamashergy’s love for jewellery design is not just a personal passion; it has also been a means of empowering others. One of the most significant chapters in her journey involved holding jewellery-making workshops for the women of the Nubian island of Heissa in Aswan. “My time working with the women in Heissa was truly transformative,” she reflects. “It taught me the power of resilience and the importance of using art as a tool for connection.” These workshops simply combined her design expertise with her desire to give back. “Seeing their creativity and determination inspired me to approach my work with greater authenticity and purpose,” she shares.
This blend of art and social impact remains a driving force in her career. “I hope to take on more projects that combine art with social impact. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about creating work that not only tells a story but also uplifts and gives back to the community.”
El Shamashergy’s background in contemporary dance also continues to influence her acting, offering a unique lens through which she approaches her roles. “Dance has given me a deep understanding of how movement communicates emotion,” she says. This sensitivity to physical expression allows her to connect with her characters on a visceral level. “I often explore how the character moves—how they walk, hold tension, or express joy. It’s a powerful way to embody who they are beyond words. Dance has also given me a strong sense of rhythm and presence, which helps me stay grounded and fully in the moment during performances.”
In a career marked by depth, El Shamashergy is intentional about the projects she chooses. “I approach my projects with a focus on storytelling and connection. I’m drawn to roles that challenge me emotionally or allow me to explore new perspectives—characters with depth and complexity, and a story worth telling.” She also actively seeks roles that push her out of her comfort zone. “Whether it’s a different genre, era, or character type, I look for projects that resonate with me and have the potential to leave an impact on the audience.”
But what do jewellery design and acting have in common? At first glance, they may seem worlds apart, but both are rooted in the art of storytelling. One creates tangible expressions of emotion, while the other breathes life into a character’s journey. For her, they’re two sides of the same coin—each a medium for authentic self-expression, weaving connection and meaning through the finest details. “The common thread between both of them is storytelling; whether through a design or a performance, it’s about connecting with people on an emotional level,” she asserts. Also, both crafts challenge her to express herself authentically. “They encourage me to find meaning in the details, whether it’s a perfectly crafted piece of jewellery or the subtle nuances of a performance.”
For that, she believes the arts hold a unique responsibility in shaping cultural conversations, particularly in a country as rich and diverse as Egypt. “The arts have the power to reflect societal realities, challenge perspectives, and inspire change. They can highlight stories that might otherwise go untold and create a sense of connection and understanding among people.” Her work across multiple disciplines—design, dance, and acting—is driven by a desire to contribute to this larger dialogue. “It’s not just about self-expression but about shaping how we see ourselves and our culture.”
El Shamashergy’s creative journey, spanning from jewellery design to acting, reflects her constant growth and exploration. “Starting with jewellery design, I learned how to express emotions through tangible art. Transitioning into acting expanded my creative horizon, allowing me to explore human emotions and experiences on a deeper level.” Each chapter of her journey has brought new challenges, shaping her artistic vision and fueling her desire to create impactful work.
Looking ahead, El Shamashergy hopes to undertake projects that beautifully intertwine her artistic passions. “Whether through roles that explore creativity or collaborations blending design, performance, and storytelling, my ultimate goal is to create work that resonates with people and leaves a lasting impact.” This desire to connect with audiences is rooted in her background in English literature, which profoundly influences her artistic approach. “Storytelling is at the heart of everything I do, whether it’s bringing a character to life, designing a piece of jewellery, or interpreting a script. Acting allows me to embody those stories and make them tangible for audiences.”
Across all her skills, El Shamashergy identifies as a storyteller, always seeking authentic and meaningful expressions of human experience. “I’m always seeking to connect with people through these expressions.” Working in Egypt’s film and television industry offers unique challenges and rewards, as she navigates the balance between creative expression and the practical constraints of production. “Whether it’s limited budgets, tight schedules, or navigating industry expectations, the process can be difficult.”
Yet, these challenges often inspire innovation and resilience. “Egyptian cinema and television have a rich history, and being part of a tradition that resonates with audiences both locally and internationally is incredibly fulfilling.” For El Shamashergy, contributing to this legacy is one of the greatest joys of her career, and she embraces her role as a model for young women pursuing creative paths in Egypt.
At its core, acting remains a source of joy and discovery for El Shamashergy. “What I love most is the ability to step into someone else’s shoes and bring their story to life. It’s a powerful way to explore human emotions, understand different perspectives, and connect with people on a deeper level.” Her performances resonate deeply, sparking emotions and conversations. “For me, it’s not just a job; it’s a journey of constant discovery and creativity.”
Reflecting on her latest role as Laila in El Hawa Sultan (Love Reigns Supreme) movie, El Shamashergy shares, “Playing Laila was both a challenge and a revelation. She had layers of vulnerability and strength that required me to dig deep emotionally. What surprised me most was how her resilience in the face of hardship felt so relatable.”
As she prepares for upcoming projects, including Nakes Delaa’ (Missing a Rib) and Gawdar 2, she carries forward a legacy of storytelling that bridges art, movement, and emotion. “I’m also working on Ferket El Mout (Death Band) and the film Ahmed & Ahmed, which I’m excited about.” With each new role, El Shamashergy continues to embrace the journey, driven by her passion for creativity and connection.
At the end of our interview, she shared a valuable lesson she’s learned: “Stay true to yourself. Getting caught up in expectations or comparing yourself to others in any creative field is easy, but your authenticity is your greatest strength.”
Photographer: Ahmed Hussein