Breaking into the entertainment industry is not an easy task, but Khaled Anwar’s journey shows how passion, dedication, and personal transformation can lead to success. From his theater beginnings to his breakout roles on screen, Anwar’s career reflects his relentless pursuit of excellence. Anwar starred in numerous works like Hazha Almasa (Tonight) and Kaeno Embareh (Like It Was Yesterday) where he portrayed a complex character that highlighted his ability to balance both intensity and subtlety. Additionally, his role in Waraa Al Tout (Mulberry Leaves) further solidified his reputation as a skilled actor capable of taking on diverse roles. In an exclusive interview with eniGma’s Reham Adel, he opens up about the pivotal moments in his artistic journey, the projects that have shaped him, and his vision for the future.
While acting currently is his primary focus, Anwar has always had other passions. Growing up, he considered a career in music and even entertained the idea of becoming an engineer—specifically one who workes with weapons, a fascination he says evolved over time. “I loved the idea of creating and repairing them,” he reflects, though the passion eventually faded.
“If I weren’t an actor, I think I’d be a director,” Anwar shares with quiet confidence. “I’ve always been drawn to storytelling from behind the camera. It’s not about being part of the story; it’s about shaping it.” Although he hasn’t yet pursued directing professionally, he’s taken workshops, read extensively, and worked on writing to better understand the craft. “Directing and writing go hand in hand. You can’t direct without understanding good dialogue.” Directing is something he holds in high regard—and perhaps something he’ll explore more seriously in the future.
Acting was not always Anwar’s dream. It wasn’t until his first performance on stage that he discovered a passion he hadn’t anticipated. That moment marked the beginning of a career that has been both fulfilling and transformative. His first acting coach, Mahmoud Hamdan, a then-up-and-coming director, played a key role in shaping his approach to the craft. “Mahmoud changed the way I looked at acting,” Anwar recalls. “He was the first to help me understand it as more than just performing—it was about connecting with the character on a deeper level.” He further began since then to put acting not only as a career but also as a journey of self-discovery, considering each role an opportunity to challenge himself, learning new perspectives, and growing as both an artist and a person.
As his career progressed, Anwar learned a crucial lesson: to portray a character authentically, you must understand and love it—even if it is flawed or villainous. “Even if the character is doing something wrong, understanding its humanity is key,” he explains. This empathy not only informs his acting but also influences his interactions off-screen. “Acting made me accepts others’ viewpoints more, even when I don’t agree with them,” he says.
Anwar believes that empathy, the ability to connect with those around him, is the foundation of his success—not only as an actor but in life. “It’s not always easy, especially when dealing with critics or rude individuals,” he admits. “But I focus on the positive. When someone stops me to say ‘I loved this scene’ or ‘You really made me feel something,’ that’s what makes it all worth it. Those moments keep me going.”
Through acting, Anwar also learned to observe and analyse human behavior. In drama school, he would sit with his classmates and discuss the people they saw on the street, wondering about their lives and motivations. This practice honed his ability to see beyond the surface, helping him understand both his characters and the world around him.
Early in his career, he dreamed of winning an Oscar, believing it was the ultimate proof of success. “When I was younger, I thought an Oscar was the ultimate goal,” he recalls with a smile. “But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realised it’s not about the trophy. Winning an award doesn’t always mean you’re doing meaningful work.”
Today, his focus has shifted from accolades to creating lasting, meaningful work. “I care more about telling stories that have real value,” he says. “I want to make an impact and create work that resonates long after the credits roll.” He cites the films of Adel Imam as an example of work that, though not heavily awarded, shaped minds and left a lasting legacy. “They gave us more than just entertainment—they gave us perspective, personality, and wisdom,” Anwar reflects. “That’s the kind of legacy I want to leave behind.”
When choosing roles, Anwar isn’t guided by a specific “type” of character. Instead, he looks for authenticity and depth. “I’m drawn to roles that feel real, no matter how far removed they are from my own experiences,” he explains. His decision-making process involves five key factors: the script, the director, the production company, the cast, and the opportunity to showcase his skills as an actor.
One role that deeply impacted Anwar was in Hazha Almasa (Tonight) directed by Tamer Mohsen, which explored themes of privacy invasion and hacking. “It made me realise how vulnerable we are in the digital age,” he reflects. “People feel entitled to invade others’ lives, and that made me more careful about my interactions with others, both online and offline.” The role, which involved a character struggling with trust, also shifted his perspective on relationships. “It taught me the importance of trust and unity. Even when it feels like the world is against you, having faith in others can lead to positive outcomes.”
One of the roles that stands out to him is his portrayal of Hassan in Waraa Al Tout (Mulberry Leaves). The character’s transformation from a kind man to someone capable of extreme violence was both challenging and rewarding. “Hassan was a complex character—strong but fragile,” Anwar reflects. “Playing him made me think about how life can push someone to dark places, and how people justify even their worst actions when they feel cornered.” The role required Anwar to delve deep into the character’s emotional complexities, pushing his limits both emotionally and physically. “It taught me about the layers of pain and anger people carry, and how their past can shape their actions in ways they never imagined.”
Anwar is also quick to embrace the lighter moments in his career. One such instance occurred while filming Kaeno Embareh (Like It Was Yesterday) with the late director Hatem Ali and co-star Mohamed El Sharnouby. “Behind the scenes Sharnouby and I created characters with funny names and different accents that made everybody laugh; we couldn’t stop laughing during a serious scene,” he recalls. “It was one of those moments where everything went wrong, but in the best way possible.”
When asked who influenced his career most, Anwar speaks with humility and admiration for the seasoned stars he’s worked alongside. “I’ve been lucky to learn from so many incredible people,” he says. While he doesn’t single out one mentor, he highlights a few key figures who left an impressions on him.
Working with Adel Imam was a transformative experience. “I was nervous at first, but he made me feel at ease with his humor and wisdom. He told me that sometimes roles aren’t about personal preference but about taking on challenges that serve a greater purpose.”
Similarly, working with Yousra, a legend in the industry, taught Anwar humbleness and kindness. “She made everyone feel valued, like family. It’s an art to inspire others to believe in their own dreams.” He also spoke highly of Khaled Al-Nabawi and called him a true artist. “He’s one of the few who gives 100% in every scene, no matter how difficult. His dedication to the craft is inspiring.”
Anwar also shared his thoughts on the rise of short series, particularly those on streaming platforms. While some may resist this shift, he sees it as an exciting opportunity for both actors and audiences. “Short series bring a fresh approach to storytelling and creative expression,” he explains. “They allow for more concise, impactful narratives.” He recalls working on Hadath Bilfiel (Already Happened) with Ghada Abdel Razek and Salma Abu Deif, a three-episode series, which he believes was the perfect format for the story.
Anwar acknowledges the profound influence an actor has on society, shaping culture, norms, and sometimes politics. “Art has the power to change how people perceive the world,” he says. But this influence comes with challenges. While some productions foster social progress, others may perpetuate harmful stereotypes. “The impact of art isn’t always positive, but it’s important to acknowledge both sides,” he reflects.
Fame itself brings its own set of personal challenges. Anwar describes the early days of his rising popularity as “nerve-wracking.” The constant public scrutiny was overwhelming at first. “It’s not normal to be looked at all the time,” he says. However, he learned to embrace the attention, realising that for most people, seeing an actor is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This shift in perspective allowed him to manage the pressures of fame more comfortably.
When asked about roles he would love to revisit, Anwar doesn’t hesitate. He speaks fondly of his character Mara’i, a prince in the upcoming series El Waad (The Promise). “I loved playing Mara’i—he was a fighter, a man of conviction. If I could, I’d love to play him again,” he says, highlighting the depth of the character. “He had real depth, and I enjoyed bringing him to life.”
Anwar’s creative journey continues with several exciting projects. “I’m working on Shams El Zanati and a film based on a novel by Mohamed Sadek called Badaa Saat Fi Yawman Ma (A Few Hours of A Certain Day),” he shares. “Also, El Waad (The Promise) written by Abdelraheem Kamal and Naser Abdel Rahman, with a diverse cast from across the Arab world.”
In addition to those projects, Anwar is also part of Saa’to Wa Tarekho (At It’s Time And Date), a 20 feature series created by Amr Salama, where each episode tells a unique story, from real court cases.
Reflecting on his career, Khaled Anwar stresses the significance of self-belief, but also emphasises the equally important values of patience and discipline. “Opportunities don’t always come right away, but when they do, be ready for them,” he advises. “Don’t rush the process. And be smart with every opportunity, no matter how small. Every project you take on, every role you play, has something to teach you. Even the smallest opportunity can lead to something bigger.” He understands that success often comes from unexpected directions.
One of Anwar’s most powerful pieces of advice is about staying grounded, no matter how high you rise. “Don’t get lost,” he says earnestly. “It’s easy to get caught up in the fame, the attention. But the more you learn, the humbler you should be. Don’t let it change you.” His words show that, despite the success and recognition he’s earned, he remains focused on the core values of his craft.
Throughout his career, Anwar has remained dedicated to telling meaningful stories and learning from every experience. “The more grounded you are, the faster you’ll reach your goals,” he concludes, underscoring the importance of staying true to one’s roots. With his wisdom and passion, it’s clear that Anwar’s journey is far from over—and there is much more to come.
Photograohy and Retouching: Mohamed Salama
Creative Direction and Styling: Israa Galal
Fashion Designer: Nadeen El Ghareb
Management: The Talents Hub-Mohamed Zahar
Location: Nut Orabi