This Ramadan welcomed back familiar faces we’ve grown up watching and loving, stars who once again lit up our screens with powerful performances. Seeing them take on such striking roles this season makes it impossible not to reflect on the journeys that shaped them into the actors they are today. So let’s rewind a decade and take a look at what our favorite stars were doing 10 years ago, and how far they’ve come since.
Dina Elsherbiny
Grand Hotel & Etnin Gherna
Ten years ago, Dina El Sherbiny captivated audiences as Ward in Grand Hotel, a cunning, calculated character who manipulated Amin into marrying her. This Ramadan, she returns to our screens in Etnin Gherna as Nour, a completely different character. We watch a tender romance slowly unfold between her and Hassan, reminding us just how effortlessly she can reinvent herself.
Ahmed Malek
Afrah El-Qobba & Sawa Sawa
A decade ago, we watched Ahmed Malek in Afrah El-Qobba as the younger version of Tarek, a recckless teenager whose always getting in trouble. This Ramadan, he returns in a completely different light. In Etnin Gherna, Malek plays Ibrahim, a man driven not by recklessness but by love, determined to stand by the woman he loves and fight to save her life.
Sawsan Badr
Grand Hotel & El Sett Monalisa
Ten years ago, Sawsan Badr appeared in Grand Hotel as Sekina, the sharp-eyed, no-nonsense woman in charge of the housekeepers. This Ramadan, she unlocks an entirely different shade of intensity. In El Sett Monalisa, she transforms into Samiha, a calculating mother-in-law, driven by money and control.
Amr Saad
Yunis Weld Fdda & Efrag
In 2016, Amr Saad took on the mysterious role of Yunis, a man who got what he wanted through illegal means. This Ramadan, he takes us even deeper into darkness with his portrayal of Abbas El Raeis in Efrag, a man fresh out of prison for murdering his wife and daughter who goes on a chilling journey shrouded in mystery.
Nelly Karim
Seqout Hor & Ala Ad El Hob
Nelly Karim captivated us 10 years ago as Malak, a psychologically troubled woman accused of murder, a role that showcased her ability to dive deep into complex, intense characters. This Ramadan, she returns with another chilling role in Ala Ad El Hob as Mariam, a jewelry maker suffering from hallucinations.
Eyad Nassar
Afrah El-Qobba & Sohab El Ard
Ten years ago, Eyad Nassar portrayed Tarek Ramadan in Afrah El-Qobba, a period drama set in the 1970s. This Ramadan, he takes on a profoundly different role, reflecting the real-life struggles of the Palestinian people. Playing a man fighting to survive amid the chaos of war, Nassar showed his evolution as an actor capable of tackling socially and emotionally charged roles.
Rania Youssef
Afrah El-Qobba & Rouge Eswed
Ten years ago, Rania Youssef brought to life a woman caught in drama and tragedy in Afrah El-Qobba, set against the backdrop of the 1970s. This Ramadan, she takes on a very different story in Rouge Eswed, joining a group of women navigating the challenges and trials of modern marriage.
Youssef El Sherif
El Ceasar & Fan El Harb
Youssef El Sherif took the lead in Ceasar, a gripping drama that traced the lives of Syrians navigating a world of administrative and financial corruption. This Ramadan, he returns with a fresh and thrilling storyline in Fan El Harb, following the formation of a gang determined to reclaim their losses after falling victim to a scam.
Reham Hagag
Yunis Weld Fdda & Tawabe’a
In 2016, Reham Hagag portrayed Safa in Yunis Weldd Fedda, a character deeply entwined in a romantic relationship with Yunis. This Ramadan, she takes on a strikingly different role as Shaihra in Tawabe’a, a social media influencer connected to a murder case.
Amir Karara
El Tabal & Ras Al Afaa
In El Tabal, Amir Karar portrayed Saleh, a drummer desperate for a better life, willing to risk everything through illegal immigration. This Ramadan, Karar takes on a completely different path in Ras El Afaa as Murad, a dedicated national police officer tracking a terrorist group.
While we’re captivated by their performances this Ramadan, we can’t help but look back a decade and remember the roles that had us just as mesmerized back then.
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