Celebrity

When you think of national TV, perhaps the first image that comes forward is the vintage Channel One logo and some lifeless shows revolving around outdated topics – but this is no longer the case. Local channels have seen a major improvement in the last few years both in content and cinematography, and it’s all thanks to the competent team of media icons stepping up their game on previously dying channels, which are now flourishing with top-notch content akin to their satellite competitors. It’s people like Allaa Lasheen, who managed to etch an imprint in local media by leaving privatised channels behind, and making use of their rich experience in modernising and renovating national TV. We have seen her in ‘Retoosh’, a show that helped women regain their confidence; ‘Mahadish Beyakolha Bil Sahel’ (It’s Not a Piece of Cake) with famous chef Richard Koury, and ‘El Miraya’ (The Mirror), where she introduced us to superstars from a different perspective. Lasheen is now known for her ‘Alou We Olna’ (He Said, She said); a light-hearted show featuring Egypt’s biggest stars. We had a quick Q&A with Lasheen on why she made the shift to national TV, what plans she has for the coming seasons of her show, and the improvement local channels have seen over the past few years. 

It wasn’t long since the Moroccan entrepreneur decided to give acting a try that her talents went multi-national. Amina Maghrabi has recently starred in Egyptian drama series for first time last Ramadan, boasting natural performances which didn’t go unnoticed in ‘Amr Wakea’ (Matter of Fact) and ‘Nesr Al Saed’ (Eagle of Upper Egypt). With her natural Egyptian accent, alongside her compelling method acting skills, we predict it won’t be long until we see her in future leading roles with equal or better dramatic strength. Maghrabi talks to (in)sight’s Mayar El-Shamy about how it all started, and her experience with starring in Egyptian productions.

Best known for her ‘Talk of the Town’ show on MTV, Mona Abou Hamze has received many accolades for her exceptional television hosting, providing us offbeat stories of the Middle East’s most talked-about celebrities and politicians, with humanitarian and social issues oftentimes being the topic. She has also been appointed a judge in ‘Celebrity Duets’ and never fails to voice the opinion of the people. The stunning Lebanese sweetheart tells us about her latest show ‘Hekayti Maea El Zaman’ (The Story of My Life).

After just five years in the spotlight, the gorgeous Mai Omar was awarded the ‘Best Youth Actress’ title for her incredible talents on the screen. The beauty icon’s fashionable looks are as diverse as her roles, which have ranged from an underprivileged nurse in the psychological series ‘Hikayet Hayat’ (The Story of Hayat) and an innocent face in the action-thriller series ‘Al Ostoura’ (The Legend), to a housewife faking amnesia in the comedy flick ‘Rayah El Madam’ (Reassure Your Wife). In each of her roles, Mai has never failed to light up the screen with her dazzling performance, and has successfully marked her acting journey with impressive leaps. The down-to-earth star opens up to Dina Fawzy on how she landed her roles, names some of the actors she would like to work with, and gives a sneak peek on her upcoming projects.

After receiving many accolades for his notable work in the field of aesthetic dentistry, namely the reputable ‘Rose of Paracelsus’ award, celebrity dentist Dr. Mohamed Emad has established himself a pioneer in handcrafting the quintessential smile specially designed to perfectly fit a customer’s unique orthodontic measurements. ‘Whity Dental Center’ has become a go-to for those who no longer want to settle for a quick bleaching job that wears off in a few months, but seek a permanent, natural-looking new set of teeth. Dr. Mohamed Emad tells us how he revolutionised the dentistry scene in the country by being one of the first specialists to adopt 3D printing technology in Egypt, and how his wife was the backbone of the family’s affluence. We also got to speak to his spouse, Marwa Khalil, who gives us a glimpse on the behind-the-scenes of the family’s domestic sphere. 

With the opportunity to sit down with such an acclaimed actress as Dorra, you’d expect at least a little bit of diva attitude, but awe-inspiring as she is, the Tunisian actress is more down-to-earth than we are! She’s a starlet on the screen and an unpretentious friend in person, who’s quick to laugh and incessantly smile at you. We missed her last Ramadan, but she’s finally making a comeback and has generously given us a sneak preview of it. Here’s our very own Dorra on her latest ‘Sheikh Jackson’, how she picks her roles.

This year, Riham Abdel Ghafour has unequivocally stolen all the spotlights with her three equally formidable roles in ‘La Tutfea Al Shams’ (Don’t Put Out the Sun), ‘Ramadan Kareem’ and ‘El Zebaq’ (Mercury). In a single year, she managed to take one of the biggest milestones in her career that have fortuitously given her the opportunity to show her audience the growing reservoir of talent she’s been flourishing over the years. We got to speak to the gifted starlet about how she took the Egyptian screens by storm in just a matter of months, and about her latest performance in the highly-anticipated Tarek Alarian film, ‘El Khaleya’ (The Cell). 

23 year-old Brazilian model Stephany Pim started her career age 16. She has since went on to win a host of beauty pageants, including Top Model Brazil & Miss Globe in 2015, and this year winning Miss Espirito Santo, which brought her to our shores. Insight could not miss the opportunity to interview the stunning model.

Having been out of the limelight for a while now, the beautiful Lara Scandar is ready to make a magnificent comeback with her latest release ‘Khalas Khalas’, set to take the music scene by storm. Made famous by the popular TV show Star Academy, Lara has since matured into a true performer. Insight gets to know more about this stunning starlet…

Would you believe it? Lebanese ‘Bikini Babe’ champion and fitness model actually started her career with a tough struggle with weight loss during her teenage years. After going on a strict training program and diet, she managed to loose 20 kilos and reduced five dress sizes, becoming the stunning model we see today. Maya has won a number of fitness awards and is now a leader in fitness, wellbeing and lifestyle as well as a certified sports nutritionist and personal trainer. Maya also created the Start Living Right fitness application. She also hosts the MTV Lebanon show, Get Fit. Inisight meets with the beautiful and currently pregnant fitness expert to get some valuable advice on how to stay fit and well during pregnancy and Ramadan…