If what Cyrine Abdul Nour claims is true, then she is without a doubt the most beautiful celebrity in Lebanon. The 35-year-old has publicly rubbished rumours that she has undergone plastic surgery, something that most Lebanese female artists probably wouldn’t be able to admit.
Cyrine is also arguably one of the most talented individuals in the entertainment world. The former model, who has worked with the likes of Feliciana Rossi, Zuhair Murad and Thierry Mugler, has established herself as a respected singer and actress, a rare feat in the Lebanese entertainment world, and has enjoyed success in key markets, such as Egypt and Syria.
Making her singing debut in 2004, Cyrine has released a total of three albums with Rotana, her last one being in 2009. She then spent the past three years focusing on her acting, with one of the biggest moments in her career coming earlier this year when she took on the character of Ruby in the television programme of the same name. The Lebanese, Syrian, Egyptian drama has become one of the most successful productions of the year, with Cyrine receiving critical acclaim for the difficult role. Prior to Ruby, Cyrine also enjoyed success in Arab cinema after starring opposite Mohammad Heneidey in the box-office hit Ramadan Mabrouk Abu Al Alamein Hamouda. And it goes to show that patience pays off; the actress famously rejected a script by renowned writer and filmmaker Inas Al Deghedey after she offered Cyrine her Egyptian debut.
With stunning looks and a figure any fashion designer would die to work with, it is surprising that Cyrine isn’t the brand ambassador of numerous products in the markets. But it seems that she is careful about what she represents. She has just been appointed as the face of Nayomi, and was in Dubai on Tuesday to attend an event hosted by the lingerie fashion brand’s owner Kamal Jamjoom.
Q: Your television drama Ruby has become a huge hit across the Arab world. Were you expecting such success?
A; When I read the script, I loved it, so I knew I had something special in my hands. But it’s a mix of Lebanese, Syrian and Egyptian drama, which is why it has been a huge hit across the Arab world, because so many women related to her.
Q: It also attracted a bit of controversy due to the nature of the role. What are your thoughts?
A; Some people loved the show, and Ruby has been a large part of my success as an artist. If I was to retire, I could do so after Ruby, because I am immensly proud of it. With every film, TV show or song, some are going to love it and some are going to hate it. That’s life.
Q; Were you worried about taking on such a role?
A; I was very worried about taking on the role, especially because it was 95 episodes. This was probably one of the longest projects I have taken on. Shooting took about a year, and I was between Lebanon and Egypt, and in Egypt it was going between Cairo and Sharm Al Shaikh. Plus, I was reading the script whilst pregnant, and I didn’t want to go to work after giving birth. But it is all thanks to my other half - my husband encouraged me to go for it. And he offered to help with the baby and bring her wherever I was. Plus my mother and his mother were helping out.
Q; You’re one of the few artists that has been able to establish themselves as a singer and actress. Are you happy with the acting roles you have taken on so far?
A; Yes, I am proud to have won several awards in acting, including Best Lebanese Actress for Ebnatey, Ghareeba and Sarah, as well as awards for Ramadan Mabrook Ala Al Alamein Hamouda and Al Adham.
Q; You mentioned you were pregnant when preparing for Ruby; how has motherhood changed you?
A; My daughter Tahlia is over a year old now, and she has completely changed my life. She has made me take care of myself much more for her. And people have noticed how I have changed. I take care about everything much more now. She is one of the best things to happen in my life.
Q; What’s next for you? Can we expect a sequel to Ruby?
A; There are ideas being discussed, but for the time being nothing is in the works. I am currently reading a number of other scripts for various television series and movies, and I have signed on for one, but I won’t be able to discuss it right now.
Q; What about music?
A: I have a single coming up soon Habeney, written by Bahaa Al Deen Mohammad and composed by Ahmad Salah Hosni
Q: Finally, you’re considered one of the most beautiful celebrities in Lebanon. What are your thoughts on plastic surgery?
A: I am not against plastic surgery — if this is someone that would make them comfortable and happier, then go for it. But I swear to God that I have never had a single plastic surgery procedure in my life.
All’s well with Haifa and Ahmad
They’ve been plagued by rumours suggesting they’re close to divorcing, so it’s understandable that Haifa Wehbe and her husband Ahmad Abu Hashema have had enough.
In a recent interview, the Egyptian businessman hit out at the rumours, saying he was “tired of hearing about them every day”.
“Haifa is the air I breathe, we are very much in love, and there are no problems in our marriage,” he said. “It is frustrating when people think they know you more than yourself.”
Meanwhile, Lebanese singer Haifa has allegedly threatened to sue the publications that continue to spread false rumours about her marriage.
Rania Yousuf sued
It hasn’t been a good week for Rania Yousuf. The Egyptian actress is reportedly being sued for Dh13 million by her ex-husband Karim Al Shabrawi for defamation.
Following the separation, Rania had appeared in several interviews claiming that her former partner tried to get her imprisoned by accusing her of drug use and theft. The Parachute haircare brand ambassador even allegedly claimed that he made death threats against her.
However, Al Shabrawi has now appointed a number of lawyers to defend him, with one releasing a statement saying that the lawsuit is to “defend the insulting accusations that have ruined Karim Al Shabrawi’s public image.
“Rania Youssef has not backed up any of her public accusations with evidence, therefore she will be taken to court on defamation grounds.”
The actress is yet to publicly respond.
