Egyptian actress Hala Shiha's wish to continue her role in the film "Waraka" (Paper) wearing the Hijab (Islamic headdress), was refused by the producer and director. Hala had previously accepted the role in the film after having doubts of whether to continue in the sequel of the original film "Al Limbi", in which she played the role of girl from downtown.
According to the Egyptian daily, Al Gomhouriah, after her rejection, Hala decided to use her popularity, which she achieved throughout her acting career, in religious programs on TV. The former actress stressed her desire in enlightening people with the religion of Islam, and added that her determination to take part in such program has nothing to do with keeping her fame, but rather comes from her strong devotion to God and Islam.
Shiha had taken the decision to join the list of covered actresses and wore Hijab (Islamic headdress). The Twenty-four year old actress, eldest of the four Shiha stars, Hana, Rasha and Maya, stressed that she is not thinking of quitting acting, but will limit herself to taking roles that allow her to appear wearing the Hijab.
Hala denied that her decision came after the sudden death of Egyptian actor Alaa Wali El Din. Her Hijab caused confusion among directors and producers of films who had previously offered the actress a number of roles for films, forcing them to rethink their decisions and placing them in awkward positions.
Hala said that she will not rethink her decision, as was the case with her sister Maya who wore the hijab and then took it off. She added that everyone is responsible for the decisions they make in life and hers was one made after careful thinking and planning.
Nicknamed The Aphrodite of Egyptian cinema, Hala Shiha started her acting career two years ago in the TV series "Al Ragol Al Akhar" (The Other Man), starring alongside Nour Al Sherif and Mervat Amin. Her break-through performance in the series granted Hala the chance at grabbing the lead roles in the movies "Leih Khalletni Ahebak" (Why Did You Make Me Love You), and "Al Selem We Al Tho’ban" (Ladders and Snakes).
Growing up, Hala always had musical and artistic talent, as she excelled at dancing, drawing, fashion designing, piano and keyboard playing. But it wasn't until renowned actor and family friend Adel Emam encouraged her to join the academy of arts, did she think of pursuing a career in acting – Albawaba.com
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
