Egyptian actor Riad Khouli is recovering from a surgery in the abdomen that he underwent after pain prevented him from going on with shooting a TV historical romance.
Khouli, who plays the role of Mohammad Ali Pasha in the drama, told Al Gomhuria Arabic daily that he had had the pain while taking part in another historical drama: Assira Al Hilaleyya [the history of the Hilali Tribe] in which he took the leading part, Abu Zeid Al Hilali.
But he ignored the ache because he did not want the work to be interrupted, he said.
In Al Amira wal Mamluk [the princess and the mamluk], Riad added, he displays the other side of Egypt’s 19th century ruler Mohammad Ali Pasha, who is known for introducing modern civilization into Egypt and a massacre he carried out in his palace named Al Qalaa or the citadel, where he slaughtered almost all his mamluk rivals while having a banquet at the palace.
The actor said the viewer will have the chance to see the emotional and human life of the great Pasha. The series tells how he takes revenge for his beloved who was killed by one of his enemies and of his frequent night dream seeing himself the ruler of Egypt for the rest of his life, which came true.
The Pasha was a Macedonian who became the Ottoman sultan’s deputy in Egypt but had his own way in ruling the heart of the Arab world. His dynasty ruled until 1952.
Khouli said that it had taken him a long time studying the biography and character of “the founder of modern Egypt.”
But featuring the great leader was not that easy for the TV star.
He said that it was so difficult for him to play that part when the Pasha gains a lot of extra weight towards the end of his life. The actor had to wear plastic suits to look as fat as the original character.
After his wounds are healed, Riad Khouli has to go back to finish work in both series and to his theatrical performance of Ennas Illi fil Talet “the people in the third floor,” which will be performed in Alexandria for two weeks – Albawaba.com
