This week a special episode of the ‘Al-Arrab’ show with host Nishan was aired on the Arab satellite television channel MBC, where prominent Egyptian actress Yusra and Lebanese singer Assi Hilani were held guest.
The show began with the song “Jan Jnoni” (Gone crazy), sung by Asi Hilani. Afterward Nishan welcomed Yusra and described her as elegant, like the Italian actor Sophia Loraine.
According to the London daily Elaph, Nishan compared the entrance of Asi to that of a knight.
After giving each guest a rose, Nishan discussed the Arabic meanings of their names. Yusra means ‘rose’ in Turkish, and Assi said that his name means the river that flows through his home town in Al-Biqa, Lebanon.
Nishan then moved on to the person that is considered Al Araab “the founder” for Yusra, whom she stated was prominent Egyptian comedian actor Adel Imam and her discovery was at his hands. She added that since he introduced her to the world, she and Imam have made several noteworthy Egyptian films together.
On the other hand Assi’s Araab is someone close to him who is his own mother Maryam Al Hilani, who passed away late last year.
Assi’s mother’s death had affected him greatly. “She taught me to be a man and to rely on myself,” said Asi, describing her as a strong woman with a strong personality. She was married at a young age and had 12 children - she had a great responsibility, he explained.
Assi performed his popular new song “Bab Am Yebki” (The Door is Crying) and dedicated it to his late mother.
Yusra also discussed her relationship with her mother, describing the two as close friends.
Nishan mentioned that Assi and Yusra have close ties to Arab leaders, Assi with Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak and Yusra with the late Palestinian president Yasser Arafat. She said Arafat had a good sense of humor and was a very down to earth person.
Assi performed his song “Bhibik Wibghar” (I Love you and I’m Jealous) and Yusra performed her song “La Vie Un Rose” (Life is A Rose) from her film “Amarit Yakobian” (Yaqubian Building), along with her song “Khali Al Nas Theb” (Let People Love).
Assi said he would like to enter the acting world with a historic role, although presently he does not enough time with his busy schedule.
Both guests were asked personal questions in the ‘isolation room,’ as part of the show. Yusra declined to answer the question, and would not even disclose what it was to the audience. Assi answered his question, stating that he would sing in any Arab country, including and Syria, which has great and long connections to Lebanon.
