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The Many Men on-screen and off in Souad Husni’s Life: including Maybe-Husband, Abdel Halim Hafez

Published July 5th, 2011 - 07:58 GMT

Souad Muhammad Kamal Hosni Al Baba was born on the 26th of January, 1942 in Ataba, Cairo, Egypt, the 10th sister of 17 siblings. Hosni was one of the most influential and adored actresses in the Middle East and consequently, was given the name the "Cinderella" of the Egyptian and Arab cinema. At the end of the 1950s, she reached her stardom and became one of the most legendary actresses in the Arab world. Suad has taken the leading parts in more than 83 films in the period from 1959 and 1991. She has also taken her fair share in men, as lovers in life and in film, during her career and life until her sudden death in 2001.

While she was rarely without a male entourage or following - having married at least 4 times in life and 14 times on the big screen- she ended her life alone(possibly suicidally or suspiciously). While we all die alone, she was quite starkly alone,  under the extreme circumstances of a balcony fall in London.  She was still at the time married to Maher Awad.

She surrounded herself by much male talent- including:

  • Father: Mohammad Hosny - Egyptian calligrapher.
  • Brother: Ezz Eddin Hosny - Egyptian music composer
  • Brother: Sami Hosni - Egyptian cello player / jewelry designer / Arabic calligrapher

Not to be outdone by her sister's own talents and male following, her half sister : Nagat el Saghira - is an Egyptian singer.

Quite a turbulent life came with this Egyptian beauty, with action and romantic shifts off-screen as well as on.

In life, she was married as many as 5 times if one includes the much hyped and rumored marriage to her counterpart Egyptian singer-star Abdul Halim. Of her 14 virtual lovers, some did not seal the deal with paper or marriage certification.  The lucky ones did, taking  the happy ending and the woman, in a fanfare marriage as a close to the film.

Some straddled the virtual and historic life of the actress, as Azzat Alayli an actor of Lebanese origin who experienced love with her on screen and claimed a good bond with her off-screen. His relationship was cemented by starring with her in film. He describes her as 'gentle and humble', descriptions we see time and time again of her style.

Some husbands disparaged her, due to her humble roots and lack of education.  Others commended her for her down to earth and unassuming character when filming or otherwise.

Here is a panoply of some select men who featured in her virtual and/ or actual historical life.

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Cindy: Hosny was known as the "Cinderella of Egyptian cinema" and remains one of the most influential actresses in the artistic arena. She goes down as one of the most legendary and most classically beautiful actresses in Middle Eastern history. She attracts viewers to many of her films.

Cindy: Hosny was known as the "Cinderella of Egyptian cinema" and remains one of the most influential actresses in the artistic arena. She goes down as one of the most legendary and most classically beautiful actresses in Middle Eastern history. She attracts viewers to many of her films.

Abdel Rahman el-Khamissy: This family friend and writer-director credits himself with her ‘discovery’, when he cast her as ‘Na’ima’ in Henry Barakat’s 'Hassan Wa Na’ima'.

Abdel Rahman el-Khamissy: This family friend and writer-director credits himself with her ‘discovery’, when he cast her as ‘Na’ima’ in Henry Barakat’s 'Hassan Wa Na’ima'.

A woman of many talents and marriages: In 1968, she was married to cinematographer Salah Kurayyem. He directed the movie 'Marriage in the Modern Way' starring his Cindarella, shown above). The marriage lasted for approximately one year.

A woman of many talents and marriages: In 1968, she was married to cinematographer Salah Kurayyem. He directed the movie 'Marriage in the Modern Way' starring his Cindarella, shown above). The marriage lasted for approximately one year.

In 1970, Soad Hosni was married to film director Ali Badrakhan; this marriage lasted a healthy eleven years. He took credit for ‘improving’ and educating the otherwise unfinished, poorly educated woman. He raised her a level in acting and life.

In 1970, Soad Hosni was married to film director Ali Badrakhan; this marriage lasted a healthy eleven years. He took credit for ‘improving’ and educating the otherwise unfinished, poorly educated woman. He raised her a level in acting and life.

She was married to another industry insider: Zaki Fateen Abdel-Wahab, in 1981, the son of Fateen Abdel-Wahab (film director) and Leila Mourad. This marriage had a shelf life of only five months.

She was married to another industry insider: Zaki Fateen Abdel-Wahab, in 1981, the son of Fateen Abdel-Wahab (film director) and Leila Mourad. This marriage had a shelf life of only five months.

Finally, in 1987, she was married to script-writer Maher Awwad, and she died while still married to him. Though he was notably absent at the time of her very lonely tragic and possibly murderous death. She first was drawn to him when she saw him in action on TV.

Finally, in 1987, she was married to script-writer Maher Awwad, and she died while still married to him. Though he was notably absent at the time of her very lonely tragic and possibly murderous death. She first was drawn to him when she saw him in action on TV.

She was rumored to be married to renowned great Egyptian musician Abdel Halim Hafez for an unknown period of time (6 years were proposed). Uncannily, she died on his birthday June 21st, celebrated last month.

She was rumored to be married to renowned great Egyptian musician Abdel Halim Hafez for an unknown period of time (6 years were proposed). Uncannily, she died on his birthday June 21st, celebrated last month.

A woman of many men whether in cinema or history: Salah Zulfikar In Money and Women plays her first onscreen lover.

A woman of many men whether in cinema or history: Salah Zulfikar In Money and Women plays her first onscreen lover.

Abdulaziz Mkhion: she certainly showed a healthy interest or ‘appetite’ in her 2nd onscreen love, as she starred with him in 'Hunger' 1988.

Abdulaziz Mkhion: she certainly showed a healthy interest or ‘appetite’ in her 2nd onscreen love, as she starred with him in 'Hunger' 1988.

Mahmoud Yassin, ‘loved’ her at least thrice on screen: (The Love that was, Where is my mind, and Whom to shoot?) He cited how she brought her ‘essence’ to and lived the role. A ‘unique’, dynamic actress - she could play a teen to a mature lady, or a femme fatale. She remains ‘un-rivalled’.

Mahmoud Yassin, ‘loved’ her at least thrice on screen: (The Love that was, Where is my mind, and Whom to shoot?) He cited how she brought her ‘essence’ to and lived the role. A ‘unique’, dynamic actress - she could play a teen to a mature lady, or a femme fatale. She remains ‘un-rivalled’.

Her 4th film passion, Hussein Fahmi, co-starred with her in "Watch out for Zouzou," "Strangers," "I love Princess" and "Time for dinner". He mentions the human depth, humility and shy-ness, of a quiet and soft-spoken shooting style. Always on time, she made no big fuss but stayed calm and refined.

Her 4th film passion, Hussein Fahmi, co-starred with her in "Watch out for Zouzou," "Strangers," "I love Princess" and "Time for dinner". He mentions the human depth, humility and shy-ness, of a quiet and soft-spoken shooting style. Always on time, she made no big fuss but stayed calm and refined.

With Dad: Her father, Mohammad Hosny, was an Egyptian calligrapher. She arose from humble origins and came with little in the way of finances or education. She was the 10th of 17 siblings, so had to learn the art of sharing, not to mention any other arts she pursued.

With Dad: Her father, Mohammad Hosny, was an Egyptian calligrapher. She arose from humble origins and came with little in the way of finances or education. She was the 10th of 17 siblings, so had to learn the art of sharing, not to mention any other arts she pursued.

Souad Husni, our Audrey Hepburn: Both were known for a 'modest' and quiet charm about their acting and talent. Hepburn remains one of the world class actresses of all time, and a beauty icon of the twentieth century. For the Middle East, at least, this is Souad Hosni.

Souad Husni, our Audrey Hepburn: Both were known for a 'modest' and quiet charm about their acting and talent. Hepburn remains one of the world class actresses of all time, and a beauty icon of the twentieth century. For the Middle East, at least, this is Souad Hosni.

But she died a lonely woman -- fell off a London balcony in a tragic and even suspicious finish that was perhaps fittingly not without its drama.

But she died a lonely woman -- fell off a London balcony in a tragic and even suspicious finish that was perhaps fittingly not without its drama.

Cindy: Hosny was known as the "Cinderella of Egyptian cinema" and remains one of the most influential actresses in the artistic arena. She goes down as one of the most legendary and most classically beautiful actresses in Middle Eastern history. She attracts viewers to many of her films.
Abdel Rahman el-Khamissy: This family friend and writer-director credits himself with her ‘discovery’, when he cast her as ‘Na’ima’ in Henry Barakat’s 'Hassan Wa Na’ima'.
A woman of many talents and marriages: In 1968, she was married to cinematographer Salah Kurayyem. He directed the movie 'Marriage in the Modern Way' starring his Cindarella, shown above). The marriage lasted for approximately one year.
In 1970, Soad Hosni was married to film director Ali Badrakhan; this marriage lasted a healthy eleven years. He took credit for ‘improving’ and educating the otherwise unfinished, poorly educated woman. He raised her a level in acting and life.
She was married to another industry insider: Zaki Fateen Abdel-Wahab, in 1981, the son of Fateen Abdel-Wahab (film director) and Leila Mourad. This marriage had a shelf life of only five months.
Finally, in 1987, she was married to script-writer Maher Awwad, and she died while still married to him. Though he was notably absent at the time of her very lonely tragic and possibly murderous death. She first was drawn to him when she saw him in action on TV.
She was rumored to be married to renowned great Egyptian musician Abdel Halim Hafez for an unknown period of time (6 years were proposed). Uncannily, she died on his birthday June 21st, celebrated last month.
A woman of many men whether in cinema or history: Salah Zulfikar In Money and Women plays her first onscreen lover.
Abdulaziz Mkhion: she certainly showed a healthy interest or ‘appetite’ in her 2nd onscreen love, as she starred with him in 'Hunger' 1988.
Mahmoud Yassin, ‘loved’ her at least thrice on screen: (The Love that was, Where is my mind, and Whom to shoot?) He cited how she brought her ‘essence’ to and lived the role. A ‘unique’, dynamic actress - she could play a teen to a mature lady, or a femme fatale. She remains ‘un-rivalled’.
Her 4th film passion, Hussein Fahmi, co-starred with her in "Watch out for Zouzou," "Strangers," "I love Princess" and "Time for dinner". He mentions the human depth, humility and shy-ness, of a quiet and soft-spoken shooting style. Always on time, she made no big fuss but stayed calm and refined.
With Dad: Her father, Mohammad Hosny, was an Egyptian calligrapher. She arose from humble origins and came with little in the way of finances or education. She was the 10th of 17 siblings, so had to learn the art of sharing, not to mention any other arts she pursued.
Souad Husni, our Audrey Hepburn: Both were known for a 'modest' and quiet charm about their acting and talent. Hepburn remains one of the world class actresses of all time, and a beauty icon of the twentieth century. For the Middle East, at least, this is Souad Hosni.
But she died a lonely woman -- fell off a London balcony in a tragic and even suspicious finish that was perhaps fittingly not without its drama.
Cindy: Hosny was known as the "Cinderella of Egyptian cinema" and remains one of the most influential actresses in the artistic arena. She goes down as one of the most legendary and most classically beautiful actresses in Middle Eastern history. She attracts viewers to many of her films.
Cindy: Hosny was known as the "Cinderella of Egyptian cinema" and remains one of the most influential actresses in the artistic arena. She goes down as one of the most legendary and most classically beautiful actresses in Middle Eastern history. She attracts viewers to many of her films.
Abdel Rahman el-Khamissy: This family friend and writer-director credits himself with her ‘discovery’, when he cast her as ‘Na’ima’ in Henry Barakat’s 'Hassan Wa Na’ima'.
Abdel Rahman el-Khamissy: This family friend and writer-director credits himself with her ‘discovery’, when he cast her as ‘Na’ima’ in Henry Barakat’s 'Hassan Wa Na’ima'.
A woman of many talents and marriages: In 1968, she was married to cinematographer Salah Kurayyem. He directed the movie 'Marriage in the Modern Way' starring his Cindarella, shown above). The marriage lasted for approximately one year.
A woman of many talents and marriages: In 1968, she was married to cinematographer Salah Kurayyem. He directed the movie 'Marriage in the Modern Way' starring his Cindarella, shown above). The marriage lasted for approximately one year.
In 1970, Soad Hosni was married to film director Ali Badrakhan; this marriage lasted a healthy eleven years. He took credit for ‘improving’ and educating the otherwise unfinished, poorly educated woman. He raised her a level in acting and life.
In 1970, Soad Hosni was married to film director Ali Badrakhan; this marriage lasted a healthy eleven years. He took credit for ‘improving’ and educating the otherwise unfinished, poorly educated woman. He raised her a level in acting and life.
She was married to another industry insider: Zaki Fateen Abdel-Wahab, in 1981, the son of Fateen Abdel-Wahab (film director) and Leila Mourad. This marriage had a shelf life of only five months.
She was married to another industry insider: Zaki Fateen Abdel-Wahab, in 1981, the son of Fateen Abdel-Wahab (film director) and Leila Mourad. This marriage had a shelf life of only five months.
Finally, in 1987, she was married to script-writer Maher Awwad, and she died while still married to him. Though he was notably absent at the time of her very lonely tragic and possibly murderous death. She first was drawn to him when she saw him in action on TV.
Finally, in 1987, she was married to script-writer Maher Awwad, and she died while still married to him. Though he was notably absent at the time of her very lonely tragic and possibly murderous death. She first was drawn to him when she saw him in action on TV.
She was rumored to be married to renowned great Egyptian musician Abdel Halim Hafez for an unknown period of time (6 years were proposed). Uncannily, she died on his birthday June 21st, celebrated last month.
She was rumored to be married to renowned great Egyptian musician Abdel Halim Hafez for an unknown period of time (6 years were proposed). Uncannily, she died on his birthday June 21st, celebrated last month.
A woman of many men whether in cinema or history: Salah Zulfikar In Money and Women plays her first onscreen lover.
A woman of many men whether in cinema or history: Salah Zulfikar In Money and Women plays her first onscreen lover.
Abdulaziz Mkhion: she certainly showed a healthy interest or ‘appetite’ in her 2nd onscreen love, as she starred with him in 'Hunger' 1988.
Abdulaziz Mkhion: she certainly showed a healthy interest or ‘appetite’ in her 2nd onscreen love, as she starred with him in 'Hunger' 1988.
Mahmoud Yassin, ‘loved’ her at least thrice on screen: (The Love that was, Where is my mind, and Whom to shoot?) He cited how she brought her ‘essence’ to and lived the role. A ‘unique’, dynamic actress - she could play a teen to a mature lady, or a femme fatale. She remains ‘un-rivalled’.
Mahmoud Yassin, ‘loved’ her at least thrice on screen: (The Love that was, Where is my mind, and Whom to shoot?) He cited how she brought her ‘essence’ to and lived the role. A ‘unique’, dynamic actress - she could play a teen to a mature lady, or a femme fatale. She remains ‘un-rivalled’.
Her 4th film passion, Hussein Fahmi, co-starred with her in "Watch out for Zouzou," "Strangers," "I love Princess" and "Time for dinner". He mentions the human depth, humility and shy-ness, of a quiet and soft-spoken shooting style. Always on time, she made no big fuss but stayed calm and refined.
Her 4th film passion, Hussein Fahmi, co-starred with her in "Watch out for Zouzou," "Strangers," "I love Princess" and "Time for dinner". He mentions the human depth, humility and shy-ness, of a quiet and soft-spoken shooting style. Always on time, she made no big fuss but stayed calm and refined.
With Dad: Her father, Mohammad Hosny, was an Egyptian calligrapher. She arose from humble origins and came with little in the way of finances or education. She was the 10th of 17 siblings, so had to learn the art of sharing, not to mention any other arts she pursued.
With Dad: Her father, Mohammad Hosny, was an Egyptian calligrapher. She arose from humble origins and came with little in the way of finances or education. She was the 10th of 17 siblings, so had to learn the art of sharing, not to mention any other arts she pursued.
Souad Husni, our Audrey Hepburn: Both were known for a 'modest' and quiet charm about their acting and talent. Hepburn remains one of the world class actresses of all time, and a beauty icon of the twentieth century. For the Middle East, at least, this is Souad Hosni.
Souad Husni, our Audrey Hepburn: Both were known for a 'modest' and quiet charm about their acting and talent. Hepburn remains one of the world class actresses of all time, and a beauty icon of the twentieth century. For the Middle East, at least, this is Souad Hosni.
But she died a lonely woman -- fell off a London balcony in a tragic and even suspicious finish that was perhaps fittingly not without its drama.
But she died a lonely woman -- fell off a London balcony in a tragic and even suspicious finish that was perhaps fittingly not without its drama.

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