‘Egypt is for all Egyptians!’

In an exclusive interview with Arabstoday, actor and presenter Amr Ramzi said he is proud of his role in TV comedy-thriller The Nagui Attallah Squad. Amr said he was honoured to have worked with actor Adel Emam (who he refers to as 'the chief') and is "very pleased with the positive reaction” that the series has received. "I was surprised that Zaeem Adel Emam tipped me to play one of the characters. At the time, despite my overwhelming joy, I felt that it was going to be a massive challenge, I could either prove I had talent and succeed, or this job would be my last," he confessed to Arabstoday. "The general atmosphere on the show helped me a lot, starting with Zaeem himself, who was like a father to the whole cast” Amr explained, “Everyone was trying to learn from his vast experience. He was very generous with everyone and gave us tips. Thanks to his tips, I succeeded and made viewers laugh. Even now, every time the show is repeated, I find that people's reactions to the role become more positive." Speaking about his feelings on his first day of filming with Emam, Ramzi said "I felt like I was acting for the first time ever, I was terrified! But the great Adel Emam was well aware of that and was able to curtail my anxiety so I could give my best, which I did." On what he learned from Emam, Ramzi told Arabstoday "I learned his respect for everyone around him, no matter their age. He even called his son, the director, Rami Emam, 'Mr Rami.' Also, when he gave any member of the cast advice or guidance, he always did it in a lovely, supportive way." When asked why he has not presented any TV programs since Hilhom Binhom (in which he played tricks on celebrities), Amr said "The show was very successful, so I couldn't present a less successful one. The show's success is evidenced by the fact that it went on for several years and in different formats." However, he explained, "I am originally an actor and not a TV presenter. I acted at school because I loved it. Even in Hilhom Binhom, I played the role of both a presenter and an actor." When Arabstoday asked him about his first day in front of the camera, he said "I wasn't scared of the camera, but I do bear the burden of the audience's respect. I was scared on my first day of theatre, but not in front of the camera, and I think that showed on Hilhom Binhom." Asked about the roles he aspires to play, he responded: "Right now, I would love to be the role of every revolutionary who took to Tahrir Square." He also told us he was looking at "several offers for shows, series and sitcoms," but "hasn't settled on any yet." Speaking about politics, he said his hopes for Egypt's future are "for the objectives of the revolution to be realised and for Egypt to be for all Egyptians, and not just for a certain party or group." Addressing President Mohammed Morsi, he concluded: "You promised to be a president for all Egyptians, and I don't want to see a gap between your words and your actions." To the revolutionary youth, he said "You're always ready and Tahrir Square will always be there. The time for silence is over."