Actress Mirna El Mohandes Cairo – Hazem El Masri Actress Mirna El Mohandes has confirmed that she will appear on our TV screens portraying 4 different characters this Ramadan. In addition, she will appear in “Fawazeer” Mini Sat which will be presented with children. Mona gives us a close-up on her work and private life in the interview below.
* What did you major in?
- I studied Ballet, Conducting, and later acting (my true love) at the Arts Theatre Academy.
*What exactly is the Fwazeer Ramadan about?
- Well it’s not the traditional fawazeer that we know; it’s done with kids on Mini Sat through a “Fazoora” everyday. A big number of kids take part in the show including actress Mona Abdel Ghani and Mahmoud El Gondi, and it is produced by the Audio and Visuals Company.
*Tell us about your role in the drama “That night.”
- I play a woman who is stubborn, contradictory, and hesitant in choosing a life partner after her first relationship does not work out. And this is the first time I play this kind of role; it’s a new challenge that I’m very excited about. Also, when I found out that Adel Alaasar will be directing it I said yes to the offer straight away. The huge artist Hussein Fahmy is also playing a lead role in the drama, and Ahmed Said Abdel Ghani and Dalia Mostafa.
*What about your role in “The presence of absence?”
- Unfortunately we’ve stopped filming for now because of the current events in Syria; but I play two characters in the show, the first is Najlaa who is the mistress of Mahmoud Darwish and the other is her daughter Rahaf.
*How did you prepare for these roles?
- I read extensively about the late Mahmoud Darwish to the point where I became inspired by him and very fond of his personality. I probably would have fallen in love with him if I’d met him.
*You’re in 4 different dramas this Ramadan. Do you think the audience might get bored of seeing you?
- Acting is my first and last job and I’ve been doing it from a very young age. I play 4 characters; each one different from the next.
*Are you happy that you’re an actress?
- Yes of course. It’s been my dream and ambition to become an actress since childhood, therefore I’m very proud and pleased to now be in this profession.
* Rumor has it that you hate the media/press; is that true?
- I don’t hate them; I would just rather keep my distance from them as many create rumors without any consideration for an artist’s feelings. Sometimes all they seem to care about are sales and profits, it really is Yellow Journalism.
* Let’s talk more about your private life; you love animals and safaris, tell us more about that side of your personality.
- I love visiting Nuweiba and safari trips. I also love the desert and all things weird and out of this world. My favorite place in the world is Sinai and I thank God we have it right here in Egypt. I wish I could live on a small house on the beach and go fishing every night for dinner, or if all else fails, have a meal of fresh fruit.
*Were you ever a victim of injustice?
- No, not in particular; what’s unjust is that I live on a crowded street with a lot of traffic so I can’t move easily, but God tests us these ways so we have to be strong. But injustice does not specifically represent one thing alone, I always try to avoid problems and live by the saying, “the door through which trouble comes through, shut it and be comfortable.” I believe calamity comes  from God.
*How come you have always had the same look throughout your career?
- I can change my look, but I do it from the inside with the characters I play. But in my everyday life I just like looking natural and not wearing makeup; I just feel that the role that will make me change my look is yet to come.  I did change my look when I played Aziza in “Ordinary Dreams” and in the past I used to dye my hair but now I just leave it how it is. I think when I grow older I will leave my hair naturally grey, I won’t dye it.
*What is your outlook on marriage?
- I’m still waiting for a husband who will give me the fatherly love and compassion I never had as my father died when I was a little girl. I just can’t live without compassion and I get that through other artists’ kindness toward me. My fellow artists like Ilham Shahin, Yusra, Mahmoud Abdel Aziz and Khaled Zaki are always so considerate. As for marriage, I don’t envision what my husband will look like; I just care about him being extremely humane.
*Who are your favorite singers?
- Shireen, Samira Said and Amal Maher.