Flair Magazine Following her stunning performance as Sofia in last year’s Ramadan hit Eugenie Nights, Injy El Mokkaddem did a complete 180 for this season. Moving on from the Italian-speaking Sofia to the tenacious Safeya hailing from Upper Egypt, Injy has been lauded for her powerful performances in mastering both. At a media day at the grand Rossini restaurant in Heliopolis, we met up with the actress and spoke to her about her latest role as Safeya in Weld El Ghalaba.
How was it like to work with Ahmed El Sakka again?
Ahmed is a good friend. He’s very talented and a popular star. I enjoy working with him because we have chemistry and he is a fun person to be around.
How did you prepare for Safeya’s role?
I had to sit a lot with the director and I did a lot table reading. Of course, I also sat with the accent corrector Abd El Nabi El Hawari and practiced the Saeedi dialect. It took me two months to prepare for Safeya.
In a previous interview, you mentioned taking home a part of every character you play. Which part will you be taking from Safeya?
Her strength.
Reflect on the differences between Sophia and Safeya. Which one was more of a challenge for you?
Both roles were challenging for me. They are poles apart in social background and the circumstances they face. Although they come from two different worlds, they do share similar aspects- more or less. Both are very strong women who fiercely overcome big challenges in their lives, and they were both very challenging to portray.
What have you learned from the directors you’ve worked with throughout your career?
Each one has their own style, vision and approach to work. Hany Salama is a very sensitive director and I learned that sensitivity aspect from him. Mohammad Sami always has a vision. He knows what he wants and makes it happen. He’s just very clear in what he wants. I definitely learned something new from everyone I worked with… and of course, from Mohamed Sakr in Ras El Sana. Each one has their own school of thought that I’ve learned to take on and adapt to.
What areas do you feel like you want to explore more/grow in as an actress?
I want to take dance and singing classes because I really want to take part in a musical. It would be fun but completely out of my comfort zone.
How do you see your role in women empowerment in Egypt?
Maybe not necessarily through the characters that I play, but I personally see the responsibility in being a role model in my decision-making, in having a clear conscience at work and a clear and balanced way of thinking. Also, my discipline, my beliefs, my way of life and how I present myself. This is something I really care about. I always strive to be very honest with myself so I can be honest with people as well.
What are you up to next?
The feature film Ras El Sana will be out in October so I’m currently waiting for that to drop. There are two projects I’ll be working on off-season but I’ve barely started work again.
Rapid Fire Questions:
- If you could play a Game of Thrones character, which one would you be?
Tough question… Cersei
- Favorite summer destination
Spain
- Hobby that you’ll never give up
Listening to music
- Hidden talent
None
- Favorite Ramadan dish to cook
Fattah
- The one makeup item you can’t live without
Concealer
- Best gift you ever received
Cards from my children
- Cinema or television?
Cinema
- Fashion idol
No one in particular
- If you weren’t an actress, what would you be?
A singer, although my voice is terrible. I would’ve loved to have a nice voice.
By Sarah Guirguis
