Veteran Actor Mohamed Sobhi Criticizes New Umm Kulthum Biopic, Defends Mona Zaki
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A new film about the life of iconic Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum is facing criticism from a prominent figure in the country’s acting community.
A celebrated Egyptian actor has publicly voiced his disapproval of the recently released biographical film, “The Woman,” and expressed concern over its portrayal of the legendary singer, Umm Kulthum. The actor, a former student of the film’s star, Mona Zaki, leveled blame at the filmmakers for potentially sacrificing truth in favor of dramatic effect. The comments, made on the “Hazrat Al-Muwatin” program on December 15, 2025, have ignited debate about the ethics of biographical storytelling.
A Matter of Artistic Integrity
The actor stated that he struggles to participate in projects that compromise factual accuracy, even if they possess artistic merit. “As an actor, when I am presented with a movie or play that may be great and brilliant, but it may be contrary to the truth, I cannot do it,” he explained. He specifically directed his criticism towards Mona Zaki, the lead actress in “The Woman,” expressing both pride in her talent and disappointment in her choice of role. “I blame my student and beloved Mona Zaki, and I am proud of her, for falling into such a situation.”
A Personal Connection to “Kawkab Al-Sharq”
The actor’s critique stems from a deep personal connection to Umm Kulthum, affectionately known as “Kawkab Al-Sharq” (Star of the East). He recounted his childhood experience selling tickets to her concerts, witnessing firsthand the immense respect audiences held for the singer. He described a moment where he refused to relinquish his front-row seat to a guest of Umm Kulthum, a decision that ultimately led to a personal encounter with the star herself.
“Mrs. Umm Kulthum, I worked while I was in preparatory school by selling her tickets at the box office for her concerts, and I saw people’s respect for her when they came to buy tickets,” he recalled. He shared a poignant anecdote about Umm Kulthum’s generosity, recounting how she rewarded him with 50 pounds after he sang for her following a concert.
The Line Between Art and Intrusion
The actor emphasized the importance of focusing on an artist’s work rather than their private life when creating a biography. He used the example of Najib Al-Rihani, another prominent Egyptian artist, stating his disinterest in exploring the details of Al-Rihani’s personal relationships. “I do not want to watch Najib Al-Rihani get married, divorced, accompany, or live with anyone. I discuss his artistic life and do not approach his family or ordinary life,” he asserted. He believes that delving into an artist’s personal life inevitably leads to fabrication and distortion.
“The Woman” Cast and Crew
“The Woman” is a biographical film about Umm Kulthum, penned by Ahmed Murad and directed by Marwan Hamed. The film boasts a star-studded cast including Amr Saad, Ahmed Helmy, Karim Abdel Aziz, Aser Yassin, Nelly Karim, Amina Khalil, and Amir Al-Masry.
The actor’s comments raise important questions about the responsibility filmmakers have to historical accuracy and the ethical considerations of portraying real-life figures on screen. His critique serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of Umm Kulthum and the need to treat her story with the reverence it deserves.
