The actress described the series as one of the most challenging experiences of her career, both artistically and personally.
During a phone interview with presenter Karim Ramzy on the programme Holeila fi 30 Layla on Mega FM radio station, Jumana Murad discussed the creative process behind the series, which is airing in the second half of the Ramadan 2026 drama season.
Directed by Saad Hendawy, with Mariam Naoum as scriptwriter, the show addresses the realities faced by families raising children with autism, shedding light on the social misunderstandings surrounding the condition. Naoum is widely known in Egyptian television for developing socially grounded dramas that often centre on complex female characters and contemporary social questions.
Murad explained that before The Colour Blue, she had already been actively searching for a dramatically challenging and meaningful project. Known for her work across both Egyptian and Syrian television and cinema, the actress said she wanted a role that would allow her to explore deeper emotional territory.
"This year, I was looking for something different. The opportunity to tackle such a sensitive humanitarian topic was deeply fulfilling despite the emotional demands it placed on me," she said of The Colour Blue.
In the series, Murad portrays a mother navigating the complex emotional and social realities of raising a child on the autism spectrum.
According to the actress, the character required an unusual level of sensitivity and preparation.
"Standing in front of a ‘different’ child with unique qualities requires special acting tools and extreme emotional awareness," she said.
"You have to reach a level of sincerity that allows the audience to truly feel the situation."
Murad also emphasized that portraying autism responsibly required careful study and attention to behavioural details.
The show highlights situations that families of autistic children often encounter. For example, in the first episode, Hamza experiences a panic episode at Cairo International Airport after losing his headphones, demonstrating his sensitivity to noise and crowded spaces—an element used in the series to illustrate the everyday realities of autism.
"Dealing with autism dramatically requires full awareness of every behavioral nuance to ensure authenticity," she explained, adding that the role demanded extensive emotional engagement and a deep understanding of how children on the spectrum interact with the world around them.
At the same time, the actress spoke about misconceptions surrounding autism, saying, "Autism is not a disease. It is simply a form of difference that deserves respect and appreciation."
Murad added that children with autism often possess unique talents and sensitivities, and society must learn how to support them rather than isolate them.
The actress also called for broader social awareness and inclusion. "These children need a special kind of care that matches their natural uniqueness," she said, urging communities to "open all the closed doors in front of them and provide them with proper support."
Despite the emotional difficulty of the role, Murad described the experience as profoundly rewarding. Much of that, she said, was due to her relationship with the young actor who plays her son in the series. She described the child as "extraordinary" and noted that their bond became essential to the performance's authenticity.
Murad admitted that "my close connection with the child who shared the lead role helped bring out genuine emotions on screen."
Ultimately, Murad believes that The Colour Blue aims to do more than entertain Ramadan audiences. By telling a story rooted in empathy and understanding, the series seeks to encourage viewers to reconsider how society perceives neurodiversity and to promote compassion for families navigating these experiences.
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