Remembering Shadia: Egypt's beloved golden age singer and actress

Ahram Online , Thursday 8 Feb 2024

8 February marks what would have been the 93rd birthday of the legendary Egyptian singer and cinema star Shadia

Shadia

 

Shadia was born in Cairo's Abdeen district on 8 February 1931 as Fatima Ahmed Kamal Shaker. She was reportedly given the screen name Shadia by director Helmy Rafla.

She became one of the most prominent film stars of her generation. Her career spans from the 1950s all the way to the 80s, appearing in over 112 films, 10 radio serials, and one play.

Shadia, who was born in Cairo's Abdeen district, began her acting career in 1947 and became known for her roles in light comedy and drama.

The actress starred in many films that are considered classics, including El-Zouga El-Talattashar (The Thirteenth Wife, 1962), Shea' Min El-Khouf (A Bit of Fear, 1969) Al-Liss Wal Kilab (The Thief and the Dogs, 1962), and Meraty Modir Am (My Wife is a General Manager, 1966).

She played the lead character, Hameeda, in Zouqâq Al-Midaqq (1963), based on Naguib Mahfouz’s novel of the same name.

Through many of her roles, Shadia sought to change society’s views on social issues, especially those involving women. Meraty Modir Am (1966) is one such film. She also chose roles in films with themes of oppression and defiance, such as in the film Shea' Min El-Khouf (1969).

In many films, she sang opposite stars Farid Al-Atrache and Abdel-Halim Hafez, appearing alongside the latter in a famous performance role in The People’s Idol (1967) by director Helmy Rafla.

Some of her best-known songs include El-Qalb Yeheb Marrah (The Heart Loves Once), Shebbakna Satayro Harir (Our Window’s Curtains are Silk) and Akwa Men El-Zaman (Stronger than Time).

Shadia passed away on 28 November 2017 at the age of 86 after a long struggle with illness and a cinsequent brain stroke.

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