We got to meet the dedicated, multitalented, family-oriented, Gemini star Nahed El Sebai. We had a very quick chat about her role in Mako, her three biggest wishes in life, her fears and how she dealt with losing both her father and her brother in a short period of time.
Read on! It’s facts time with Nahed El Sebai.
By Mariam Elhamy
You were born into a family of filmmakers, actors and actresses. How did this entice your love for films & acting and who encouraged you the most to go for this career path?
The one who helped me the most was my mom; she showed me the way to where I could go to learn acting and she introduced me to workshops with masters like Mr Khaled Galal, Mohamed Sobhy, Marwa Gebril and many others. She also made me travel to learn acting and theater in America. Nahed El Sebai
Tell us about your role in Mako. We know it’s a film about sharks so what was the hardest thing to shoot?
I played Gharam, a bit of a mysterious character. For most of the film, you rarely know what she wants or what she’s doing and that was one of the things I loved the most about this character, how vague and mysterious she was.
The hardest thing for me was probably the diving hours that were way more than any normal diving hours. We were in the middle of the sea, abroad and we were filming during Christmas and the New Year so it was freezing cold. Acting under the water is generally hard in terms of the acting itself, the breathing and the limited amount of time you have.
What was the hardest period in your life and how were you able to overcome it?
The hardest time in my life was when both my dad and my brother passed away at around the same time. You’re never the same person after the loss of a loved one but you just learn to adapt and live with it. Being around my family helped. Nahed El Sebai
You have two pugs and a parrot. Tell us about them.
I have Sokkar and Mistika my pugs, and Sina my baby parrot but I’m not sure if it’s a boy or a girl because I have to take it for a checkup first at the vet. When I first got Sina I thought it would talk on its own but apparently it has to get some training first.
How did you become good at pole dancing?
I watch a lot of pole competitions. When I first started doing pole I found the dancing to be very challenging and I took it more as a sport that incorporates dance because the movements are mostly very sporty. The dancing part is very hard.
Do you remember your dreams? If so, what was the last dream you had?
I had a dream that my mom bought a new stove and I was curious at why she changed our old one because it was really good. Then when I walked out of the house I found the sea! It was a very cartoonish dream. Nahed El Sebai
Do you like cooking? What do you enjoy cooking the most?
Yes, very much! I consider it a hobby. I can cook everything but what I like doing the most is Molokheya because my mom likes it.
If you could send out one message to your fans, what would it be?
I’d say thank you very much for your love and support. You are the reason for me to be happy when I’m sad and even happier when I’m already happy and to have confidence in myself. I always take my fans into consideration in all my actions because I never want to let them down.
Quickfire round:
What do you look forward to the most in your day?
Doing yoga and watering the plants.
If you have a boat what would you call it?
Farid Shawky.
Who’s the one person you trust with your life and absolutely have to take their opinion in everything?
My mom.
If you had three wishes, what would you wish for?
Health, safety, and that my family stays around me always. And the Oscar!
What is your horoscope sign and what are its characteristics?
My horoscope sign is moody, double-faced, crazy, and curious. I’m a Gemini.
What’s your favorite dish?
Mombar and Mahashi.
Name a fear that you have?
I’m afraid of the dark. Nahed El Sebai