I would like to revive acting 'duos'

Salah el-Sa’dany Cairo - Shima Mekkawy Veteran Egyptian actor Salah el-Sa’dany appeared this year in a totally different role as Said El Dakkak in a series version of the film “El Ekhwa El A’daa” (The Warring Brothers).  although the title is the same as the film, the drama has been re-worked with only the title remaining the same.  In an exclusive interview with Arabstoday, Salah el-Sa’dany said he was eager to work with veteran Yehia el-Fakhrany again and resume the great duo after 16 years of absence. Arabstoday: Why did you choose this novel and reproduce it once again as a drama? SS: I chose it, because it is very accessible and it is a popular Russian novel called “The Brothers Karamazov”, It was originally a cinema feature,  but this year we presented it as a drama in a totally different way, as there is an evolution in the events and if you watch the movie, you will see the difference between the two works.  The only similarity is the title. Arabstoday: Why did you decide to change the name of the character as he was in the movie? SS: It wasn't my decision but the intention was not to give the audience the impression that we are repeating characters we used  the same names, otherwise what would be new?... also the character is  completely different as well as the events, so for that reason we changed the name of the character from ‘Fekry’ to ‘Said el-Dakkak’ Arabstoday: Did you hesitate at all about playing an evil character and perhaps become a figure of hate to your audience? SS: If the audience feels the evil in the character, then I will have portrayed him successfully which was my aim. Unfortunately this character exists in real life. Arabstoday: What’s your opinion of Ahmed Rizk’s role in the series? SS: Ahmed was excellent in playing this difficult character, but I think he took too much time on training in his pronunciation. Actually, I think this role will be a turning point for his career because it was really difficult. Also, Fathy Abdel Wahab was great in his role, as well as Randa el-Beheiry. All of them are young and I expect a bright future for them. Arabstoday: Why didn't your son Ahmed join you in this work? SS: I do not force my son on anyone, and there was no suitable role for Ahmed in this work. it’s not a condition to have my son in the same production as myself.  Actually, he starred alongside the actor Adel Iman in his series and his role was really distinguished.  I always encourage him to achieve and to prove himself by himself without the help of anyone. Arabstoday: But Adel Imam’s son is appearing with his father in his series? SS: Of course, he has a suitable role in the series, but I am sure that if there was no such role, Adel Imam wouldn't have insisted on his participation. We are well-known actors and totally understand the value of the art, and acting doesn’t know my son or my relatives. Arabstoday: Why are there no duos in drama as there were in the past? SS: Yes, this idea seems to have disappeared, and I am working on reviving it.  Those duos need specific script writing in order to achieve a successful pairing. Arabstoday: What can we expect of you in the near future? SS: Actually I am eager to work again with Dr Yehia el-Fakhrany, and repeat our great duo together. It has been 16 years since season 5 of “Laialy Al Helmya” (Al Helmya Nights) series. Arabstoday: And what does Dr Yehia el-Fakhrany think about your idea|? SS: I called him, and suggested this idea to him and he welcomed it. Arabstoday: Is it possible to see you together next year? SS: Now, we are waiting for a  good script and idea. I wish the late writer Osama Anwar Okasha could write it because he wrote the previous works and he is the only one who could strike a balance between us. Arabstoday: Is there anyone in the wings following the late Osama Anwar Okasha? SS: There are many young writers who can write a very good script. Arabstoday: Salah el-Sa’dany, what do you see for Egypt now? SS: I see a prosperous future for Egypt, and God willing, it will happen. Actor Salah el-Sa’dany is among Egyptian actors who choose their roles carefully.  He has starred in many roles which have left their mark in drama history, for example we can’t forget “El Omda Soliman” (Soliman the Mayor) in the “Laialy Al Helmya” series.