On her birthday... the secret behind Magda El-Sabahi changing her name

Today marks the birthday of the late artist Magda El-Sabahi, one of the icons of Egyptian cinema. Born on May 6, El-Sabahi's long artistic career encompassed a distinguished lineage that spanned not only acting but also production, particularly patriotic works that left a clear mark on the history of Egyptian art. Get the latest celebrity ads directly on the Special app, where we show you everything new from international stars.

The difficult beginning... family traditions hinder the dream In a rare interview, Magda El-Sabbahi spoke about the challenges she faced at the beginning of her artistic career. She grew up in a well-established family in the Menoufia Governorate, where strict traditions and principles prevented girls from entering the world of acting. As a graduate of a nun's school, she was expected to take a completely different path.

Entering the world of cinema... a coincidence that led to fame

Despite the obstacles, Magda El-Sabbahi's entry into cinema came by chance. She recounts that she was with her friends to watch the filming of one of Ismail Yassin's films. There, Hungarian director Seif El-Din Shawkat noticed her and asked her to participate in the film as a young heroine. Despite her hesitation due to her young age, that moment marked the beginning of a major transformation in her life.

A difficult decision and unexpected approval from the family

Magda said she wasn't able to make the decision on her own, especially since she was a minor, but her family's circumstances at the time helped her secure approval, particularly given the absence of her parents and the busy schedules of her siblings. She explained that the matter would have been more complicated had the cast not been made up of foreigners, as she would have needed formal approval from her family. Enjoy interesting and useful content with an exclusive podcast that provides you with everything you need to know in just a few minutes via the Special app.

Changing the name from "Afif" to "Magda" is an artistic and social necessity. Magda revealed that her real name is Afef, but she decided to change it to "Magda" to protect her family's privacy and her social standing. She emphasized that she was proud of her real name, but social pressures pushed her to make this difficult decision so she could continue her artistic career without problems.