Latest gossip from the Arab world

In pursuit of happiness Egyptian superstar Ahmad Ezz is back with his latest film, 365 Youm Saada (365 Days of Happiness), with Donia Sameer Ganem. To celebrate the release of the film, Ezz made an appearance at Grand Cinemas Dubai Festival City, where a press conference was initially scheduled for the media, but cancelled because the event attracted a huge number of fans. Ever the professional, however, Ezz made sure he answered all of the media's questions. This Dubai appearance marks the return of the Egyptian actor to the spotlight after a long absence due to the current situation in the Arab world. According to various media reports, Ezz had even rejected $150,000 (Dh550,965) to appear on a Gulf entertainment television show a couple of months ago out of respect for the political situation in Egypt. Article continues below tabloid! caught up with the star. The film has been promoted for quite a while now. Wasn't it meant to be shown during Eid Al Adha? No, these were just rumours as the product had not been completed. It was alleged that I personally requested postponing the release of the film as it clashed with other big movies, but this is not the case. I did not ask this of the film's producer, Mohammad Yasin, and the rumours are just rumours. I don't fear competition. Why did you decide not to go for a summer release? I have always had summer movies; therefore it didn't really bother me. To be honest, you cannot plan success. Just because you release in summer doesn't necessarily mean that you are going to make a lot of revenue or become a hit with the audience. It's not in our hands. Whatever is meant to be is meant to be. You cannot control your fate. Tell us more about the film. It's a romantic comedy — something different from what I've done before. It's written in a beautiful way. When I first read the script, I told them I was more than happy to go into the role without asking for any edits. As for my character, Hady, he is a very calm person who avoids all serious problems in life. He is arrogant, really into himself, and this film shows his experiences in his various relationships. This is Said Al Marouk's first feature film. What was it like working with him? It was fantastic working with Said. Like you said, it is his first film in Egyptian cinema, but his background has given a great deal of experience. He has even worked on Hollywood projects. The cinematography was beautiful, and his experience really helped in providing something very artistic. He showed the various locations in Egypt that we shot in very beautifully. The response was incredibly positive after the Dubai premiere. Did you get a chance to hear the feedback? Yes, I did, and I was very happy with the response to the film. What I love about Dubai is that a lot of different nationalities live here so you get to experience what other Arab nationalities think of a film. It was great to meet fans from all over the region. Finally, what's next for you? Well, I am working on two things. There's Al Maslaha (The Favour) opposite Ahmad Al Sakka, but shooting is currently delayed due to the fact the location is Sinai, and there are a lot of security issues following the events of the Egyptian revolution. The security forces have enough to deal with right now without us bothering them for more security. If I don't start shooting this project, then I'll start on another project during Ramadan. Although I cannot reveal details, it will be with Arab Production Group. Arabia Online "Yes, my daughter has found her other half and will celebrate her engagement in coming days at a Cairo-based venue. She is my only child, so I am so happy for her." — Egyptian actress Gada Abdul Razzaq on the engagement of her daughter, Rotana. Review: 365 Youm Saada, Sweet Romance There's no doubt that a large percentage of the Arab female population will relate to this week's latest film release, 365 Youm Saada. Ahmad Ezz takes on the character of a charming and rich Hady, who loves women more than money, but would do anything to avoid getting married. In order to get women, Hady convinces them to marry secretly, and then when he gets bored of them, he makes up a lie that he has a life-threatening disease and needs to get away from Egypt in order to seek treatment. Yes, not a very nice man at all. Then suddenly, Hady experiences a change of heart when he meets his dream girl, played by Donia Sameer Ganem, who he instantly falls for. The only problem however, is that karma comes back to bite him when he discovers that the girl is suffering from cancer and has just one year to live. So he goes about providing her remaining 365 days of life with complete happiness. 365 Youm Saada is a sweet romantic comedy that Ezz and Ganem fans will enjoy watching. And the winner is... Sherine Abdul Wahab (right) has won the award for Best Arab Singer at this year's Murex D'or Awards. The Egyptian singer is expected to pick up the accolade at a ceremony at the Casino du Liban in Beirut later this month. Meanwhile, it has also been announced that Nancy Ajram will pick up Female Star of the Lebanese Song as well as Best Video for Shaikh Al Shabab directed by Leila Kenaan. Amr gets his own show The winner of the first Arab's Got Talent, Amr Katamesh, has signed on to host his own show. The Egyptian poet, who was honoured at the Cairo Opera House by the Minister of Culture, Imad Abu Gazi for his contribution to post-January 25 revolution poetry recently, revealed that the show, entitled She'ar Halamantishi, will be aired soon. Kamel is rising He may have been voted off the Star Academy and was subject to various allegations by Sarah and Christine, but former contestant Karim Kamel is now enjoying the perks of the public's support. It has emerged that Karim has been appointed UN goodwill ambassador for as part of the Y-PEER organisation representing young Middle Eastern singers. Kamel is excited about the role, which he will start in the coming weeks. For those still in the Academy, only five weeks are remaining, so the competition is definitely hotting up. According to online voting, Nesma is favourite to win this year's title, although we doubt Sarah will let her win easily without putting up an overly dramatic fight as usual. Last Friday, Abdul Salam was saved with 70 per cent of the public's votes, while the students chose to save Mohammad Dakdouk.. Unfortunately, Salam has been nominated for eviction this week again along with Christine and Layan.