Beirut - Suhaila Kayali
Carole Hajj
She doesn’t “accept all roles,” and always tries to find different types of characters to play. People fall in love with her roles becuase of the life she brings into her performances, while she it gives her a thrill
to meet her "professional desires”.
She also criticised the trend to hire beauty queens as actresses.
'Arabstoday' interviews Carole Hajj:
AT: In Al-Shahrora, you play Sabah’s Aunt Jamila, the first Christian woman who files for divorce from her husband, then joins the church service. How were you chosen for that role?
Hajj: After the casting, I got a phone call from Ms. Nada Remy, saying that she and director Ahmed Shafiq loved my performance, and wanted me for this character. I then read the script, which I liked a lot.
AT: Have you consulted someone to tell you about the real character’s life?
Hajj: I met with Clauda, ??Sabah’s nephew, but she told me that Jamils had a different personality in real life.
AT: How do you respond to those who question the credibility of the series and accuse it of falsifying reality?
Hajj: I heard about the problems surrounding the show, but the agreement was reached between the producers and Sabah. However this is not of my business, I’m only concerned with the character I play.
AT: Do you think the show marks a new beginning for you?
Hajj: Being in a show during Ramadan season is fulfilling. I wish to expand my work in other Arab countries...I’m not pursuing that however, unless I'm asked to
AT: How would you describe your relationship with producers in Lebanon?
Hajj: I don’t have any producer friend. I’m not an extroverted person. I like to keep an atmosphere of friendliness inside the workplace, but do not exceed it in private life.
AT: Can that be the reason behind the few roles you take?
Hajj: Maybe. Producers also hire beauty queens and fashion models as actresses. That is not a fair way to cast actors.
AT: If you don’t like beauty queens being actresses, what do you think of Nadine Najim?
Hajj: I'm not art critic, so I can’t give you my opinion. I'm only an actress. As for beauty queens, some of them are talented, too.
AT: What do you think of plastic surgery?
Hajj: I am not against it, in general, but I’m against changing the way a person looks. I will not accept any change to the features of my face.
AT: What TV series have you recently watched?
Hajj: Al-Sharora and Bab Idris.
AT: What do you think of Bab Idris?
Hajj: (She pauses and thinks.) I liked the art direction, and some actors were nice.
AT: What about the plot ?
Hajj: A moving story. Especially since it tackles a crucial era of Lebanese history.