Mona Zaki Takes on Iconic Role of Umm Kulthum in New Film

Egyptian actor Mona Zaki has embraced one of the most significant challenges of her career by portraying the legendary singer Umm Kulthum in the film “El Sett” (“The Lady”). After over a year of preparation, the film premiered at the Marrakech International Film Festival this week, showcasing Zaki’s dedication to capturing the essence of a cultural icon revered across the Arab world.

In an interview with AFP, Zaki expressed her initial fears about the role. “I was very scared at the beginning,” she admitted. “I didn’t know where to start.” Despite being one of Egypt’s most recognizable actors, Zaki faced the daunting task of embodying a figure whose influence remains palpable even half a century after her death. Umm Kulthum, noted for her powerful voice and captivating performances, continues to be a beloved figure, characterized by her signature scarf and sunglasses.

Bringing a Legend to Life

The film opens not in Egypt, but in Paris, where Umm Kulthum performed at the Olympia in 1967. It captures a moment of fervent admiration as a fan rushes towards her and collapses at her feet during her performance of “Enta Omri,” her most celebrated ballad. In a profound act of patriotism, she donated the profits from that performance to the Egyptian army amidst the war against Israel, which was occupying the Sinai Peninsula at that time.

Zaki dedicated 15 months to studying Umm Kulthum’s physicality and vocal timbre, despite not singing in her own voice for the film. She delved into the singer’s background, tracing her journey from a small village in the Nile Delta where her father, an imam, initially disguised her as a boy to perform religious chants publicly. This upbringing highlighted the societal constraints of early 20th-century Egypt, where her father recognized her talent but feared the backlash from a conservative community.

Director Marwan Hamed emphasized the remarkable nature of Umm Kulthum’s story, stating, “There’s something unbelievable about her journey.” He noted that her legacy remains “quite alive among us,” reflecting not only her vocal talent but also the cultural significance her music holds for people across the region.

A Voice of Hope and Strength

Umm Kulthum’s music has transcended cultural boundaries, captivating audiences beyond the Arab world. Notably, singer Bob Dylan once described her as “one of my favourite singers of all time.” Her innovative blend of classical poetry with orchestral arrangements revolutionized Arabic music, while her extensive live performances set her apart from contemporaries. Hamed remarked on the duality of her stage presence, saying, “When you watch her on stage, you see a lot of power, but actually behind that was a lot of vulnerability.”

After her early performances in her village, Umm Kulthum moved to Cairo in the 1920s, where she quickly rose to prominence. Zaki encapsulated her significance, stating, “She is the voice of the Arab people and embodies hope, strength, and resistance.” Hamed praised Umm Kulthum for the way she shaped her audience’s choices and perceptions, asserting that the film will celebrate her enduring legacy and the journey through which she crafted it.

As “El Sett” continues to garner attention, it serves as a tribute to a woman whose impact on music and culture is immeasurable. The depth of her story, filled with both struggles and triumphs, resonates with audiences today, reflecting the powerful legacy of Umm Kulthum in the Arab world and beyond.