Millennials, gather around. Remember when Anoushka’s voice was the soundtrack to our lives in the late 80s and 90s?

Her powerful vocals and captivating performances made her a household name.

Fast forward to today, and Gen Z primarily recognizes her as a talented actress gracing their TV screens. It’s fascinating how time reshapes legacies.

From Business Administration to Center Stage

Born Vartanoush Garbis Selim on March 9, 1960, in Heliopolis, Cairo, Anoushka’s journey to stardom wasn’t a straight path. She studied Business Administration at the American University in Cairo and initially worked in foreign investment.

However, her passion for music led her to Tarek Nour’s advertising firm, where she lent her voice to commercials, marking the beginning of her musical journey.

Her big break came when she participated in an international song competition organized by the International Federation of Festival Organizations (FIDOF).

Singing an original French composition, she clinched first prize in both Turkey and France with her songs “Habbytak” and “Ya Habibi,” respectively. This recognition catapulted her into the limelight, setting the stage for a flourishing music career.

The Soundtrack of the 90s: Anoushka’s Most Iconic Songs

Anoushka’s music was everywhere in the late 80s and 90s. Her deep, velvety voice, combined with her ability to infuse emotion into every performance, made her one of the most celebrated artists of her time. Some of her most memorable songs include:

• “Ya Leil” – One of her biggest hits, instantly recognizable to anyone who lived through that era.
• “Abayyan Zain” – A song that highlighted her powerful and unique vocal tone.
• “Keddab” – A track that proved she was as much a pop star as she was a serious vocalist.
• “Weinak” – A heartfelt ballad that showcased her emotional depth.
• “Bahebak Leih” – A song that solidified her pop diva status.
• “Ya Alby” – Proof that her ballads could hit you right in the feels.

But one of her most unforgettable moments in music was her legendary duet with Mohamed Mounir on Belad Teba (بلاد طيبة).

This collaboration was more than just a song—it was a cultural moment. With both artists known for their unique vocal styles and deep connection to Egyptian heritage, the duet became an anthem that beautifully showcased their chemistry and musical brilliance.

Their voices blended seamlessly, creating a powerful and nostalgic tribute to Egypt that still resonates with fans today.

Anoushka didn’t just sing songs—she made them art. Whether through emotional ballads, upbeat anthems, or duets with music legends, her contributions to Arabic music remain timeless.

Egypt’s Cultural Ambassador on the Global Stage

Anoushka wasn’t just a singer; she was the voice of Egypt in international events. Whenever the country needed a cultural representative at major global occasions, she was the one holding the microphone.

• She won international song competitions in France and Turkey, proving that Arabic music had a place on the world stage.
• She performed in Arabic, French, and English, seamlessly blending cultures through her voice.
• She was awarded by the Egyptian Minister of Tourism for her role in promoting Egyptian music internationally.
• She was a regular at national celebrations, participating in operettas and musical performances tied to major events like Children’s Day and cultural festivals.

Anoushka was more than an artist—she was a cultural icon, effortlessly switching between languages and styles to showcase Egypt’s artistic excellence to the world.

The 90s Diva Aesthetic

Anoushka didn’t just sound different—she looked different. She embodied the glamour of the 90s with:

• Timeless elegance – Always sophisticated, never over-the-top.
• Signature voluminous hair – A look that defined an era.
• Chic, statement fashion – Always poised, always trendsetting.
• Cinematic music videos – Each one was a visual masterpiece, reflecting her high production value and attention to detail.

She was never just about the music—her entire presence was an experience.

A Second Wave of Stardom: The Acting Career

After establishing herself as a music icon, Anoushka ventured into acting. Her debut in Salah Abu Seif’s film “Al-Sayed Kaf” (1994) marked the beginning of a successful acting career. She seamlessly transitioned into various roles, captivating audiences with her performances in:

• “El-Tawous” (1991): A television series that showcased her acting prowess.
• “Saraya Abdeen”: A historical drama where she portrayed complex characters.
• “Grand Hotel”: A series that further cemented her status as a versatile actress.

Her ability to reinvent herself while maintaining authenticity has been key to her enduring relevance.

Current Endeavors: Starring in “W Teqabel Habib” This Ramadan

This Ramadan 2025, Anoushka continues to captivate audiences with her acting prowess. She stars alongside Yasmine Abdel Aziz in the highly anticipated series “W Teqabel Habib“.

The drama unfolds around Lail (played by Yasmine Abdel Aziz), a wealthy woman who discovers her husband’s betrayal, leading her into complex emotional entanglements.

Anoushka portrays Gogo Hanem, a character shrouded in mystery and holding secrets that could unravel the family’s fabric. Her performance adds depth and intrigue to the series, making it a must-watch this season.

Anoushka: The Blueprint for Today’s Multi-Talented Stars

Before it became common for singers to branch into acting, Anoushka set the standard. She was a superstar before social media, before auto-tune, before viral moments dictated an artist’s success.

She was famous because of her raw talent, stage presence, and ability to reinvent herself without losing what made her special.

If you’re a millennial, you already knew this. But if you’re Gen Z and only recognize Anoushka as a TV star, go back and listen to her music. Watch her old performances. Because long before today’s artists tried to balance music and acting, Anoushka had already done it—and she did it flawlessly.

Now, the real question is: Which Anoushka era do you remember best? The music icon of the 90s or the TV star of today? Let’s discuss.