During our coverage of the El Gouna Film Festival, we had the pleasure of meeting the one and only Entesar minutes before the premiere of her latest film El Sada El Afadel (The Gentlemen).
Set in a quirky Egyptian village, Al Sada Al Afadel follows the Abu El-Fadl family as their lives spiral into chaos after the sudden “departure” of their father, Galal. Between debts, shady antiques, a tough-talking stranger named Samir Italia, and a post office robbery that’s the talk of the town, the family must navigate lies, pride, and a good dose of moral confusion. The result? A dark comedy that captures everything from rural absurdity to human weakness—Egyptian style.
Meeting Entesar Before the Red Carpet
Before stepping onto the red carpet, Entesar’s energy filled the room. Her son, Mamdouh, who was managing her PR, was our first introduction to the warmth that clearly runs in the family.
His calm professionalism and care for his mother said everything about how much love she gives, and how much she receives back.
We met Entesar in her suite as her glam team worked around her. She welcomed us in with that signature mix of humor and grace, asking casual questions about our work while discreetly keeping an eye on every small detail of her look.
Beneath her calm tone, you could sense her nerves. It was her first time attending the El Gouna Film Festival, and she wanted it to count.
“Many people are investing in your appearance,” she said, adjusting her hair in the mirror.
“It’s important for them. I can’t disappoint them. I need to present myself in the best way possible to make them proud of their investment in me.”
The Professional Behind the Persona
Watching her coordinate with everyone—the glam team, her son, the filmmakers, and even us—it was clear how meticulous she is about her work.
Every detail mattered, but not in a diva way; it was the quiet control of someone who’s been doing this for decades and knows exactly what it takes to deliver.
She’s one of the originals.
We’ve laughed with her for years through her comedic roles, but in recent projects like A‘la Nesbet Moshahda and 80 Bako, Entesar has proven that her talent stretches far beyond humor. She’s evolved without ever losing that spark that made her a household name in the first place.
Owning Her Growth, Sharing Her Credit
When asked about her success, she didn’t center herself. “Whatever success I have, it’s never mine alone,” she said. “It belongs to the people I work with, my family, everyone who stands by me. I’m grateful for all of them.”
That gratitude translates into her work ethic. She’s constantly looking for new challenges, not relying on her legacy to keep her relevant. “
I always want to push myself,” she told us. “If I stop experimenting, I stop growing.”
Her latest film is proof of that. El Sada El Afadel is a bold, dark comedy—something most actors would hesitate to take on. But Entesar believed in the vision.
“I trusted the director, Karim El Shenawi, and everyone involved,” she said. “It was a risk, but a beautiful one. I wanted to challenge myself with a role like this.”
A Veteran Still in Love with the Work
As she stepped out, poised and radiant, it was hard not to admire the balance she’s mastered—humility with confidence, experience with curiosity. Entesar isn’t just showing up for the red carpet; she’s showing us what longevity in art really looks like.
A veteran who still believes in the thrill of trying something new.
