Al-Araf is different from Ferket Naji Atallah

Egypt's 'king of comedy' Adel Imam Cairo - Khaled Farag The Egyptian ‘king of comedy’ Adel Imam insisted that his character in Al-Araf (the Godfather) TV series, showing this Ramadan, is totally different from his role in Ferket Naji Atallah (Naji Atallah’s Team) which aired during last year’s holy month, pointing out that he has played the role of a crook in several films. In an exclusive interview with Arab Today, Imam said fans from both inside and outside Egypt had told him they agreed that there is no similarity between the two serials. Screenwriter Yousif Al Maati wrote such a great script for Al-Araf that Imam accepted the role without a second thought, he said. The series tells the story of a ‘psychic’ man who is found out to be a fraud, but decides to take advantage of the public respect he has gained. Recalling the filming of the show, the 73-year-old actor said there had been a “state of love and cooperation between all the participants, who are from different generations.” He added: “It was a pleasure to work with them all, for example Hussein Fahmy, Sherine, Talaat Zakaria, Nihal Anbar, as well as the younger generation such as Mohamed el-Shaqanqery, Ahmed Falawkas, Sherif Ramzy, Reham Ayman and others.” Asked about being handed the role of a swindler once again, Imam said “Yes, I have played role of a crook in many films, but playing it on TV during my role in al-Araf is totally different from any other role I have played before.” Turning to weightier matters, the veteran star expressed his support for the decision of several satellite channels to cut all TV serials - including al-Araf – in order to cover the demonstrations called by the head of the army Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on Friday 26 July. He said: “I strongly welcomed this decision, as it was in favour of the series, which would not have been viewed that day when all Egyptians took to the street. Therefore, I think this decision was wise.” The comedy star called the current political situation in Egypt “confused”, but added: “I’m confident in the ability of the Egyptian army and police to overcome this complex phase, in order to start building Egypt, after it was about to fall during the Muslim Brotherhood era.” Imam rejected the suggestion that the toppling of Morsi was a military coup, saying: “Is it possible for the military to stage a coup, after having given the presidency and political forces time to discuss the crisis? How can it have been a coup when the people called on the army, after millions took to the street rejecting the Brotherhood’s rule?” The actor revealed he will be taking a break from Egypt’s political crisis over the Eid holidays at his chalet on the northern coast, where he is planning to spend time relaxing on the beach.