In the event that you flip through the channels of cable television in an Arabic-speaking country for a considerable length of time, you will undoubtedly unearth an Egyptian movie released between the 1940s and ’60s, a period worshipped as the nation’s golden age of cinema.
The present Doodle, outlined by guest artist Ahmad Thabit, commends the 90th birthday celebration of a icon of this era, the beloved Egyptian actress and singer best known by her stage name Shadia.
Born Fatma Ahmed Kamal Shaker on this day in 1931, Shadia was first perceived as a skilled singer by her family. At 16, Shadia’s dad entered her into an talent competition where she grabbed the attention of two famous Egyptian directors, who later aided dispatch her movie career.
Shadia’s abilities as an actress and dancer combined with her reminiscent voice made her a darling of the Arab entertainment industry for near forty years. She showed up in more than 100 parts, from films to radio plays, and accumulated broad basic approval for her comedic and dramatic performances alike.
A considerable lot of her films featured iconic musical numbers presently viewed as works of art of Egyptian film, similar to her 1957 two part harmony with Farid al-Atrash: “Ya Salam Ala Hobi Wi Hobak” (“Our Love is Exceptional”).
Shadia likewise delivered many hit tunes, a few of which stay famous today. Her energetic tribute “Ya Habibty Ya Masr” (“Oh My Beloved Egypt”) has been played with such recurrence during public occasions and festivities, some even think of it as Egypt’s unofficial national anthem!
Happy birthday, Shadia. Your performances continue to capture hearts across the Arab world and beyond.
