Saba Mubarak Ditches Beauty Standards for 'Crime in Zamalek' Role

Jordanian artist Saba Mubarak has disclosed the behind-the-scenes details of her participation in the story "Crime in Zamalek," part of the "The Complete Story" series presented by Sameh Sand. She clarified that she proactively requested to join the production, driven by a desire to perform a different type of character.

Initiative Behind Casting Decision

Mubarak stated that she contacted director and producer Magdy El-Hawary directly to express her interest in participating in the series' works. Following discussions on several stories, the selection fell upon "Crime in Zamalek."

She described the crime central to the narrative as "soft," noting it does not rely on intense bloody scenes. According to Mubarak, this nature imposed an acting challenge requiring precision in performance. She added that collaborating with director Mahmoud Abdel Tawab and writer Amr Samir Atef gave her confidence and reassurance during the execution of the experience.

Psychological Depth of Character

Regarding portraying a criminal who might evoke audience sympathy, Mubarak explained that human beings are shaped by their choices. She illustrated that two individuals could grow up in the same environment with identical economic and educational conditions, yet each would take a different path.

She noted that life places people before tests that may push them to retreat from a wrong course or continue along it. The aspect that attracted her most to the role was the transformation of a good girl into a bad character. Mubarak emphasized that life is not always divided absolutely into good and evil, but rather involves multiple degrees of choices and situations.

She clarified that works within "The Complete Story" do not transfer real crimes with all their details, but rather draw inspiration from facts and reframe them dramatically, adding artistic elements that serve the events. Each story contains a core message; through "Crime in Zamalek," she aimed to convey the rejection of the principle that the end justifies the means, and the refusal to permanently accept the victim's role.

Physical Transformation and Rejection of Cosmetics

Mubarak highlighted the difference between her real appearance and the character "Nadia," confirming her love for experiences requiring changes in form and performance, and her dislike of repeating similar roles.

She revealed that she stopped using cosmetics while embodying the character, relying on physical details to show her state. These included signs of fatigue under the eyes, dirty and broken nails, and changing the color of teeth to yellow and gray shades.

The actress also discussed a wound above her lip present since childhood, resulting from an injury during her playful years. More than one dermatologist advised her to hide it using filler injections, but she refused, considering it part of her features. Her primary focus remains expressing the internal emotions of the character, away from classifications related to beauty and external appearance.

Professional Boundaries and Financial Choices

On moving between romantic roles and complex characters, Mubarak said she has become capable of apologizing for any work that does not add to her artistic career. She indicated reaching a stage where she can make a decision to refuse without hesitation.

When asked about her financial situation and sense of material security, she replied: "Praise be to God, I am doing well." She explained that she previously preferred staying home during periods when she needed money, but did not accept performing roles she did not feel passionate about. She added that she is ready to reduce expenses and bear financial pressures in exchange for not participating in work she does not love, ensuring that when convinced of an artistic experience, she exerts double effort to present it in the best image.

Reflections on Past Roles and Series Appreciation

Mubarak expressed dissatisfaction on a human and emotional level with the ending of the story "Ya Ward Ala Fal wa Yasmin." She wished the love story had triumphed and that the character "Ilham" had remained alive by traveling for treatment early. She preferred that the events carry an awareness message regarding the importance of early disease detection, alongside the emotional path of the story.

She praised several other stories in the series, including "Bani Mazar," which caught her attention due to the mystery of its details, and "Hell Game," commending the performance of artist Mohamed Farag, the rest of the team, and the director.

Current Projects in Istanbul

At the conclusion of the interview, Mubarak revealed she is currently in Istanbul filming a new Arabized Turkish series consisting of 90 episodes. It is adapted from the Turkish series "Mercy," which aired in 2013.

She expressed happiness at cooperating again with the MBC network channels, describing those working there as family. She also praised the way the Turkish production company operates and its level of professionalism. Artists Qais Sheikh Najib and Bassem Yakhour participate in the series, with whom she shares previous friendship and acquaintance.

Mubarak showed satisfaction with returning to speaking the Syrian dialect after a period of absence, considering that this experience brought back a feeling of nostalgia.