CAIRO, 27 December 2004 — Charismatic Egyptian singer-actor Talaat Zein is co-starring in his new film “Dreams of Our Lives” with a bevy of prominent young actors such as Mona Zaki, Mostafa Shaban and Menna Shalaby. The film is directed by Uthman Abu Laban who has to his credit several video clips for outstanding singers in the Arab world.
Arab News met with Zein on the sets of his new film.
Some scenes of this film were shot at Kuseer, a city on the shores of the Red Sea, few kilometers away from Hurgada. Zein declined to give details of the plot, but did say, “The film is written beautifully and conveys an important message to the young generation about appreciating the big value of their homeland.”
The plot also portrays a catchy love story in a simple comic style, he added. Zein plays the role of a soldier in the 1973 war.
Though Zein has a wide fan following for his music, he has of late been concentrating on movie acting more than singing.
“Cinema records the history of the actor. There are so many intruders into the music field nowadays. I am not pleased with what has been happening lately in the music industry,” he explained.
According to him, many of the new singers entered the field not out of their love for music but because of their love for fame. They follow bizarre ways to be superstars although they lack the talent, he added.
“Songs should not be limited to lovers weeping over their lost love affairs, or blaming the other party and accusing him or her of betrayal. Music should tackle various other subjects such as friends, mothers, wives, and a lot more,” said Zein.
He said he is now working with a group of lyricists and composers to put together a new album.
Zein, who revived the Franco-Arab style of music after it was deserted for a long while, was a member of the hip band of the late 60s and 70s “Le Petite Chate”(Small Kittens). The band was a hit with the young at that time, competing with their rival band “Black Coats”.
They used to play English, French, and Italian songs. His colleagues of this band are now famous composer Omar Khairat, actor Ezzat Abu Auf and others.
Zein made a second grand appearance into the world of music when he joined Amr Diab for the hit duet “Ta’ala” (come back). He then continued making hit Franco-Arab songs in addition to acting.
