Actress Profile: Hend Sabri Continues Cinematic Success
2005-03-22
Tunisian actress Hend Sabri is no stranger to controversy. Egyptian tabloids are rife with rumors about an early retirement and a decision to wear the veil. Critics have attacked her for risqué roles involving passionate love scenes. But Sabri insists that in the end, moviegoers are more concerned about story and performance than labels critics create to pigeon-hole actors and movies.
(Al Mustaqbal – 30/07/04; Misralarabia.com; Latef.net)
![]() [File] Sabri |
Born in Tunisia in the early 1980s, Sabri's acting debut came at the age of 14 in "The Silences of the Palace," Moufida Tlatli's much celebrated film about women trapped in a world of male dominance. Deep and expressive stares into the silence of a Tunisian bourgeois palace characterized her solid performance and earned the praise of both Arab and international critics.
"I wasn’t enthusiastic about my first acting role," she told Lebanese daily Al Mustaqbal in July 2004."My father was more enthusiastic and encouraged me to pursue it. I liked cinema as a spectator and never dreamt about becoming an actress- not even alone in front of the mirror."
After a series of roles in lesser known Tunisian films, controversial Egyptian director Inas Al Daghidi cast her in "The Diary of a Teenager," a candid look at the world of a young Egyptian teenager. Though critically acclaimed, the film thrust her into the Egyptian film industry and helped create a perception of her as an actress with fewer moral inhibitions than her Egyptian counterparts.
"I consider myself to be open minded and daring, but in the [Egyptian film] industry that quality has certain connotations," Sabri said. "I don't agree with the labels that the press use on actors and films. Moviegoers are only concerned with the performance and the quality of the film. A good actor knows how to break free from labels and classifications."
Good acting has paid off for Sabri whose last few films did not contain the kind of intimate scenes she became known for since moving to Egypt in 2000. Her recent films were critically acclaimed and popular successes. "A State of Love" with Hani Salama and Tamer Hosni scored big at the Egyptian box office and established her as one of Egypt's premier young actresses. She also recently won a Best Actress award for her role in "The Best of Times" at the Catholic Centre Egyptian Film Festival awards.
![]() [File] From "A State of Love" |
Despite her success as an actress, Sabri never studied acting and regards it as a part time hobby. After finishing high school, she studied law instead of joining an acting school. Sabri now holds a Master's degree in intellectual property law and is planning Ph.D. work. Her studies have started to take a toll on the number of film roles she accepts, reducing them to one or two per year, which prompted a few newspapers in Egypt to speculate she was quitting acting.
"I wanted to continue to enjoy my craft," she continued in her interview with Al Mustaqbal. "When I felt that going to the set made me unhappy, I decided to stop. I don't want cinema to become my sole source of income because I will not be able to enjoy it as much…I believe that people are free to do whatever they want and should create an environment conducive to that freedom. I came under pressure [to be in more films] but my freedom was at stake. When I became more selective in accepting roles, that's when I decided to find another way to support myself financially and keep acting a personal source of pleasure."
Sabri's struggle to find her place in life was a result of living in Cairo, which had become her home since filming "The Diary of a Teenager" in 2000. But she did not turn her back on Tunisian cinema, she told Al Arabiya in March 2005: "
I still act in Tunisian films whenever I get a chance. I consider Tunisian cinema to have a strong and well articulated message with a local and international appeal."
Sabri's latest project is a starring role alongside Adel Imam, Nour El Sherif, Yusra and Ilham Shahine in "Jacobian's Building." The film, which stars some of the biggest names in Egyptian cinema, is a testimony to Sabri's talent and potential for stardom.





Raoudha Posted 2006-10-18
Bravo Hend, you amazed us. We have seen this movie « Yacoubian building » in which, along with your partners, you were great. This role fits you so well, your performance was perfect. Good luck for the future. Raoudha (A Tunisian in Paris).
نجاة Posted 2006-11-14
I support Hind Sabri for taking Cinema as a hobby and wish her success in her studies especially that the nature of such studies maker here more balanced so that she can be more creative. I wish Hind pursues this path. I also wish to communicate with her as a expatriate in an Arab country. I wish to tell her about my sufferings as a women to inspire her for a good movie for everyone. I wish Hind Sabri gets my email and contacts me. Could you help me with that?
محمد همام Posted 2006-11-18
Frankly you are the best actor I have seen!
عمرووووش Posted 2006-11-25
Frankly! Excellent actor. Omar from Tunisia.
JIHEN Posted 2006-12-02
I love Hind Sabri.
coucou Posted 2007-01-01
Truth is that Hend is a nice actor, i love her very much. Her movies are great. Besides, she is a Tunisian, which is great !
حسين رستم Posted 2007-01-10
You are really a brilliant artist and warm congrats for your successful engagement!
عمر من لبنان Posted 2007-01-23
Can I have photos of Hind Sabri!
el hariri Posted 2007-01-23
My name is Hindi and I really love what the Tunisian Actress Hendi Sabri is doing
ايمان Posted 2007-02-03
I love Hind Sabri very much and consider her like my sister. I wish I can talk to her because I have something important to tell her. Please Hind if you read this let me know please!
IMANE Posted 2007-02-03
I love the actress hend sabri bravo
fadeoua Posted 2007-03-19
I would like to tell Hend that i like her as an actress, and because she is a Tunisian. Tunisia is proud of her. What i don't like much is her movie "Diary of a Teenager". But still, she is a good actress.
Rich Posted 2007-03-19
Hend Sabri a lovely actress,however,I would like to know more about Niermeen al Faquie(if spelling correct).
hind Posted 2007-04-02
my name is hind and I love you hind
badro Posted 2007-04-05
I think she is an adorable sexy actress.
حسن Posted 2007-04-19
I am Hassan form Skandriah. May I know your phone number. I love you. Bye.
zoubida Posted 2007-05-11
I adore you, Hend Sabir. You are wonderful.
عائدة Posted 2007-06-19
The best and the greatest artist representing Arab girls, with all the jealousy surrounding her, I adore her, I love her and pray for her quietly, may God grant her success in all fields of life and get an Oscar from America so that they stop criticising her uselessly.
semine Posted 2007-06-26
a pretty woman..an excellent voice..a wonderful actress..nice to know her
achref Posted 2007-07-04
I'm Achraf from tunisia, I love you Yaser and the film 'Wiga mich tormal' and by God we want you to progress in the cinema and God help you.
lumiere Posted 2007-07-08
Hi, I cannot find the right words to explain, but what I really think is that you are the most beautiful and excellent actress in Egypt. I love you. Mwahhhhhh!
الملكة المحتشمة Posted 2007-07-15
She's a very daring actress, she's a true Tunisian, but Tunisia is a Muslim country, there should be some respect, I love her so much.
nora Posted 2007-07-27
I am above all else Moroccan. I love Hend Sabri because she is a true artist.
NASSIMA Posted 2007-08-11
Hind Sabri you're the best star.
melya06 Posted 2007-08-21
It is true that he acts really well, but sometime you exaggerate about his roles and his scenes.
rola Posted 2007-08-22
i believe hind is quite an amazing actress as well as a woman with superb personality.plz visit lebanon v sooooooooooooooon.
daly Posted 2007-10-20
Bravo Hend! You are definitely on the right path. I really like all the roles you played since “The Silence of the Palace.” Keep up the good work and God be with you.
Anonymous Posted 2007-10-21
A greeting to the creative artist with all the meaning of the word: you're an artist. By God I'm one of the fans of your sublime art. A Sudanese from the North of Sudan.
ben mamai Posted 2007-11-19
I have just finished watching one of Immaret Yacoubian’s films. What a masterpiece. More surprising is the quality of the actors; there were all so amazing. Miss Sabri has such magnificent brilliance. Honestly, Bravo! I spent a wonderful afternoon living in the movies.
mimiya800 Posted 2007-12-10
i love you and i want to see you soon in algeria is it possible or you don't like algeria
amouna Posted 2007-12-25
I love you Hind, you're a great artist.
AMIRA Posted 2008-01-05
You're great.
sari from jordan Posted 2008-01-05
I love to death Hind Sabri.
rahma Posted 2008-01-05
Hi Hend, I am Rahma from Casablanca. I would like to tell you that you are so beautiful and polite. I love you very much and would like to tell you dnya hania. Please, send me an email. Bravo! You are the best star ever, because you are from the Maghreb and you are Tunisian. I love you.
سارة المغربية Posted 2008-01-19
Hind Sabri is now a strong star in the Egyptian art. I think that in ten years she will become a giant like giants of old times. The same thing for Manna Chalabi who is a very expressive artist and reminds me highly of the respectable artist Nadi El Joundi.
haoua Posted 2008-01-20
So beautiful and strong in character with such a beautiful smile. I have adored all of the roles you have played, especially in “Moudakirat Mourahika” with that actor whose name I have forgotten, but with whom you made a super couple. Keep up the good work.
sarah de maroc Posted 2008-01-20
Hi, How is it going? I loved this role of yours so much. If it were possible, I would like to get to talk to you one day. Good luck and goodbye!
kaoutar Posted 2008-01-30
i love you hind sabri i'm kaotaaaaaar
adil Posted 2008-02-11
Adil from Morocco. Hend, I'm Adil. I would like to say that you are the best artist ever. I love all your films. I want to tell you that you are so beautiful.
zeineb Posted 2008-02-14
Hend Sabri: We are proud of you here in Tunisia. You enchant the young Tunisians with your cultivation, beauty, openness, responsibility, ambitiousness and determination. That is what it means to be Tunisian. And, you, Hend, have represented your country so well in Egypt among other places. Congratulations also for your artistic talent. You are a true actress, knowing perfectly how to interpret your roles. Bravo, my intelligent Hend!
amna Posted 2008-02-18
Hend, I love you so much and admire you. I want to attend your wedding. May God make you happy and help you. Good luck. Amna
chahindoucha Posted 2008-02-25
i love hind sabri qne because she is tunisienne two bbecaus she i stars
ابراهيم من سوريا Posted 2008-02-25
I’m from Syria. My dream in this life is to meet the best actress who is dearest to my heart, the great Hind Sabri. I wait for your films on all satellite channels, by the way I saw all your films, and the best film, sorry all your films are nice, but the one I can never forget is "you’re always on my mind" Now I see you, by God, by God I see you in my dreams. I’m Brahim from Syria. I’m twenty. I love you Hanoud.
ابراهيم من اللاذقية Posted 2008-02-27
My sole dream is to meet my sweetheart Henoud, you’re more beautiful than all actresses. You’re more beautiful than Devon, ok I love you.
adraa Posted 2008-03-16
No comment. She is beautiful and pretty. Okay, bye.
3adraa Posted 2008-03-16
Hi, How is it going? My name is Adraa. I am from Kenitra, Morocco. I do not have a comment to give. She is beautiful and pretty. I love you. Okay, bye.
bachir (algirien) Posted 2008-03-20
An excellent and ambitious actress. I esteem and respect you. I wish you a great life and future. Thank you.
ISLEM Posted 2008-03-20
I really like the actress Hend Sabri. She is excellent.
nour el houda Posted 2008-03-23
I love you so much, Hend Sabri. First of all, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Nour El Houda. I am from Essaouira, Morocco. I really liked the roles you played in your films. You represented yourself well, especially in the role of Habiba in “Halite Hob” with Hanni Salamaa. I really adored it. I love you, Youssef and Saif Hosni. You are my favourite actors.
angel Posted 2008-03-26
I am a bitg fan of Hind Sabri. She is one of the best actresses in the world. I am from Hama, Syria.
3ashe2 Posted 2008-04-08
u r very sexy
مصطفى Posted 2008-04-09
Hi, the pictures are fascinating.
hany el hayek Posted 2008-05-11
i loooooooooooooooooooooove u hind ur soooooooooooooooooooooooo cute
fella Posted 2008-05-30
congratulations i'm so happy for you and you look beautiful in your wedding.
sousou Posted 2008-06-05
I am from Algeria. You are truly the only actress I love. Bravo Hend!!!
طارق عمرو محمد موسى Posted 2008-07-23
I really like the actress Hend Sabri in all her films. But I hope to see you in the serial “After separation” in Ramadan. Congratulations for your marriage because you are a masterpiece.
Sara Posted 2008-08-07
This is Sara from Tunisia. I am of Polish origin. You are so beautiful, Hend. You are so skilled. Bravo! Good luck! Keep up the good work! -Kisses
nicolas el khazen Posted 2008-08-19
Hi Hend, I am Lebanese. I love you so much. I see you on my TV all the time everyday. You are the most beautiful woman. When I go on a tourism trip to Egypt, the first visit I make will be to you so I can see you and talk to you. I love Hend Sabri so much. I would like to speak with you. I dream of seeing you. Hend, best in the world.
el-katib Posted 2008-09-21
Hello Hend, To be honest with you, I am speechless with regards to this actor’s roles as Baad El-Fourak on the El-Hekayate channel with actors Khaled Zahra and Rajaa El-Jadaoui. He is simply perfect! May God be with you, Hend.
hend Posted 2008-09-21
Bravo Hend! We are proud of you! Keep it up! :)
mariame Posted 2008-09-24
I love you so much! My name is Mariame and I am from Morocco.
mariam Posted 2008-09-25
I am Mariam from Morocco. I love you so much and you are a real artist. May God assist you.
tunisienne Posted 2008-09-29
Hi Hend, You are so adorable! I wanted to tell you that you are perfect and that you play your roles so well. Above all else, please just stay like you are, that is: a beautiful Tunisian. I want you to be proud that you are from Tunisia! Goodbye, Hanoud P.S. I adore you. Please, contact me. Thank you in advance!!! I am waiting! –Kisses
khaled Posted 2008-10-05
hi hind you know i would like to tell you some things about your succes in baad el foraq at ramadhan i love yours i hope to you a life with lotof succes i love you hind like my sister good luck
imen Posted 2008-10-13
Bravo! Bravo! Bravo Hend Sabri! I am sincerely delighted that you are Tunisian. Bravo!!!
radia Posted 2008-10-20
The role of Hend Sabri in the serial “After separation” launched me into great dreams of affection, adoration and eternal love.
zineb de maroc Posted 25 days ago
Hi- I love you, Hend. You are very beautiful. Bravo!
HENDA Posted 23 days ago
You are fascinating and adorable! I love everything that you have done! Keep up the good work! –Henda from Tunis
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