Khaled Al-Sawi Explains Why He Rejected Saddam Hussein Role
Khaled El-Sawy Reveals He rejected Offer to Play Saddam Hussein
Renowned Egyptian actor Khaled El-Sawy recently disclosed that he turned down an offer to portray former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. During an appearance on the “With Nizar” program, hosted by Nizar Al-Fares, El-Sawy explained his reasoning, stating, ”I am being offered, but from a foreign party, and it is not possible. I am against my cousin, and I and my cousin are strangers. Against the person, if it is an arab production, I will accept and I present this character as written.”
El-Sawy emphasized that he would only consider playing the role if it was part of an Arab production and if he felt confident in the director’s vision. He added, “If I work on the character, if I sit there for a year and with special people who can help and as long as there is a director that I can present it.Present the character of Saddam Hussein, then I can present it.”
Beyond discussing his acting choices, El-Sawy opened up about his personal life, expressing regret over not having children sooner. He shared, “I am sorry for not having children, the marriage must be soon. Now if I have a child, I will be his grandfather, not his father. I will love him, but I cannot continue the journey with him.”
El-Sawy attributed his delayed family life to his battle with HIV, explaining that he underwent treatment involving a “toxin” to combat the virus.
The actor also delved into a period of atheism he experienced in his thirties and forties, ultimately finding his way back to faith. He recounted, “what was the problem for me is that they say atheism, but it is a problem that cannot be solved 50%, and not 50%, because the senses cannot reach you and you can make rational decisions for both. And othre times he may tell you,’No,I reached it with the heart,not the mind.'”
El-Sawy described a pivotal moment when he faced a health crisis, saying, “When I’m in a situation at night and I think I’m going to die and I’m going to the hospital, and I say god save me, waking up in the morning is not manhood or brotherhood. It’s astonishing.”
This candid interview offers a glimpse into the life and thoughts of one of Egypt’s most celebrated actors, shedding light on his artistic choices, personal struggles, and spiritual journey.
El-Sawy: Why I Couldn’t Play Saddam Hussein and My Journey Back to Faith
Renowned Egyptian actor Khaled el-Sawy recently made headlines after revealing he rejected an offer to portray former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. Speaking on the “With nizar” program with host Nizar Al-Fares, El-Sawy explained his decision, stating, “I am being offered, but from a foreign party, and it is not possible.I am against my cousin, and I and my cousin are strangers. Against the person, if it is an Arab production, I will accept and I present this character as written.”
He emphasized that he would only take on the role if it was part of an Arab production and aligned with a director’s vision he trusted. “if I work on the character, if I sit there for a year and with special people who can help and as long as there is a director that I can present it. Present the character of Saddam hussein, then I can present it,” El-Sawy explained.
The interview delved deeper, with El-Sawy expressing regret over delaying starting a family. ”I am sorry for not having children. The marriage must be soon. Now if I have a child, I will be his grandfather, not his father. I will love him, but I cannot continue the journey with him,” he shared.
He attributed this delay to his battle with HIV and the grueling treatment he underwent. El-Sawy also spoke candidly about a period of atheism he experienced in his30s and 40s, ultimately returning to faith after a health crisis.
“What was the problem for me is that they say atheism, but it is indeed a problem that cannot be solved 30%, and not 70%, as the senses cannot reach you and you can make rational decisions for both. And other times he may tell you, ‘No,I reached it with the heart, not the mind.'”
He described a pivotal moment when facing potential death, saying, “When I’m in a situation at night and I think I’m going to die and I’m going to the hospital, and I say god save me. waking up in the morning is not manhood or brotherhood. It’s remarkable.”
This revealing interview offers a raw and honest look into the life of one of Egypt’s most celebrated actors.