In 1997, suddenly, and without prior notice, propaganda or warning to the Egyptian public, Nadine, an ‘anonymous girl from nowhere' stunned, surprised and delighted everybody, when she starred in the famous yearly Ramadan Riddles program, a 30-day musical quiz TV series broadcast every year during the holy month of Ramadan. She danced, acted and sung in the daily 20-minute riddles (Fawazeer Ramadan), ousting the famous stars Nellie and Sherihan from their thrones, first starring in “Gerran El-Hanna” (“Contented Neighbours”), revealing her superb dancing skills and hidden comedy talent. It was a smashing hit, and she became a super-star overnight. The famous late Director and Television Production Manager, Yehia El-Allamy, selected Nadine for the role, as he followed her dancing career and recognized her inborn acting talent. This was repeated in a different series, “Ma-nis-tagh-nash” (“We Can't Do Without”) the following year, but with a different cast and an unknown director. Nadine then acted on TV and in a theatrical play broadcasted live for television (the musical “Malla'eeb”, where she acted and danced). She also was and still is a guest speaker or presenter on local and international television, and also performed in one live series on radio, also during Ramadan. Nadine had several offers inside and outside of Egypt to host TV programs, and her short-spanned acting career included one blockbuster film for the silver screen, in which she co-stared with the now-famous comedian Hany Ramzy. FAME & FORTUNE On 18th September 2002, Nadine performed in Alexandria, with the Cairo Opera Ballet Troupe, for the inauguration and opening ceremony of the Alexandria Film Festival, in which they honored three cinema giants: the late author and screenwriter Youssef El-Sebaiee, the late director Ezzeldine Zulficar, and actor Ahmed Mazhar, who passed away recently. Her participation was as the soloist dancer in an operetta written by renowned Abdel-Rahman El-Abnoudi and composed by the famous musician Omar Khayrat. More recently, the Ballet Troupe performed at Sharm El-Sheikh for the inauguration of the international “Women for Peace” conference, chaired by Mrs. Suzanne Mubarak. Then she went to Ismailia with the Opera Ballet Troupe (and her mother, as usual, as ‘chaperone') for the 6th of October 2002 celebrations, in which the Egyptian President inaugurated. I asked Nadine the REAL reason for leaving all that fame, and – pardon my saying so – money! I added that she has been a celebrity for less than three years, so why did she decide to drop it all? She didn't give herself a chance to develop her acting potentials, I lamented. She answered candidly that she did all what she wanted to do, and was successful in every performance, but when she knew what it was all about, she decided not to waste any more of her time, thereby taxing and taking away lots of physical effort and time from her main career as a ballerina. “Besides,” she added, “Since it wouldn't add any value to me or to my career, or teach me anything new, then the hassle isn't worth it! Also, even if I reach and surpass the level of acclaim as the late ‘Cinderella' Souad Hosni, why continue? Look at what happened to her in the end.” Then I enquired if anything would induce her to change her mind and return to the spotlights as an actress. She answered, “NEVER! We aren't Hollywood!” No, indeed, we are not! But, we are trying to get there… MARRIAGE & MOTHERHOOD Then, out of the blue, she met him one day and married him a year later. Mohsen gave her stability, and Nadine gave him an adorable funny little baby boy whom they named Dido (Mamdouh) … and then an even more adorable little girl, Jumi (Jamila) 3 years old … and last but not least Leila, who was born on 16 October 2010. As for Leila, it was a real drama! Not due for three weeks, Nadine and Mohsen took the kids to their beach house in "Stella di Mare' beach resort, situated in Ein El-Sokhna. With no hospital equipped with a maternity ward, Leila decided to appear. But, thank God there was at least a resident doctor. From that day, Leila was nick-named 'Stella' - not after the beer, but for the beach resort!!! (Nadine never drinks, by the way.) However, after the first child was born, Nadine took one year off from the Opera Ballet Troupe, but got back to it in August 2005 as one of the soloists, and continued being a ballet instructor as well. Nadine also worked as a ballet teacher at a private American school and gave classes to all age groups. Finally back in shape, but due to her one-year absence, she took turns being the star in “El-Leila El-Kebira” during Ramadan 2005. However, she danced also classic ballet in the traditional “Nut Cracker” and other favourite Xmas ballets in December, starting with an Egyptian favourite, “Don Quixote”, with outstanding ovations for the whole troupe. There was a guest ballet performer on the opening night of Dec. 4, 2005 - the famous Julio Bocca. NEW PROJECTS IN 2011 With short guest appearances ongoing on national TV, I got to see her a few times, including after having her three babies. But, one day in person, fluttered to me as I was waiting for her backstage. I couldn't believe my eyes … she's skinnier … yet shapelier than ever! “You look thinner than before your marriage” I accused her! How much did she weigh? “45 kilos,” she answered with a big grin. Seeing that marriage and motherhood did not affect Nadine negatively in any way, and wondering if she had any plans to reappear in the limelight once more, I tentatively asked her the taboo questions: ‘Nadine, why do you waste such exquisite talent? Won't you ever reconsider acting … or reappearing somehow to your fans?' She grinned her famous Julia Roberts smile, saying, “Actually, I was offered to do a daily TV show on the new Sawiris (OTV) satellite station, where I demonstrate health and cooking tips … and ballet exercises; sort of like the American Rachael Ray TV show! But I passed this show on to my friend Nelly Karim.” NO REGRETS Nadine is happy to continue giving dance classes in the same school where she works in since Dido was born, which is also conveniently close to her house. In conclusion, I asked her, “Any regrets, or plans to return?” “None whatsoever! But I feel like strangling all my friends up there on stage where I should be! Yet, I chose this life instead, and am happy to be a wife and mom, and still have a satisfying career teaching others girls how to dance ballet!” ~~~~~~~~~~ h.n.
