Actress Hala Shiha has stirred controversy once again, surprising everyone with harsh statements about art and artists. Shiha's comments on Thursday sparked significant debate after she launched a vehement attack against artist Tamer Hosny and his new film "Mesh Ana," while distancing herself from the art world, suggesting a return to her previous views and another retirement from acting.
Shiha expressed her dissatisfaction with Hosny for ignoring her requests to prevent the release of the music video for his new song "Bahebak" from his current film "Mesh Ana," which features several romantic scenes involving the two. It appears that the timing of the music video’s release upset Shiha, as she stated on her Instagram account: "I was surprised by the release of the music video during the blessed days of Dhul-Hijjah."
Criticizing art and artists, Shiha remarked: "We may have succeeded by worldly standards, but believe me by God’s standards we have not and we will never succeed. I know and am certain that my colleagues have goodness in them, but unfortunately, the temptation of fame and success prevents us from accurately assessing things." She continued her critique of art: "I have repented from these scenes; they are not right. I made a mistake, and I'm correcting it. The most important thing is that God is pleased with me because, in the end, that’s what benefits us—not fame or success." She added: "This music video does not please God, and I cried because I saw myself in those scenes. This was a slip due to circumstances I went through, and we all make mistakes."
In her message against art, Shiha stated: "If art keeps us away from God's teachings and we are not a role model for our children, then it is void and cannot be considered art." She directed her criticism at Tamer Hosny by saying: "I would like to remind you of this video, Tamer, where you said I do not wish to die while being a singer; I am always afraid of that. This was definitely said in a moment of truth within you; watch it again as it might remind you that you are undoubtedly in a struggle."
Hala Shiha has been known for sparking controversy over her 18-year artistic career, fluctuating between wearing the hijab and niqab, acting while veiled, retiring, traveling, and her complicated journey through the years. She removed the niqab and announced her return to Egypt and her desire to act again two years ago, after long years of retirement and living outside Egypt. Many of her fans welcomed this decision, and she was received by producers, directors, and other artists, returning to the artistic scene, participating in several projects and festivals before announcing her marriage to preacher Moaz Masoud. Following this, she distanced herself from the spotlight once more, leading up to her recent statements disavowing art again.
The audience and social media users received Shiha's comments with mixed reactions, with some considering her a good role model and a paragon of religiosity, while others criticized her sharply, labeling her as "fickle," arguing that art is a significant industry not to be subjected to Shiha’s fluctuating decisions between art and what has been described as "extremism."
Tamer Hosny had released a song titled "Bahebak" to promote his new film "Mesh Ana," which features lyrics by Mohamed Mohsen, music by Mohamed Siraj, and distribution by Toma. Alongside Tamer Hosny, the film stars Magdy Kdwan, Sawsan Badr, and Hala Shiha, and it is a story, script, and dialogues by Tamer Hosny, directed by Sara Wafiq.
