The news of Egyptian artist Adel Imam's retirement has caused a major stir, as he chose to spend his time with his grandchildren at home, away from the artistic work he has been doing for six consecutive decades. This news has saddened the audience and many fellow artists, including Syrian artist Dureid Lahham, who expressed his thoughts on the matter in recent statements.
Lahham announced his refusal to accept Adel Imam's retirement, affirming that it is the first time he hears about this issue. He deemed it "a matter that concerns Adel Imam alone," before stating, "Someone like Adel Imam, the leader... should not retire."
He said, "An artist retires when they become unable to work due to health reasons," considering this the only reason that should drive an artist to retire. However, as long as he is in good health, he should not retire.
Adel Imam had previously mentioned in a television interview the lack of a collaborative artistic project with Syrian artist Dureid Lahham. He recounted an incident during a festival in Tunisia when Lahham's film "Al-Hudood," which he starred in and directed, was screened. At that time, Adel Imam decided to leave the screening a few minutes after it started, but he soon became deeply interested in the film and excited about it. After the screening ended, he embraced Dureid Lahham and congratulated him.
He also noted that Dureid Lahham had told him before that "a boat led by two people sinks," and suggested collaborating on an artistic project starring Adel Imam and directed by Dureid Lahham, but this collaboration has not been realized over the years.
