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🇪🇬 Egypt /Culture & Society

Faten Hamama's lisp: The true story behind the 'Dreamland' rumor

From Al-Masry Al-Youm · () Arabic

Translated from Arabic, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • A social media rumor claimed director Daoud Abdel Sayed asked actress Faten Hamama to use a lisp for her role in "Dreamland."
  • The article clarifies that the idea originated from Hamama, who suggested using a lisp for her character, Narjis.
  • Director Abdel Sayed initially opposed the idea, fearing it would undermine the character's dignity, but was persuaded by Hamama's argument and her own experience overcoming a similar speech impediment.

A widely circulated social media rumor suggested that acclaimed director Daoud Abdel Sayed instructed the legendary actress Faten Hamama to incorporate a lisp for her character in the 1993 film "Dreamland." However, the article debunks this claim, revealing the true origin of the idea and the dynamics between the director and the star.

According to the piece, the suggestion to give the character, Narjis, a lisp actually came from Faten Hamama herself. She proposed it as a way to enhance the character's portrayal and allow for greater spontaneity. This contradicts the narrative that Abdel Sayed imposed the trait upon her.

Your mouth and tongue are very good, where did you hide the letter 'R'?

— Zaki TolaimatProfessor Zaki Tolaimat's comment to Faten Hamama during a speech exercise.

Director Abdel Sayed initially resisted the idea, expressing concerns that a lisp might detract from the character's gravitas and dignity. However, Hamama skillfully countered his objections by referencing the respected journalist Karima Kamal (Abdel Sayed's wife), who also had a lisp, and questioning whether it had negatively impacted her seriousness. This persuasive argument, coupled with Hamama's personal experience overcoming a speech impediment, convinced Abdel Sayed to adopt the suggestion.

The article further details Hamama's own journey with a lisp. She reportedly overcame the impediment in the late 1940s while studying at the Institute of Theatrical Arts. Her professor, Zaki Tolaimat, identified no physical issues with her mouth or tongue and guided her through exercises that helped her correct the pronunciation of the letter 'R'. This personal history likely informed her confidence in suggesting the lisp for her character, demonstrating her deep understanding of performance and character development.

Karima also has a lisp, does this negatively affect her seriousness?

— Faten HamamaHamama's argument to director Daoud Abdel Sayed about using a lisp for her character.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Al-Masry Al-Youm in Arabic. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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