Lubna Abdel Aziz Helps Kids Choose Good Books

Published September 6th, 2001 - 03:00 GMT

Egyptian star Lubna Abdel Aziz has answered the dreams of announcer Najwa Ibrahim, who heads the Family and Child Channel, according to the UAE daily Al Bayan.

The graceful movie actress will present a special program for children entitled Iqraa Li Teflek (Read for Your Child) on the show, helping the young readers find their favorite books.

Shooting of the series will begin at the Family and Child Channel studio next week.

Abdel Aziz earlier presented a special program on children for the Egyptian Broadcasting Corp., attracting a large number of listeners and prompting Ibrahim to rush to her with a contract.

The Egyptian star also plays Auntie Lulu, in a show broadcast live every Friday morning on Radio Cairo. As an actress, wife and mother, Abdel Aziz has “captured hearts for years in her graceful, soft-spoken way,” according to the website of the American University in Cairo (AUC).

Her first movie was Al Wisada Al Khalia (The Empty Pillow), alongside Egypt's favorite Abdel Halim Hafez, and she was to act in 14 films before stepping out of the limelight. Indeed, Al Ahram Weekly said, the name Abdel Aziz has become synonymous with romance.

According to her alma mater, Abdel Aziz was right there in the center of that period, playing opposite stars like Rushdi Abaza, Ahmed Mazhar, Omar Al Sherif and Abdel Halim Hafez. In the 16 films she made in Egypt, she played a diverse range of characters that crossed all levels of society.

It is easy to construe from her stories that Abdel Aziz is a woman who stands out from the rest of her generation, according to the AUC site.

She admits, "I was a maverick during my young years. I was considered an independent, daring young woman."

Indeed, says the AUC, Abdel Aziz strikes an eerie resemblance to Amina, the young woman she played in the all-time Egyptian classic Ana Horra (I’m Free) who goes against conformity with tremendous willpower and ambition.

Abdel Aziz left the movie industry in a decisive move to Texas, where she has lived with her husband and two daughters for the past 30 years.

But today, Auntie Lulu is back for good and has already become active. She has returned to her program on Radio Cairo and was recently the host of the Ninth International Film Festival for Children.

In addition, the Cairo Film festival honored the actress for her romantic roles, and she served as a member of the international jury – Albawaba.com