After two long years of obstacles, production and censorship problems for the Ramdan TV drama “Qasem Amin”, actor Kamal Abu Rayyah has been denied his salary rights. Abu Rayyah told the UAE daily Al Bayan that after all the scenes for the series, directed by Ena’am Mohammad, were completed he was shocked to find out that he will not be receiving any monetary reward or compensation for the efforts and accomplishments he achieved in his role. The decision to not pay Abu Rayyah was made by Faraj Abu Al Faraj, head of the Egyptian Production Company.
The daily reported that when Kamal asked why he is being denied his salary at the end of shooting and completing his work, he was in more shock to find out the reason. Apparently the decision came due to the fact that throughout the two years of shooting, Kamal was absent for several days causing the Egyptian Production Company to loose money. At first, Kamal heartily believed that the whole matter was a practical joke being played on him the last day of screening, only to find out that it was real.
In an interview with Kamal, the daily reported that when asked why he did not file a legal complaint against the Egyptian Production Company, the actor replied that he takes responsibility for his actions and he does not want to act in any unprofessional manner. Kamal also noted that he would deal with the situation in well-planned manner.
The daily commented that what made Kamal feel cheated the most was the fact that he considers himself as part of the Egyptian Production Company’s family, always dedicating himself fully - and after all this time to be “rewarded” in such a cruel manner was too much for him to handle.
Kamal also said that every time he would ask for permission for leave from the director Ena’am to stand by the side of his now deceased father. He also stressed that despite the absence of several other stars during the two years spend shooting, no one was denied their rights. He stressed that some of his colleagues would be absent for long intervals of time without any disciplinary actions being taken. For this reason, Abu Rayyah believes the action taken against him is intentional.
Kamal denied accusations against him that he refused to shoot the last scenes of the drama, saying that he would not jeopardize his career by acting in such an irresponsible manner. He also added that he would not let his viewers from 15 different countries down.
The drama co-stars Kamal Abu Rayya (Playing the lead role) and Mirna Murad, and is directed by Ena’am Mohammed Ali. Qasem Amin is a very important Egyptian intellectual and writer who called for women’s liberation through his books, Tahrir al Marah (Women’s Liberation) and al Mara’a al Gadidah (The New Woman). Abu Rayyah was enthusiastic to play a role in Qasem Amin since it adds to his historical drama roles he played, of which includes Ahmed Rami in Umm Kulthoom series. - Albawaba.com
