Nadia Rashad Announces Final Retirement, Requests No Contact from Colleagues

Veteran Egyptian actress and writer Nadia Rashad has announced her final retirement from acting and scriptwriting, marking an end to her long artistic career. Rashad, in a decisive statement, requested no calls or messages of condolence from her colleagues in the artistic community. In a personal message addressed to all, she affirmed: "To whom it may concern, I no longer act or write screenplays, and I do not welcome a call from any colleague, despite my respect for everyone." She indicated this announcement culminates decisions gradually taken over years, starting with her cessation of radio work. The seasoned artist attributed her withdrawal from television acting to the immense physical strain of the profession, stating that bodily demands surpassed her ability to continue. She also criticized the declining quality of dramatic works now offered, which she noted do not match what she presented throughout her extensive career, earning her awards. Regarding her scriptwriting retirement, Rashad clarified that dramatic production mechanisms have changed in ways harming the writer's health and work quality. She explained writing is now often required during filming, coupled with significant interventions in the author's work, plus mandatory presence during filming days and part of editing. She deemed this beyond her capacity and physical capabilities. The Egyptian artist also rejected sudden calls from some former colleagues offering support or "patting her on the shoulder" under the pretense she hadn't received due recognition. She emphasized feeling no injustice, but rather considers herself fortunate and grateful for her career achievements, stating: "By God, I consider myself fortunate with what God has bestowed upon me in terms of success, and I always thank Him." Nadia Rashad highlighted her most notable achievements, including starring in theatrical productions in her twenties, winning Best Screenplay for "Moments of Love" at the Radio and Television Festival in 2001, and Best Actress for a historical work in 2003. Her career concluded with official recognition from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in 2018, preceded by an honor from the Minister of Culture.