What a pleasant surprise it was to jump onto Google this morning. The leading search engine, which was founded in 1998, has a decade-long habit of customizing its eponymously spelled logo on important days, and memorable moments of iconic figures, to pay their respects and show appreciation to those that have stamped their mark in history. From emblematic politicians to culture-defining individuals and/or institutions, a tailor-made depiction of yourself on the American software company’s website is usually understood as the utmost recognition of your life’s achievements. In other words, it’s to be received as the Internet’s own system of knighting.
In the past, late Moroccan singer Haja El Hamdaouia and Egyptian marine biologist Hamed Gohar have been some of the personalities hailing from the region that have been featured. Today, it’s Karima Mokhtar, a renowned actress, that’s also a native of the Land of the Pharaohs, that’s at the center of Google’s stage.
Born Ateiat Mohamed El Badry, the one that also goes by the honorific title of ”Mother of Egyptian Cinema,” as a result of her tendency to take on a wide range of characters, particularly maternal figures, had a career that spanned more than 50-years, starting with her humble beginnings at local theatres to working with some of the world’s most prestigious and acclaimed directors.
Despite initial resistance from her parents, who disapproved of her acting aspirations, Mokhtar’s first taste of success was a result of her becoming a host on a popular children’s radio program dubbed Baba Sharou. However, it wasn’t until her marriage to actor and director Noor Al Demerdash that she was able to fully pursue her passion for acting. With his support, she found a foothold in the silver screen industry, following her first breakthrough role of a laundry list of titles in the film Thaman El Horeya.
In 2007, Mokhtar was honored with the Best Actress award at the Cairo Arab Media Festival, which served as a testament to her talent and the impact she had on the whole industry. Her legacy continues to be celebrated in the Arab world as a talented and beloved actress who has left an indelible mark on the history of Egyptian cinema.
To extend the homage even further, we’ve listed five titles from Mokhtar to discover, or rediscover, in the next few weeks of breeze before the spring settles in.
