Remembering Osama Anwar Okasha on His 14th Death Anniv.

Today (May 28) marks the 14th death anniversary of Egyptian dramatist, playwright and scriptwriter, Osama Anwar Okasha.

Born on 27 July 1941, he received a Bachelor of Arts from Ain Shams University in 1962 and worked in several government jobs before quitting in 1982 to devote his time to a writing career.

He wrote several plays for stage, radio, and television. His TV drama series enjoyed the highest viewership in the country and the region.

The legendary writer is considered to be the best playwright and dramatist Egypt has ever witnessed.

Okasha was known for writing the screenplays of some of the Arab world’s most popular TV series such as “Layali al-Helmiya” (Helmiya Nights) and “al-Shahd wal Domoa” (Honey and Tears).

“Al-Masrawiya” (Egyptians), Okasha’s last TV series, screened in September 2007, was named the best TV series of that year.

Okasha had initially supported the ideology of former president Gamal Abdel Nasser, although he later abandoned it. He was a proponent of dissolving the Arab League and supported the establishment of an Arab economic “Commonwealth.” He was also highly critical of religious extremism.

The late writer was the recipient of the State Award for his services to the performing arts in Egypt.

Okasha passed away on this day in 2010 at Wadi El-Nil Hospital.