Remembering Salah Zulfikar on His 97th Birth Anniv.

Today marks the 97th birth anniversary of Salah Zulfikar, best known for playing Eisa El-Awam in the Saladin film.

Born in El-Mahal Kobra in 1926, he is regarded as one of the finest actors who grace Egyptian cinema in its heydays.

The legendary actor is also the brother of actor and director Ezzeddine Zulfikar who convinced him to get into acting. Notable for his talent, charisma, and his great sense of humor, Zulficar soon became one of the leading film stars of his generation.

After he retired from Egypt’s police, he started his prominent career in Egyptian cinema and theatre.

He made his cinematic debut as Ali, the younger brother in 'Roda Qalby' (Back Again, 1957) by Ezz Eldin Zulficar, 'Aghla men Hayati', (Dearer Than My Life, 1965) by Mahmoud Zulficar.

Then came his lucky break in The Second Man, (1959); putting him in the ‘Jeune premier’ lineup, a position he retained for almost twenty years. After he married the iconic actress Shadia, both paired in a group of successful movies. In the 1960s, the lovely couple became a very successful duo.

Together with director Fateen Abdel Wahab, they made a handful of cinema classics: Meraty Modier Am (My Wife General Manager, 1966), 'Karamet Zawgati' (My Wife’s Dignity, 1967) 'Afriet Merati' (My Wife’s Fantasy, 1968) were all light comedies that never the less tackled important social issues at that time.

Throughout his acting career, Zulfikar collaborated with prominent Egyptian directors such as Youssef Chahine, when he starred in 'Al Naser Salah el din' (Saladin, 1963), 'Wadaan Bonaparte' (Adieu Bonapart, 1985), and 'Al Nas Wal Ni' (People and the Nile, 1972).

He also featured in a few television series and theatre plays, which were also a great success. Furthermore, he was the recipient of numerous awards and nominations for excellence throughout his outstanding career, including the National Award of Honor, in appreciation of his national role in the 'Battle of Ismailia' in 1952, Best Film Award from the Catholic Center, AL-Sadat Order for Culture and Arts and the State Appreciation Certificate.

The actor died on Dec. 22 in 1999. But every year a new generation discovers his movies and becomes his admirers.