Today Marks 28th Death Anniversary of Iconic Actor Salah Zulfikar

Ahmed Emam

Today, Egypt’s cinema is commemorating the death anniversary of the iconic Egyptian actor Salah Zulfikar, who was born on January 18, 1926.

Zulfikar is the most prominent name in the history of Egyptian cinema. He was born in El Mahalla El Kubra to an nobel family. The remarkable 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 his retirement from Egypt’s police, he started his prominent career in Egyptian cinema and theatre.

He made his 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 the 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 Nil (People and the Nile, 1972).

Moreover, he 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 successful 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 Film Festival for My Wife, the Director General (Mirati Moudir Aam) in 1966, State Award for Best Actor for his role in My Wife’s Dignity (Karamet Zawgati) in 1967, State Award for Best Producer Award for I Want a Solution (Oridu Hallan) in 1975, Certificate of Appreciation from President Anwar El-Sadat on Art Day in 1979, State Award for Best Actor for his role in Secret Visit (Zeyara Serreya) in 1981 and State Award for Best Actor for his role in The Peacock (El Tawoos) in 1982.