Supervisor Elham AbolFateh
Editor in Chief Mohamed Wadie

Today Marks Salah Kabil 90th Birth Anniversary


Tue 27 Jun 2023 | 11:50 AM
Ahmed Emam

Today, June 27, marks the 90th birth anniversary of Salah Kabil, who is considered one of the brightest stars in Egyptian cinema.

In his successful career, Kabil delivered memorable performances in films like “Ughneya Ala El Mamar” (Song on the Border 1972, “Layla El Qabdh Ala Fatima” (The Night Fatima Was Arrested) in 1984, “El Barii” (The Innocent) in 1986 and ‘Layali El Haleema’ in 1992.

On this special day, let’s take a look at kabil's luminous life on and off the silver screen.

The legendary actor is regarded as the pioneer of realistic acting, something that helped him bring highly complex characters to life on the big screen. 

Born in June 1931, in the Nosa El Gheit village in Dakahlia province, he received his degree from the Department of Law at Cairo University. Following his passion, he joined the Theatrical Institute to study acting, and later he worked in the Television Theatre.

After joining the Television Theatre troupe, Kabil started proving himself as one of the finest actors of his time through his amazing performances in noted productions including “Shei Fi Sadri” (Something on my Chest), “El Los Wel Kelab” (The Thief and the Dogs), and “Layla ‘Asifa Gedan” (A Very Stormy Night).

Throughout his career, he featured in about 70 movies and build a very impressive resume that included movie and TV roles.

He is well known for his remarkable works, such ‘Al Qahira Wel Nas’ (Cairo and the People) in 1972, ‘Zaynab Wel ‘Arsh’ (Zeynab and the Throne) in 1979, ‘Domou Fi Ayoun Waqha’ (Tears in Shameless Eyes) in 1980, ‘Bekiza We Zaghloul’ in 1986, ‘Dhamir Abla Hakmit’ (Abla Hekmat’s Conscience) in 1991, “Bayn El Qasreen” (Palace Walk) in 1962, “Ziqaq El Midaq” (Midaq Alley) in 1963, and “Nahnu La Nazra’ El Shouk” (We Don’t Sow Thistles) in 1970.

Kabil debuted in the film industry with “Zikak EL Midaq” (1963), marking his first mainstream film appearance as an actor.

He played the famous role of Abbas in “Nahno La Nzra’ Alshwk” film, directed by Hussin Kamal, starring alongside Shadia, Mahmoud Yassin, and Karima Moukhtar.

Moreover, he presented a variety of unforgettable villain roles. That includes playing “Bayn El Qasreen” (Palace Walk) in 1962, “Ziqaq El Midaq” (Midaq Alley) in 1963, “Nahnu La Nazra’ El Shouk” (We Don’t Sow Thistles) in 1970, “Ughneya Ala El Mamar” (Song on the Border 1972, “Layla El Qabdh Ala Fatima” (The Night Fatima Was Arrested) in 1984.

However, his magnificent performance in the ‘Ya Azizi Kolna Lesos' film, starring Mahmoud Abdel-Aziz won much praise from Arab fans and critics alike.

His breakthrough came with (The Bellydancer and the Politician) in 1990, starring renowned actress Nabila Abid.

In 1965, Kabil debuted on television with the teleplay (The Thief and the Dog), written by Naguib Mahfouz for the National Television.

He later starred in several teleplays and continued his successful journey as a versatile television actor with his tremendous performances in “Layla Asifa Gedan” (A Very Stormy Night).

His last films were ‘Zakia Hanim'(Lady Zakia), Terrorism, and ‘Bawabt ElHalwany’ (The Gate of Halwany).

Unfortunately, he died of a brain hemorrhage on December 3, 1992, according to his son Amr Salah. His death came as a shock to the entire Arab world.