In a candid conversation, star of the silver screen Mayan El Sayed (Instagram) spoke to us from Cairo, radiating joy and representing the embodiment of her philosophy, that of having fun while pursuing her craft. With delightful ease, she shared the story of her journey in cinema, emphasising her dedication and resilience in overcoming challenges while initially lacking connections in the industry. El Sayed approaches acting with deep empathy, fully immersing herself in her characters to explore their backgrounds and motivations. This commitment enables her to deliver authentic performances that resonate with her audience, highlighting her artistic mission and establishing her as a significant figure in cinema.
When Mayan El Sayed tells of her journey in Egyptian cinema it’s an inspiring tale marked by dedication, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to her craft. From her early childhood, she displayed a profound love for the performing arts, often transforming her living room into a stage where she could express herself. “I would take my mother’s clothes and put on little shows for my family,” she recalls, her voice filled with warmth. Those early moments of creativity were not just innocent play; they were the initial sparks that ignited her passion for acting, asserting to herself and her parents that “this is what I’m going to do for the rest of my life”.
Yet, the path to becoming a celebrated actress was not without its challenges. El Sayed shares that she entered the industry without any connections or a support network. “I had to find my way in on my own,” she says, reflecting on the obstacles she faced in an industry that can often be difficult to navigate for newcomers. This blank sheet did not deter her; instead, it fueled her determination to succeed. She worked tirelessly, auditioning for roles and seizing every opportunity that came her way, all while honing her skills and learning the nuances of the craft.
When preparing for a new role, El Sayed employs a comprehensive approach that prioritises depth and authenticity, often incorporating elements of method acting. She believes that grasping the entire narrative is essential, allowing her to connect the dots between characters and their arcs, an approach which ultimately provides her with a broader perspective on the story, “If I connect with [the character], that’s the best part,” she says, emphasising that this connection is the driving force behind her ability to deliver performances that truly resonate with her audience.
A defining characteristic of El Sayed’s acting is her strong commitment to empathy. She immerses herself completely in her characters, saying, “I forget all about Mayan and her issues.” This dedication drives her to explore the character’s history, relationships, and emotional landscape, often tracing back to pivotal childhood experiences that shape their identity. “Childhood is everything,” she stresses, underscoring the importance of these formative moments. Her research extends beyond the script, as she delves into the specifics of a character’s life—whether that means understanding their profession or learning about cultural nuances—to ensure her performances are rich in authenticity and realism. Moreover, a non-judgmental approach allows her to explore the complexities of human nature, providing a nuanced portrayal of characters even in morally ambiguous situations, reinforcing her belief that every character has a story worth telling. “I never judge my character,” she says, rather by being “a hundred percent with them,” El Sayed acknowledges the humanity in each character allowing them breadth to be their own and for her to love them as they are.
For El Sayed, representation is not just a duty, but a profound commitment to showcasing women in a powerful light. She firmly believes that roles played by women should be authentically brought to life by those who truly understand the intricacies and nuances of their experiences. While some characters may start off feeling vulnerable or marginalised, their journeys often lead them to uncover their own strength and resilience. Through these narratives, El Sayed highlights the complexities of female identity while discovering her own empowerment, reinforcing the idea that representation matters deeply.
Managing a large social following has been transformative for the actress, and has impacted her career and her relationship with her fans deeply. Initially elated by the influx of followers and recognition, she soon realised that this responsibility came with its own burdens, often feeling like a job in itself. “I cannot take it for granted. It’s a big thing,” she acknowledges, understanding that her platform necessitates addressing important issues. However, this journey has not been without challenges, as she has faced negativity and criticism from some followers. “I had to go through that and I had to fall and then get up,” she reflects.
El Sayed admits that her desire to be liked made it difficult to accept that not everyone would embrace her. “That’s not realistic,” she states, having learned to navigate the complexities of public scrutiny through therapy and self-discovery. Now, she focuses on the supportive fans who uplift her, particularly the young girls who view her as an inspiration. “I have to be good for them and I have to do good for them,” she emphasises, recognizing the significance of her influence. Ultimately, El Sayed approaches her platform with true commitment, taking it seriously and determined to be a positive role model for her followers while embracing the journey of personal growth that comes with it.
During her graduation project, El Sayed had a memorable interaction with a young fan that touched her heart. After her first performance, as she stepped off the stage, she was greeted by a bright-eyed little girl who had travelled all the way from Dumyat just to see her. The girl exclaimed, “I love you so much,” as she wrapped her arms around El Sayed in a warm hug, accompanied by her mother. This heartfelt gesture meant the world to El Sayed, especially knowing that the girl had journeyed from another city in Egypt to support her. To make the moment even more special, the young fan presented her with a small trophy she had brought along, which, although simply acquired—likely from a gas station—felt like an Oscar to El Sayed. “It was as if I got this big award from a major show,” she tells us. For El Sayed, these interactions with her fans are cherished moments that remind her of the love and support she receives, inspiring her to continue her journey with gratitude.
El Sayed passionately emphasises that aspiring actors need to truly enjoy the process. “Sometimes, in the hustle of pursuing this dream,” she explains, “I would forget that enjoyment is part of it.” She acknowledges that many actors, driven by ambition and the pressure to succeed, lose sight of the joy that acting brings. “It’s easy to get caught up in running after this dream, focusing solely on the end goal,” she says, likening it to parents who push their children toward certain careers without considering what those kids actually want.
For Mayan El Sayed, acting is not just a profession; it’s her passion, what she lives for. “Why aren’t you enjoying it?” she questions, urging others not to take the journey too seriously or to treat it as a burdensome obligation. “You should have fun doing it,” she insists, though perhaps this is a lesson she has only recently embraced herself. “This year, I realised that I need to enjoy it more. I need to have fun while pursuing my craft,” she says.
As El Sayed contemplates her future in the world of acting, she lights up at the thought of her dream roles and projects, expressing a deep passion for musicals. She shares her desire to be in a romantic musical, where she could embody a character who transitions from heartfelt monologues into vibrant dancing and singing. “I think it would be so different and beautiful for me,” she says.
Beyond the allure of musicals, El Sayed harbours a profound admiration for classic Egyptian cinema from the golden age. “I would love to portray one of those iconic characters,” she says, longing to channel the essence of the remarkable actresses who graced the silver screen during that era.
When discussing the professional legacy she wants to leave behind, El Sayed’s passion shines through. She hopes to evoke genuine emotions in her audience, saying, “I would love for people to feel because of me.” The moments she cherishes most are those powerful scenes where she can see emotions reflected in her family’s eyes as they watch. “I love to make people feel—whether it’s love, pain, jealousy, or pride,” she emphasises.
El Sayed recalls a poignant quote that resonates deeply with her aspirations: “People will forget what you did, people will forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” This sentiment encapsulates her artistic mission. She aspires to create experiences that linger in the hearts of her audience long after the curtain falls, firmly believing that her true legacy lies in the emotional connections she forges through her performances. “That’s the legacy I want to leave behind; I want to make people feel.” That, we hope, will be the legacy of Mayan El Sayed.
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