He is considered one of the icons during the golden age of Arab film and television production.
Abdul Majid Majzoub, was indeed one of the most famous Lebanese actors on the artistic scene during the booming years of Arab cinema and audiovisual production.
Some even consider him a giant, a legend of the small screen in the 70s and 80s. This positive image that we have, until now, of this outstanding man is after all legitimate since Majzoub has, to his credit, a rich track record in artistic productions.
He has worked all his life to enrich the Arab cultural scene as well in the field of know how, his many and varied talents went beyond the simple audiovisual framework to explore other horizons and enrich other artistic genres such as theater, literature etc… But despite his gifts, Majzoub is often keen to expend his knowledge and learn continuously.
He is an avid reader and addict to literature, especially poetry, because he knows that talent alone is not enough to shine on the artistic scene. It is his disposition
to move forward and to perfect his knowledge that has made him, a television star that his Arab audiences are not ready to forget.
Today he is known and recognized throughout the Arab world, not only for his tender and warm voice, but above all for all the roles he has played so successfully in numerous audiovisual productions. Glamour Fashion and Beauty went to meet this great Lebanese actor to talk to us about his life and especially his richest and most accomplished artistic career.
Interview with Lebanese star
GF&B: For agreeing to grant us this interview. Glamour Fashion and Beauty is both honored and delighted to share this moment of friendly exchange with you. It is a real pleasure to talk with the great artist that you are, Mr. Majzoub!
Abdul Majid Majzoub : Please! But first, I would like to greet, with all my heart, all readers of your magazine. On the contrary, all the pleasure and all the happiness of an artist, whatever he is and whatever his notoriety, is to participate in interviews with the media in order to continuously inform his audience. So it is I who thank you for this invitation. We just hope that our exchange will be as fruitful as it is beneficial for the readership of your magazine.
GF&B : Of course! There is no doubt that our readers will appreciate what the idol and star you were during the golden years of Arab cinema. So let’s start, if I may, with the introductions, Who is Abdel Majid Majzoub? The question certainly seems embarrassing enough but it remains useful as it will allow to update the new generations who do not know, perhaps, the television star that you were.
Abdul Majid Majzoub : In principle, to introduce oneself implies to say who I am. Who is my father, my mother? It could be a short, simple, and succinct answer. As it could however require a rather exhaustive answer, requiring an hour of time to tell you half of my personal life.
But let’s be objective. The name of course, as everyone knows, is Abdel Majid Majzoub. I was born in the city of Tripoli in northern Lebanon on April 11, 1940 to a father named «Mahmoud Majzoub» and a mother named «Hafiza Rostam». We are supposed to belong to the great tribe «Majzoub» whose territory stretches over the entire Lebanese coast «Sidon, Beirut, Tripoli» to the north of the Syrian coast «Tartous, Latakia».
However, the «Majzoub» have their origins in the Greater Maghreb One of the grandsons of our great-grandfather, Sidi Abdel-Rahman Al-Majzoub, did indeed reside in the city of Meknes in Morocco. It happened, however, that one of his grandchildren came to settle in Lebanon a long time ago, which explains the presence here of the «Majzoub» who subsequently spread all over the place. along the Lebanese coast.
GF&B : I grew up in a fairly conservative religious family. I opened my eyes to a house which had a rich library, however, consisting mainly of books dealing with religion, including books of exegesis and explanation. Since we are talking about birth and origin, how did Abdel Majid Majzoub spend his childhood and youth in a most difficult historical context, a context characterized by general insecurity, especially since your birth coincides with the outbreak of the second world war?
Abdul Majid Majzoub : Indeed, but by the grace of God, it was a joyful and innocent childhood. I especially kept an image of a child with a very vivid memory. I did indeed have a sharp memory. I recounted past events to my mother especially, with such precision that she was amazed. I would describe to her, for example, in close detail, the place where I was born and raised until the age of six. It must be said that the place was of such beauty, of such originality that it remains etched in my memory.
As for the young Abdel Majid, I was, to tell the truth, a spirited and benevolent person, whose parents were amply satisfied. Then, like many young people, I chose my own path in life. I then took studies that had nothing to do with art. I even had to go to FRG (West Germany) to hone my knowledge and prepare a diploma in offshore oil exploration. Once the training had been acquired, I had to work for
5 years in one Gulf countries.
I never thought of doing art at the time, until one day I found myself, by chance, in this profession which completely changed my life. It must be said that it was fate that willed it. I never chose art, rather it was art that chose me because I am, perhaps, a lucky, selfless and caring person.
Here is in brief the story of my life before I landed in the art field to practice in particular on radio and television. It is through these two channels that I was able to participate in the artistic work, which has earned me today to be known throughout the Arab world.
GF&B : You said a coincidence. We guess it was a fortunate coincidence that allowed you to break into the radio and television studios. You subsequently succeeded in conquering the hearts of a general public with your talents. Would you like to tell us how this coincidence came about that brought you to the world of micro and small screen.
Abdul Majid Majzoub : I would answer your question in two parts. First, as I said earlier, I started my professional career in petrochemicals, specifically deep sea oil exploration, where I held a leading position. We are called, by the nature of this profession, to work for long periods on the high seas, far from our families. It is therefore a job that is both perilous and exhausting, especially since we were only entitled to ten days’ leave every six months.
Personally, I have worked in many Arab countries and even beyond, in Turkey, Greece and Cyprus. We looked forward to the time off when we could reunite with our families and loved ones. Personally, I was often anxious to be reunited with my mother, whose health was quite fragile at the time. I also took the rest period to go to Beirut to have fun like all the young people of the time.
He insisted and informed me that he should meet some respectable friends after the race, including a chic and attractive woman. She was a singer in Kuwait and her name was Wadfa.
Hearing the name of this woman, I could not believe it and immediately asked him not
without great astonishment. “The Kuwaiti singer! that lives in Kuwait? «. “no,” he replied, “Wadfa is more Lebanese and her real name is Assia Ghandour. «. At that point, I was carried away by the idea. I was even excited about this meeting, because I was a fan of this great and beautiful artist.
As soon as the horse race was over, we went to see this woman. So I had the opportunity to chat with her; and it didn’t take long for her to notice that I had a beautiful voice. She then asked me to sing her something from her repertoire. I picked up the lute and started singing. She was delighted to hear me rehearse her songs. I think she liked my voice that day… but also my personality.
GF&B : A very nice coincidence that allowed you to reunite with a star that you have never dreamed of before. And of course, you were as curious as we are now to know what happened next. But how, through this encounter, did you come to the world of art?
Abdul Majid Majzoub : What happened was that after this meeting, a great relationship developed between the two of us. I fell in love with her, it was the first love of my life. We kept in touch by exchanging many letters and correspondence.
Far from her, I longed to see her again. One day, no longer tolerating this situation of estrangement, I asked my boss for exceptional leave. He refused because of the workload which did not allow my absence, especially since I was active and devoted in my workstation.
I even had to lie that my mother was sick and that I had to be with her as soon as possible in Tripoli. The boss didn’t want to know anything and categorically refused to grant me this leave. I then decided to give up my job despite all the financial benefits I was getting.
I returned to Lebanon in this way, caring little for the consequences that would result from my decision. The very day I arrived in Beirut, I met Professor Hassan Ghandour, Wadfa’s brother. He was also a man of art and a great composer in Lebanon. And without even thinking, I asked him for his sister’s hand, the marriage was concluded the same day. Looking back, I can’t believe it, but it turned out that way.
After committing this hasty marriage offense, I left for Tripoli to inform my mother. She had taken the news badly at first, especially since I had acted alone without even consulting her, asking her opinion or informing her. But the mother’s love was stronger and she ended up accompanying me to meet my wife. It had gone well although I had a feeling that day that she still had a pang in her heart because of this incredible affair. I have to admit that I acted in a less elegant way towards my dear mom.
One day, I accompanied my wife to the Union des artistes studio. She had an appointment for a recording as part of her work. There, I accidentally met three great directors who contributed a lot at the time to the development of television directing techniques. These are Soubhi Abu al-Ghad, Abdel Majid Abou Laban and Ghanem al-Dajani. The three who have enriched radio libraries with records and other radio productions in Lebanon and throughout the Arab world.
While I waited in the adjoining room, someone raised the question of the Arab army’s setback in the Six Day War (1967). Then
ensued a debate which I could not resist despite my discretion. I then stepped in to tell my truths on the matter, emptying all the beautiful feelings of nationalism buried in me at the time and shared by almost all young people of my generation.
All of a sudden, Professor Soubhi Abu al-Ghad called me and asked without warning: «Do you want to come into the studio and make me listen to your voice on the microphone, please?» «. I was amazed at his slightly sassy request and said, “Yes, why not! «. We entered and he handed me a book, the famous book of «Kalila wa Dimna». He pointed at me what I should read. At that point, I was seized with a serious feeling, that of a candidate about to take an exam. It was a decisive feeling and full of responsibility.
So I picked up the book and started reading. Then he interrupted me to say, «Mr. ‘Abd’, you have a beautiful voice! Do you want to work with us on the radio?».
I was surprised by his proposal; and unconsciously agreed, nodding my head without saying a word. This is how I found myself in radio and in the art world in general.
GF&B : A beautiful love story and a beautiful destiny that only a daring young man confident in his abilities can achieve. You were thus adopted and encouraged by the greatest directors of the Union des artistes of the time. Then how did you achieve success by becoming this great artist that we talk about until today?
Abdul Majid Majzoub : After this exam session, the great teacher Soubhi Abu al-Ghad came up to me and asked me to sit with him , He told me that he appreciated my qualities very much, especially my calmness and my selflessness. «When you speak,» he said to me, «you do so politely but above all with such restraint and elegance.»
I believe the man liked me that day and ended up adopting me. He invited me from elsewhere
to his home to personally train me to start working with him. He offered to participate, in a television work whose director is none other than Mr. Abdel Majeed Abu Laban.
I was over the moon and quickly accepted his proposal. The next day, I went to the studio where I met the director and the cast, including «Jihad Al-Atrach» and «Khaled Boutari». I introduced myself to Professor Abdel Majeed who greeted me well so I started to work.
After only three months, I was given the lead role of another TV series, which has not been without jealousy of some of my fellow actors. They didn’t understand how a young man new to radio could take the lead role in this series?
Since then it had become a habit, I was often asked to play the main roles in the various radio and television productions. I played in many series such as «The wounded hand», «The foreigner’s secret», «The hooded rider», «The camels», «The white mask», «Leila and El-Bouraq» … Etc. I have also interpreted in other soap operas, the role of certain historical personalities or famous men against even that of the great writer Mahmoud El-Akkad.
GF&B : Sir, don’t you think that «The White Mask», «The Wounded Hand», «The Literary Trials» and the many other productions in which you have participated, have paved the way for you to the television series that has known the greatest success, in this case «Around my room». This masterpiece was, so to speak, the prelude to a true star career in art and television. You also excelled in «Amru Al-Qais», «Al-Moutanabi» and of course «Allo Hayati», which was a sequel to the wonderful soap opera «Around my room». You formed an impressive duo with Hind Abi Al-Lamaâ. What is your comment on that and how do you describe the performance of this duo with the late Hind which made an impression on viewers at the time?
Abdul Majid Majzoub : Absolutely, but I have to say that I was quite lucky throughout my acting career. It was indeed a beautiful duo with the late Hind (Peace to her soul). In fact, we were often asked to share the main roles. I remember more particularly the series «The Night Musician» directed by Antoine Rémy. This production was a great success because, from the broadcast of its first episode, it managed to capture the interest of millions of viewers throughout the Arab world, both in the Middle East and in North Africa.
GF&B : The television series «Allo Hayati» (Hello my dear!) Was, for you, a comeback on the scene after a long absence due to hospitalization. Tell us, if I may, about this artistic production.
Abdul Majid Majzoub : After a hospital stay followed by a long recovery, I couldn’t wait to get back on the scene. My first decision was to bring together the whole team of actors who participated in the second part
of the soap opera «Around my room». We have therefore decided to resume this series but under another name «Allo ma Chérie» with the participation of new actors such as Ibrahim Merâcheli and Georgette Naboulsi who have added something to this new production which has been just as successful.
During the three years that followed, we did a wonderful job producing a dozen series, each equally successful, such as «Lara and the Sea», «The House of Doors».
Then I wanted to move on to another stage. I then founded my own business which I called «Kholoud Productions», named after my beloved daughter Kholoud. This is how I entered the world of film and television production.
GF&B : So you created this company after a long experience as an actor. And that was the starting point for another creative work, you who have now become a producer. Tell us briefly about this new experience.
Abdul Majid Majzoub : In fact, the idea of creating this company germinated during my presence in Qatar where I was invited by friends to participate in a cultural program that was broadcasted during the month of Ramadhan. After my return to Lebanon, I put this idea into practice by creating «Kholoud Productions», and the first work carried out by this company was «The last days». It was a great audiovisual project which required enormous resources,
above all the participation of many actors who came from different Arab countries, such as Egypt, Morocco, Syria, Jordan, Kuwait… etc.
Many anecdotal stories happened during the filming of this work, but thank God, everyone was satisfied because all the actors who took part gave the best of themselves.
Then, I continued with another work «The forbidden master». This new soap opera consisting of thirty episodes was intended in particular to spread the fine values of morality. I deliberately chose this title to say that stumbling is now prohibited in this kind of question. In this series, I shared the lead roles with actors Nabil Badr and Chérine.
GF&B : Mr. Majzoub, even if «» The ultimate days «and» The forbidden master «have achieved great success, the fact remains that viewers are not ready to forget the charming duo that constituted Abdel Majid and Hind. What do you think ?
Abdul Majid Majzoub : It’s true! In fact, we have received many messages and calls from the public asking us to take over this duo that has been the dream of thousands of viewers and other admirers in the past. So I decided to resume service with the adorable Hind in a new series called «Don’t Say Goodbye!»
The series consisted of 13 episodes telling a beautiful love story. I even participated in the writing of the screenplay, particularly that of episodes 12 and 13. However, the shooting took place under difficult conditions due to the insecurity that prevailed in Lebanon at the time.
But thank God! this work was also a success with the public who were obviously thirsty to see our duo Majzoub and the princess Hind again.
GF&B : We’re coming to the end of the interview. How do you assess, Mr. Majzoub, your entire artistic career? And what is the secret of all these successive successes that have accompanied you throughout your acting life?
Abdul Majid Majzoub : In addition to the luck that has always smiled on me, I believe that, throughout my life, I have been very rational in the choice of works and series in which I have had to participate. I have a lot of respect for my audience, so I always make sure that my behavior, on and off the stage, is correct and respectable.
The choice of artistic works and roles is just as decisive in maintaining this strong relationship that unites me with the public. I never accepted a role that could spoil my image or raise any reproach from my viewers. I learned and applied one thing: you always have to respect yourself enough to be able to earn the respect of the public.
GF&B : We leave it to you to conclude. What will you say to readers of Glamour Fashion and Beauty?
Abdul Majid Majzoub : At the end of this pleasant interview, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me the opportunity to communicate with the public.
Finally, I want to say all my love and thanks to all the staff of your magazine, as well as to all your readers. I wish all humans around the world all the best. I just hope your readers would be happy with what we have offered them in this artistic exchange. Success to you and to Glamour Fashion and Beauty!
