Lebanese actor Bassem Mughniyeh expressed his deep sorrow over the current situation in Lebanon, indicating that the war ravaging the country has stolen his joy from his success in portraying the character of Fried in the series Balharam. Despite the positive audience reactions to his performance, Mughniyeh affirms that the suffering of the Lebanese people significantly impacts his emotions.
In the series, Mughniyeh embodies the character of Fried, a mysterious and psychologically troubled businessman who leads a mafia network that lures youth into a world of corruption. Despite his harsh nature, Fried displays a human side through his love for his sister and his desire to gain her approval. This complex character delivers a cautionary message about the risks young people may face, adding depth and complexity to the work.
Audience Engagement and Reactions
The audience's engagement with the character of Fried has been notable, with many viewers expressing their desire for the series to continue airing. Mughniyeh described this engagement as a source of happiness for him, yet he simultaneously confirmed that the situation in Lebanon prevents him from feeling complete joy. He stated, "Lebanon resides within me, and I cannot describe my love for it. My heart aches with sadness and pain when I see it burning and its people suffering."
The role of Fried requires significant boldness, as it highlights sensitive social issues. Mughniyeh believes that this role carries an educational message for parents about the necessity of monitoring their children and protecting them from slipping into the unknown. He adds, "It was essential to be bold in presenting it, as the subject holds great importance."
Background & Context
Bassem Mughniyeh is no stranger to the world of drama, having achieved previous successes in works such as Aswad, Lilmawt, and Bil-Dam. With each new role, Mughniyeh strives to deliver a performance that reflects the depth of the character. He pointed out that his experience in portraying Fried relied on a wealth of accumulated experiences, saying, "The broader the actor's culture, the more they benefit from it."
Complex roles like Fried require the ability to interact with viewers spontaneously, which Mughniyeh aims to achieve by focusing on scene details during filming. He emphasizes that spontaneity is crucial to making the performance appear natural and unforced.
Impact & Consequences
The impact of Fried's character on viewers has been evident, stirring anger and hatred towards negative characters, prompting the audience to be more cautious in dealing with individuals who may conceal their true nature. Mughniyeh states, "It was necessary to draw the viewer's attention to the dangers their children may face," noting that Fried could exist in any family.
This role has not negatively affected his relationship with the audience; on the contrary, Mughniyeh has received positive feedback from people when they meet him. He added that his performance relies on the moment, making each scene unique.
Regional Significance
The effects of the series Balharam extend beyond Lebanon, reflecting the social and economic issues faced by many Arab countries. Amid the multiple crises plaguing the region, the importance of artistic works that address these issues with boldness and objectivity becomes evident.
Mughniyeh's portrayal of a complex character like Fried reflects the ability of Arab drama to tackle sensitive issues, contributing to raising awareness among the audience. As crises continue, art remains a means of expressing suffering and hope for change.