Syrians bid farewell to the Gem of Arab drama

Syrian people bade farewell to the great Syrian actor Nedal Seijari who passed away after long suffering from cancer.

The death of Seijari constitutes a grave loss to the Syrian and Arab TV drama as the late actor was one of the most important drama stars who proved prodigious skill in playing both tragic and comic roles in an excellent way. He played comic roles in well-known TV series such as Dia Dai’a (A Lost Village) and Spotlight. In Dia Dai’a, He appeared as As’ad Khashrouf, the simple hearted man who always falls as a victim of his friend’s tricks. After playing this successful character, Nedal was called by his friends the Charlie Chaplin of the Arabs in recognition of his great talent.

In Spotlight, the late actor appeared in several panels showing his great talent and commitment to the causes and principles of his people. This series reflected the enormous talents of the actor through playing various characters in panels that deal with the people’s social, economic and political aspirations in a daring approach. His last TV series is being screened on the Syrian TV titled “We Will Return After a While”. He appeared as a man who exerts strenuous efforts to make his country avoid divisions and seditions. 

However, Nedal’s success was not only restricted to TV drama. He excelled at the stage of Syrian theatres in more than 35 plays as an actor and a director.

His only TV film “The Taste of Lemon” deals with the story of two refugees from the occupied Palestine and Golan.

Nedal’s death is grave loss to Syria and the Arabs, because he believed in the sublime message of art in bringing about positive changes in society that lead to preserving the dignity of the homeland and the welfare of people.

The late actor was greatly loved by his colleagues who referred to his versatile skills. The famous Syrian actor Dureid Laham described him as the gem of the Syrian artistic and cultural life. Renowned Syrian actress Amal Arafeh said that Nedal had a secret that included strong energy of love and giving.

The greatness of the late actor was evident when the crisis in Syria started. He was among the first actors who called for launching a comprehensive dialogue between the government and the honest opposition figures who believe in the Syrian solution of the crisis away from any foreign intervention.

Nedal Seijari was born in Lattakia in 1965, graduated from the Higher Institute for Arts and became a member of the Artists’ Union in 1991.

The great actor was escorted to his final resting place in a popular ceremony to his birthplace Lattakia with the participation of outstanding Syrian actors.

K.Q.