In this interview which could be considered an interview with Abu Salim Abu Salim sums up his vision with a striking phrase that encapsulates the essence of the conversation: “Beirut is a city known to the world… and comedy is a talent that cannot be manufactured.”
In the streets of Hamra, where memories blend with daily life, Follow Lebanon met with Lebanese artist Abu Salim
in a candid conversation during which he reflected on key moments in his relationship with Beirut, the city that has accompanied him through various stages of his artistic and personal life.
He also spoke about friendship, which he considers one of the most precious values, his views on the state of Lebanese and Arab comedy, as well as his messages to the Lebanese people and his take on the reality facing his homeland.
Abu Salim: Beirut is not just a city… it’s a name known to the world
Abu Salim emphasized that Beirut is not merely a city, but a global symbol that holds a special place in the hearts of people around the world,
noting that what sets it apart is its openness and respect for all peoples and cultures.
He recalled an incident that occurred during his stay in the Romanian capital, Bucharest, when someone asked him about his country,
saying, “When I told him ‘Lebanon,’ he didn’t recognize it, but as soon as I said ‘Beirut,’ he smiled and said, ‘Oh… Beirut.’”
He added that this incident reflects the standing the Lebanese capital enjoys abroad,
expressing his hope that the Lebanese would appreciate their country as much as foreigners do.
Abu Salim’s Message to the Lebanese: Through Unity, Nations Are Built
Abu Salim addressed a direct message to the Lebanese people, calling on them to stand together and reject divisions, emphasizing that “in unity lies strength,”
and that Lebanon’s future cannot be built amid sectarian and religious divisions.
He said that saving the nation requires everyone to put Lebanon’s interests above any other allegiance,
arguing that the persistence of divisions prevents the country from moving forward and delays any real opportunity for reform.
A Painful Reality in Lebanese Villages
In the course of his remarks, he recalled a visit to a remote village in the Akkar region,
where he was surprised by the absence of the most basic necessities of life—roads, electricity, and water.
He explained that reaching that village required walking a long distance through rocky terrain,
noting that this reality reflects long years of neglect and corruption, and criticizing the performance of the political class, which has left Lebanese regions suffering from deprivation to this day.
Abu Salim: True friendship is the most precious thing a person can have
Abu Salim emphasized that true friendship is among the most precious things a person can possess, noting that life has been and continues to be full of challenges,
and therefore the presence of a sincere friend remains a priceless blessing.
He explained that there is a significant difference between a colleague, an acquaintance, and a friend, noting that a colleague is someone you are brought together with by work,
an acquaintance is someone you meet under certain circumstances, whereas a true friend is someone who stands by your side with sincerity,
offers you advice, cares for you and your family, and remains a source of support throughout life’s various stages.
Endless Loyalty
Abu Salim noted that he is fortunate to still maintain friendships that span decades, and he mentioned a number of his friends whom he meets regularly,
foremost among them the artist Zaghloul, whom he described as “a great artist who has not received the recognition he deserves.”
He praised Zaghloul’s long career, emphasizing that he has contributed greatly to Lebanese art in the fields of acting and directing over the course of decades,
and that their friendship was based on loyalty, love, and mutual respect.
The Secret of Humility… and the Real Crisis Is a Crisis of Values
Despite the success and fame he achieved throughout his artistic career, Abu Salim emphasized that a person’s values and morals come before anything else,
and that humility is the foundation of a genuine relationship with people.
He considered that what Lebanon is experiencing today is not limited to an economic or political crisis, but is, at its core, a crisis of morals and values,
emphasizing that restoring these values is the true path to building a better society, and that reform begins with the individual before any other form of reform.
Abu Salim: Comedy Is an Innate Talent, Not a Craft
Regarding the state of comedy in Lebanon and the Arab world, Abu Salim said that forty or fifty years ago,
was teeming with great names who left an unforgettable mark, whether in Lebanon or Egypt.
He noted that Egypt produced giants of comedy, including Ali al-Kassar, Naguib al-Rihani, and others,
emphasizing that the comedy scene at that time was rich with talent and works that remain relevant to this day.
He added that nowadays, the number of true comedians has dwindled significantly,
noting that the artist Adel Imam remains one of the most prominent figures to have maintained a high standard in this art form,
while others try to produce good work, though comedy is no easy feat.
He emphasized that comedy is an innate talent before it is a profession or a written script,
explaining that a writer and director cannot create a comedian, because it is the artist who creates the comedic moment and brings it to life,
whereas the script is merely a framework within which the actor moves.
Artistic work is an integrated system
Abu Salim concluded his remarks by emphasizing that the success of any artistic work depends on the integration of all its elements,
starting with the actor, through the director and writer, and extending to the set design, props, and production.
He noted that the lack of this integration in many current works negatively affects the quality of production,
especially in comedy, which requires genuine talent and a cohesive team to reach the audience in the way it deserves.
