Azza Bahaa says smoking and health issues caused acting absence

Egyptian actress Azza Bahaa revealed in October 2026 that vocal changes caused by smoking and pre-existing health conditions contributed to her prolonged absence from acting. Appearing on the Al Nahar television program Warqa Beda hosted by Yomna Badrawi, the star of the play El Wad Sayed El Shaghal discussed the health factors impacting her career, according to alarabiya.net. She began her career with small roles before establishing herself on stage and in Egyptian television drama.

Health Factors and Vocal Changes Affecting Career Continuity

Bahaa explained during her television interview that multiple medical issues have directly altered her vocal tone and limited her steady presence in television and theater. She stated that she smokes and recognizes it as a contributing factor, while also detailing a prior thyroid condition that permanently affected her voice and a persistent asthma diagnosis that exacerbates the vocal strain. I smoke, and that might be one of the reasons, but I had a thyroid problem that affected my voice ever since, I am getting treatment, but I have asthma so it affects my voice more, Bahaa said, as reported by alarabiya.net and corroborated by lahamag.com. She emphasized her appreciation for the major artists from whom she learned professional fundamentals and commitment, noting that her true presence in the industry is tied to the work she delivers rather than a pursuit of continuous media appearances.

Beyond health challenges, Bahaa pointed to shifting industry standards as a reason for her selective approach to scripts. Akhbarelyom.com reported that the actress expressed feeling a sense of alienation on modern shooting locations, criticizing rushed production schedules where final episodes are filmed concurrently with broadcast, as well as poorly equipped remote shooting locations that exhaust actors physically and mentally before stepping in front of the camera. I consider myself retired because my work has become very little, and the main reason is that not everything makes me comfortable; I must be very comfortable and trust the people I work with, and human treatment is above everything for me, she stated.

Memorable Milestones with Adel Imam and Nour El Sherif

Reflecting on her 145-credit career spanning theater, cinema, and television, Bahaa recounted how she landed her breakthrough role in the 1993 hit stage production El Wad Sayed El Shaghal by chance after another actress withdrew, according to alarabiya.net and elwatannews.com. Although she secured the part alongside theater star Adel Imam, she missed the subsequent tour to the United States due to high school baccalaureate exams and her father’s refusal to let her travel.

Lahamag.com and akhbarelyom.com noted that Bahaa also recalled working with the late actor Nour El Sherif on the television series El Ragol El Akhar, praising his gentle demeanor and kindness in helping her overcome camera shyness. Her final credited television appearance came in the 2020 drama series Ella Ana, which consisted of six separate stories spanning ten episodes each, drawing from real-life events to address various issues concerning women and their relationship with society.

Rejection of Social Media Culture and Festival Red Carpets

Addressing her absence from industry social events and award ceremonies, Bahaa distanced herself from the pursuit of online trends and media exposure. Akhbarelyom.com and elwatannews.com reported that the actress defended her low profile by comparing her stance to established industry figures. I am an actress, not a model, and have you ever seen the great star Abla Kamel go to a festival? Bahaa said, emphasizing that her only true workplace is in front of the camera.

On a personal level, Bahaa shared details regarding her family life, discussing her relationship with her nephew, Adham Bahaa Eldin. Because life did not grant her biological children, she noted that he became her son, everything in her life, and provided a profound sense of motherhood and emotional support, remaining her primary pillar whom she prefers to stay close to.