Cairo – Prominent Egyptian art critic Tarek El-Shennawy has ignited a debate with his sharp critique of actress Rahma Hassan’s performance in the Ramadan 2026 drama series “Ali Clay,” starring Ahmed El-Awad. El-Shennawy described Hassan’s acting as excessively exaggerated and ultimately “unacceptable,” according to statements made to the ET بالعربي program and reported across multiple Egyptian news outlets.
El-Shennawy argued that Hassan’s portrayal felt harsh and unbalanced for viewers, stating, “Rahma is in an impossible place for acceptance. The exaggeration in her performance is too much, it becomes difficult. We need mercy from Rahma,” as reported by Masrawy. He further suggested that the director and casting team failed to recognize the intensity of Hassan’s delivery. “Did the director or casting not notice the dose she’s presenting in her performance? It’s very harsh,” he said.
In contrast, El-Shennawy offered praise for Yara El-Sakry, another actress in “Ali Clay,” stating her performance was more readily acceptable and showed potential. “Yara El-Sakry’s performance passes. There is hope, even if it’s only 1%, in Yara, but Rahma is in an impossible place for acceptance. There is absolutely no hope,” he stated, according to FilFan.com.
“Ali Clay” centers on the life of Ali, a former boxer who now runs a car parts business and an orphanage and the complex web of personal and professional challenges he faces. Mahmoud Hamdan, the series’ writer, previously revealed that Ahmed El-Awad was instrumental in suggesting Rahma Hassan for the role of Kamelia, a singer who becomes romantically involved with Ali, according to reports.
The criticism comes early in the series’ run, with the debate unfolding publicly as the drama continues to air throughout Ramadan. No official response has been issued by Hassan, El-Awad, the production company, or the network broadcasting “Ali Clay” as of Monday, March 2, 2026.