Besides being a renowned actor, Dawood is known as someone who lives life to the fullest. From his love for travel to his affinity for classic cinema, there’s something magnetic about the way he sees the world. In this candid conversation, Dawood takes us on a journey through his adventurous spirit, his connection to nostalgia, and his thoughts on navigating the complexities of today’s fast-paced life.

An Adventurer at Heart

When asked about his love for travel, Dawood’s eyes light up with excitement.

 You’re known for loving travel. Is that true?

“Yes, I love traveling and adventures, but they have to be calculated. I enjoy doing different and challenging things, but I always want someone responsible with me in case something goes wrong.”

Dawood’s passion for adventure isn’t just limited to sightseeing. He’s jumped out of planes and dived into thrilling activities most of us only dream about.

Have you tried any extreme activities before?

“Of course! I’ve skydived, and would go for any activities by the mountains. I enjoy these things, but I always prefer to have someone with me for backup.”

His love for the sea is no secret either.

 Which place makes you happiest, or where do you feel most at peace?

“Any country by the sea. The energy is always different. Coastal cities have a charm—whether it’s Alexandria here in Egypt or a coastal town abroad. The people seem more relaxed, more into music, art, and good food. I would definitely choose to live and work by the sea if I had the chance.”

Nostalgia Through Black-and-White Cinema

Dawood isn’t just about adrenaline; he has a softer side, deeply rooted in nostalgia. A big fan of old Egyptian cinema, he shares his favorite film and his fascination with the golden era of movies.

What’s your favorite film from that era?

“There are so many, but I love Isha’et Hob (Rumor of Love). It’s a classic comedy that still makes me laugh every time I watch it.”

If you were acting back then, which role would you have loved to play?

“Probably a role alongside Omar Sharif. And I’ve always loved Ahmed Ramzy’s playful, lighthearted roles. Those actors seemed like they were genuinely enjoying life. Even in interviews, you could tell they were relaxed. Life felt calmer then.”

Embracing Today’s World

Despite his love for the past, Dawood doesn’t believe in getting stuck in nostalgia. His perspective on life today is refreshing and optimistic.

What’s the distinct vibe of today’s era compared to the golden days?

“Life today has its good sides too. Honestly, I don’t have that ‘I wish I lived back then’ feeling. Every time has its own charm. It’s up to us to find the beauty in our era instead of longing for the past or focusing on the negatives. Even in the past, people probably said, ‘Things were better before.’ That cycle never ends. So, I think we just need to accept our time and make the most of it.”

His view highlights the advantages of modern times, like the accessibility of entertainment and information.

With production and technology today, what stands out to you?

“The fact that you can watch anything anytime. In the past, if you missed a show, that was it—you’d probably never see it again. Now, everything is at your fingertips.”

The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media

Like many, Dawood has a love-hate relationship with social media.

What’s been your experience with social media—especially for the younger generation?

“It’s hard to control, especially with kids. No matter how much you try to delay giving them phones, it’s unavoidable. The only way to manage it is by reducing screen time with other activities. For example, my kids do sports, and when they’re training, there are no phones. When we travel, screen time decreases. You just have to keep them busy with physical activities because as soon as they’re idle, they’ll grab their phones.”

For himself, Dawood has found a way to navigate the noise of online comments.

How do you deal with social media criticism or praise?

“In the past, I used to be very affected by it—positive or negative. If people said something nice, I’d feel amazing. If they criticized me, I’d take it personally. But recently, I’ve learned not to take any of it too seriously. True success or failure shows in real life, not just online. You see it in the streets, from people around you, your friends, and real-life interactions.”

The Magic of Authentic Storytelling

Dawood’s latest film, Hawa Sultan, has been a major hit, and he credits its success to its authenticity.

What do you think made Hawa Sultan resonate so deeply with audiences?

“It’s because it was genuine. Hiba Yousry, the writer and director, worked on this project for years. It wasn’t just a film for her; it was a life experience. When someone works with that level of dedication and sincerity, it always resonates with people. I felt it the first time I read the script. Success is never guaranteed, but the heart she put into it made a difference.”

The Importance of Staying True
Reflecting on how to maintain this momentum, he stressed that filmmakers shouldn’t aim to recreate a previous success. “If we were to try and replicate Hawa Sultan, it wouldn’t work. It has to come from an authentic place, especially when it’s a personal journey from the writer or director,” he explained. Authenticity, he believes, cannot be manufactured or rushed.

Living a Life of Balance

Dawood’s charm lies in his balance—he’s adventurous yet grounded, nostalgic yet forward-thinking. Whether he’s diving into the sea or navigating the challenges of modern life, his approach is simple: embrace every moment and find the good in it.

For Dawood, life isn’t about choosing between the past and the present or between adventure and simplicity. It’s about living fully, appreciating every experience, and staying true to what brings you joy.

Roles That Mirror Real Life

Does Any Character Reflect You Personally?

“There are pieces of me in several characters. For instance, Sultan had a bit of me in him, just as other characters like those in Hepta, Walad w Bent had their shades too … and Wlad Rizk, it doesn’t resemble me but I love the movie. Some roles are more personal than others, but all draw from real-life experiences in some way,” he shared.

He likened acting to painting—an intuitive process where the artist pulls from their emotions and past encounters. “It’s not about consciously deciding that this color represents this memory; it’s more like a constant search, a journey,” he said.

Life Lessons and Parental Wisdom

Advice to the Next Generation

As a father, he reflected on the advice he strives to impart to his children. “I want them to discover their passions early and excel in what they love. Life is easier when you wake up excited to work on something you enjoy,” he explained. He lamented how many people, himself included, often take years to figure out what truly drives them.

“Finding work you’re good at and love doing—that’s key. It helps you endure the tough parts of any job,” he said. His hope is that his children avoid the delays and detours he faced and lead more fulfilling lives by discovering themselves earlier.

The Rise of Hybrid Work

Working from home is the new norm; what do you think about it?

Post-pandemic, the shift to hybrid work models has sparked much discussion. Sharing his perspective, the actor appreciated the balance that hybrid work offers. “The mix we have now is nice. People realized that offices aren’t always essential,” he said with a smile.

He highlighted the advantages of having designated office days to foster collaboration and connection while working remotely on others. “But companies are smart—they won’t let you stack all the remote days together. They’ll mix it up to keep people grounded,” he joked.

What Would You Take to a Desert Island?
When asked to imagine being stuck on a desert island with his family, the actor gave an unexpected answer. “I wouldn’t bring any electronics. It’s like when we go camping in the desert—we leave the phones behind,” he said.

Instead, he’d prefer old-school activities that encourage creativity and connection. “Fishing, exploring, or even playing with simple toys from our childhood. I want my kids to experience things that don’t involve screens,” he explained.

His goal would be to foster creativity and self-discovery in such an environment. “In a world so consumed by technology, disconnecting—even for a little while—can be the ultimate adventure,” he concluded.

Misunderstandings and Letting Go

What's a common misconception people have about you? Something they misunderstood until they got to know you better?

"I used to get really anxious about being misunderstood. If someone misjudged me or interpreted something I said wrongly, I’d stress myself out trying to explain, 'No, I didn’t mean it like that!' I’d waste so much energy justifying myself to the world.

But you know what? I’ve reached a point where I genuinely don’t care anymore. If someone’s really interested in understanding me, they’ll make the effort. If not? Well, that’s their problem, not mine. I don’t have the time or energy to carry the burden of other people’s misinterpretations. If someone consistently misunderstands me, I take it as a sign to steer clear of them. Life’s too short for unnecessary drama."

A Lesson Learned:
"The people who truly matter don’t misunderstand you. And when they do, they care enough to come back, ask questions, and resolve things quickly. Anyone else? It’s just not worth the emotional effort."

Choosing Conversations Wisely

How do you deal with the pressure of being in situations where misunderstandings could happen?

"I used to exhaust myself in conversations where I felt I had to carefully weigh every word. You know those interactions where you feel like you’re walking on eggshells? Now, I just avoid them altogether. I only engage in conversations that feel natural and safe.

When you stop overthinking and surround yourself with genuine people, there’s this beautiful sense of ease. I’ve learned to conserve my energy and save my emotional bandwidth for people who truly value and understand me."

If You Could Ask Anyone Anything

If you had the chance to meet anyone, living or dead, and ask them a question, who would it be?

"Honestly? No one. I’m not the kind of person who dreams about sitting down with someone famous or historical. I’ve realized I don’t have that burning need to seek answers from others. I’m more focused on figuring out my own journey. There’s a certain peace in not seeking external validation or wisdom."

The Hardest Lessons Are the Most Valuable

What’s a tough life lesson you’ve learned?

"It wasn’t one big lesson, but rather a series of moments that built up over time. Early on, I’d be devastated if something didn’t go as planned—whether it was a missed opportunity, a falling out with a colleague, or a failed project. In our line of work, these things happen regularly. At first, I’d take everything personally, replaying scenarios in my head and wondering what went wrong.

But over time, I started to notice a pattern: things that were truly meant for me always came easily, almost effortlessly. And the things that didn’t work out? Well, they were never really meant to.

So now, I trust the process. If something doesn’t go as planned, I take a deep breath and remind myself that there’s probably a better scenario waiting for me. Life has a funny way of working itself out if you just stop resisting and let things flow."

Let’s Play a Game: This or That?

Silent Movie or Musical?
"Definitely a musical! A silent movie would get a bit dull, wouldn’t it?"

City Life or Living in Nature by the Sea?
"Nature by the sea, of course! It has this serene charm that’s hard to resist."

Look into the Future or Go Back in Time?
"Neither. Honestly, we need to focus on the present. What’s coming next is unknown, and that’s okay. If we knew everything in advance, it would ruin the journey. And as for the past, it’s done. Whether it was good or bad, we can’t change it, so why dwell on it? The present moment is all we’ve got."

Coffee in the Morning or Midnight Snacking?
"Morning coffee, hands down! Actually, my sister introduced me to the concept of a second coffee. She told me, ‘The first coffee is just to wake up; the second one is when you really start your day.’ I loved that idea! Now, I’ve embraced the 'second coffee' ritual."

Books or Podcasts?
"Podcasts, for sure. Books require so much focus, and honestly, nowadays, people just want the gist. If something drags on, we lose interest. Podcasts or videos get straight to the point, and that’s what I prefer."

Travel the World or Stay in Your Dream Home?
"Travel the world! No contest."

Morning Workouts or Nighttime Exercise?
"Morning workouts, 100%. Exercising at night feels so gloomy. I love the sun—it brings a sense of optimism. Even if I start a bit later in the morning, as long as I catch some sunlight, I’m happy. I need a house with lots of sunshine too. Working out under the sun just feels more uplifting."

If You Had a Superpower, What Would It Be?
"Something related to travel, like teleportation! Imagine being able to say, ‘Let’s go,’ and just instantly be somewhere else. That would be incredible!"

Sunrise or Sunset?
"Sunset, for sure. Catching the sunrise is tricky unless you pull an all-nighter. But sunsets are magical and much easier to enjoy."

A Glimpse into His Memories Through Photos

We gathered some photos for Dawood and asked him to share his thoughts on each one. Here's what he had to say:

A Moment from 'Before the Summer Crowds'

"This one is from the movie Before the Summer Crowds by Mr. Mohamed Khan. I love this film so much. I remember telling you about that scene with the boy from El Gouna—the one who kept staring at me. That film really changed the way I see everyone who works around you, especially those involved with the sea. If you haven’t seen it, you should watch it. The second photo is from Shorbat Loze. I also love it. It's so beautiful."

A Wedding Snapshot

"Ah, this is me and Ola … our wedding day! It was in Ain Sokhna, by the sea. We were all jumping, and the camera just captured that moment. It was so fun. I love this one."

Ramadan Iftar Memories

"This one is from a Ramadan Iftar, I think it was at someone’s house, but I can’t recall where exactly. It was with Tyson, Amir, Farag, Amr, Jackie, Loay, and Nabil. It was a lovely gathering. We had so much fun."

A Blurry Moment with the Family

Have you seen this one before?

Yes, I’ve seen it before, but I can't remember where it was taken. It was either in a train or maybe on a bus, or somewhere else. And here’s my son when he was younger—he never liked being in photos with us back then. But now, it’s different. He used to wonder, 'Why are you taking photos?' He wasn’t into it. But I can't really place where this was taken. I think we were visiting my sister in Switzerland, and my brother was in Germany. We used to travel between their places. It’s all a bit blurry now!"

It was a pleasure to have Dawood share his valuable insights and experiences, leaving a lasting impression with his innovative approaches and inspiring journey. His words resonate as a testament to his dedication and vision for driving success and positive change.

Creative Director: Nour Selim
Director/DOP: Adham el rayes
Photography: Eslam mohamed
Stylist: Israa Galal
Suits by: Mr Tuxedos
Jewelry: Elements
Art Director: Shaza Diaa
Coverage: Omar Aboelazm 
Hair Stylist: Mohamed Abdelbaset
Make up: Medo Mohsen
Assistant: Sherif Shiko
PR: Carrots Company - Marwa Elsawy