Fahad Al-Banna to "Al-Rai": With "Karma"... I have reaped the fruits of success
- No return to the stage... except through a strong script and a different concept
Artist Fahd Al-Banna returns to the forefront of the artistic scene through multiple dramatic projects simultaneously, a move that reflects his desire to regain a strong presence after a relative absence since his participation in the 2021 series “Kaf wa Daff.” He is currently appearing in “Karma,” broadcast on the Dubai Plus platform, while also preparing for the series “Shari’ al-Arab,” scheduled for the Ramadan 2027 drama season, alongside other works that confirm the upcoming phase will be more diverse and selective in his career.
In detail, Al-Banna told “Al-Rai”: “I am currently reaping the fruits of my success and the effort I invested in the series ‘Karma,’ produced by lawyer Adel Al-Yahya. I extend my gratitude to him for his trust and special support, and his constant desire for my return and participation in dramatic works that suit my talent and provide me with a genuine space to shine.”
Al-Banna continued: “The series consists of 30 episodes and belongs to the genre of compelling Gulf social drama. Its events revolve around family conflicts within an aristocratic family, particularly between the two sisters, Karma and Falak, within a framework of escalating tension and differences that reveal many secrets and complex relationships.”
Regarding the series “Shari’ al-Arab,” Al-Banna replied: “I am very happy to renew my collaboration with director Munir Al-Zoubi on this work, which recently began filming. He is one of the directors I never hesitate to work with; even if he asked me for a single scene, I would agree immediately, due to the great respect I hold for him on both a human and artistic level.”
He added, “Al-Zoubi is, in my opinion, the best director, not just one of the best. He is a special artistic case due to his directorial vision and his ability to bring out the best in actors. I admit that I felt jealous during his transition to Saudi drama, as his absence from the Kuwaiti scene left a clear void, both in terms of presence and the quality of works he used to produce.”
He clarified that “Shari’ al-Arab” consists of 30 episodes and is a compelling social work whose events revolve around a character who suffers a mysterious accident that causes her to lose her memory, finding herself in a distant country before embarking on a journey filled with secrets and conflicts related to family, belonging, and fateful choices, in a plot laden with suspense and dramatic twists.
He further stated, “I will portray a different human character in the work, and I expect it to receive wide resonance when the series airs during Ramadan. This is especially true as the work is written by Susan Durish, and I star alongside the following celebrities: Abdulrahman Al-Aqil, Fatima Al-Tabakh, Hamad Ashkanani, Bader Al-Shaibi, Nasser Abbas, Haneen, and Asayel Mohammed, among others.”
In the course of his statement, he disclosed his other projects, saying, “I will appear as a guest star in the series ‘The Last Party,’ which is the first production by artist Faisal Farid, written by Mona Al-Shamari, and consists of 10 episodes.”
He noted that the work discusses social issues and human relationships within a framework that combines mystery and suspense, with diverse dramatic lines that give each episode its uniqueness and keep the audience in a state of anticipation.
He continued, “I also have a new dramatic project with producer and artist Bassam Abdulameer, but its details are not yet clear. I always see him by my side in all circumstances, like a spiritual father, and his presence in any project gives me additional confidence and great reassurance, given his long experience and high artistic sense.” He considers Abdulameer one of the important and influential names in Gulf drama, both through his support for artists and through the works he has produced, which have contributed to a prominent presence in terms of production, diversity, and boldness in choices. “I believe that collaborating with him represents a genuine addition to any artist seeking a different and guaranteed project.”
On the theatrical front, Al-Bunay clarified, “Currently, I am on a break, and I prefer to wait until I find a different work to present to the audience, after feeling exhausted by repetition. I now want to appear in a new way that adds to my career and gives me a broader space for renewal, away from similar roles.”
He concluded, “I do not want to return to the stage except through a strong script, a different idea, and a character that poses a real challenge, because theater is a great responsibility for me, as it involves direct confrontation with the audience. This makes me more careful in choosing a work that suits me and gives me the opportunity to deliver something that leaves an impact, avoiding ease or repetition.”
