Hind Al-Balushi to Al-Rai: Fame Does Not Grant Peace of Mind!

- My features help me with heritage roles... and I was deeply influenced by my mother and grandmother.

- “Well done, Aliych, O daughter of Abu Ch”... I say this to myself instead of dwelling on difficult circumstances.

- I am very proud of my degrees and achievements in postgraduate studies.

Artist Hind Al-Balushi believes that fame does not bring peace of mind; on the contrary, it can stir up many storms, along with feelings of tension, anticipation, waiting, and confrontation.

In an interview with “Al-Rai,” Al-Balushi discussed her postponed projects and enduring dreams, pausing at key milestones in her career to offer a closer portrait of Hind as a person, away from the spotlight, and to share her concept of happiness and inner peace, as well as how she views her long journey in art and life today.

• You have finally finished filming your role in the seasonal series “Part of the Brain Is Missing.” What is the premise of the work?

- The work is written by Issa Al-Hasawi and directed by Nooman Hussein. It is a social drama with a “light comedy” tone. I share the lead role with a group of stars whom I deeply respect and admire, including Abdullah Bahman, Mohammed Al-Sairafi, Salma Salem, Shahd Salman, Hiba Abousi, alongside Zainab Ghazi, Ibrahim Al-Shikhli, and several guest stars who appear in some episodes, such as Saud Al-Shuwayei and Shahab Hajja, in addition to a group of new faces. The series revolves around various social issues presented in a light, accessible comedic style. I portray the character “Grandmother Khazna,” a role that required considerable effort in terms of makeup and pre-production preparation. You will see me in a completely different look in this role.

• During the last Ramadan drama season, you participated in the heritage series “Chai Khaneh,” portraying the character “Layla,” a blind woman who sees with the heart of her soul. Do you feel this role did not receive its due recognition, given that the series did not achieve the expected reach due to the exceptional circumstances the region experienced?

- Yes. I can say that this work was somewhat wronged due to the circumstances the region went through. However, ultimately, God’s will prevails. I am confident that every work has its time, and that there will come a day when it is rediscovered and watched by the audience in the way it deserves.

• Although you are a young artist, you excel in heritage roles as if you were a woman from that era... How do you achieve that?

- Regarding heritage works, I find this era particularly captivating because it embodies great antiquity and authenticity, reflecting the identity of the Gulf people, which we all take pride in. Additionally, my facial features help me portray these characters. Moreover, I was raised by women from that era and was deeply influenced by my mother and grandmother, so I feel these roles are very close to my heart.

• You missed the public theater stage this year, despite some expectations of your return, especially after winning the award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for “Housh Atwan” at the recent Kuwait Theater Festival. What were the reasons for your absence? Is it temporary?

- My absence had a clear justification. I had recently given birth to my child. Furthermore, the works presented during the Eid period were productions that had been halted during the crisis we experienced. At that time, I was in the final months of my pregnancy, and I could not commit to a theatrical role that demands significant daily effort and dedication. My last theatrical performance was “The Last Journey,” when I was in my eighth month of pregnancy. Therefore, it was natural for me to temporarily step away from the theater.

• From acting to literature... Why did you stop publishing literary works since your last release, “Whispers 2”?

- I didn’t stop, but my last trimester was extremely exhausting and heavy for me. My book is already ready, but it hasn’t seen the light of day yet. God willing, I will participate in the upcoming Book Fair, if God wills it.

- You know very well that the musical field, in particular, requires a special production budget to enable the artist to continue and remain consistently present. Personally, I release songs out of passion and love for this aspect, but only when I have surplus time and the capacity to do so.

- Of course, and “I will never stop dreaming until my last breath.” Whenever one dream is realized, another is born in its wake. Human beings live by hope and ambition, and I don’t believe there is a stage where one stops dreaming.

• What is the most significant change in Hind Al-Balushi today compared to her beginnings?

- I believe the biggest change in me is calmness and psychological and social stability, as they play a major role in all aspects of my current life, reflecting in my way of thinking, choices, and perspective on matters.

• Are you satisfied with your past choices, or are there decisions you wish you had made differently?

- I am completely satisfied with my choices, and there is no decision I made that I regret, because I don’t make my decisions randomly, whether in my professional or personal life. Moreover, I am very selective in my choices.

• How would you describe your relationship with yourself at this stage of your life?

- I am very close to myself; I love her and am very proud of her, and completely satisfied with her. I have reached a stage of inner reconciliation that has made me more appreciative of myself and more grateful for what I have achieved.

- Fame does not bring peace of mind; on the contrary, it brings a lot of tension, anticipation, waiting, and confrontation, placing you before many storms you must navigate. What gives me true peace of mind is my family—my small family and my connection to my extended family, as well as my social relationships when they are free from problems and enmities, along with the blessing of good health. As for anything else, I don’t believe there is anything that gives a person true peace of mind.

- Happiness, for me, is my home, when I feel it is well and lacks nothing, and when I see my children and husband healthy and by my side. My happiness lies in our laughter, our gathering around the dinner table, or while watching a movie, or even during a simple game that brings us together.

As for inner peace, I find it in my closeness to the Lord of the worlds, and in fulfilling my religious duties and worship, because my relationship with God is the source of true peace and tranquility.

• What is the side of Hind Al-Balushi that the public doesn’t know about?

- (Laughs) You said it: “The side that the public doesn’t know.” If I wanted them to know, they would have known long ago. So I will keep that side to myself.

- I would say to her: “Well done, my father’s daughter.” Despite all the difficult circumstances and every challenge and obstacle you have faced, you have managed to become a successful, influential, and beautiful person, inside and out. And just as there are people who don’t like you, there are also many who love and appreciate you, so keep going and don’t stop.

• What is the achievement you are most proud of?

- I am very proud of my academic certificates and achievements in various fields, whether undergraduate or postgraduate, as well as obtaining certification as a certified trainer and reaching the field of international judging. All these achievements represent a source of pride and honor for me, as they came as a result of determination, hard work, and not giving up.

- Certainly, we all wish that people remember us for our good deeds and kindness, and say: “May God have mercy on her; she was a fair, honest, and helpful person.” What could a person desire more than a good reputation and a noble legacy among their family, community, and loved ones?