About Ahmed Salem
Ahmed Salem is an Egyptian producer, director, and film actor, recognized as the first broadcaster to work with Egyptian radio since its inception in 1934. He is famously known for his iconic phrase “Here is Cairo,” which he proclaimed on the day of the broadcast’s launch.
Early Life of Ahmed Salem
Born on February 20, 1910, in the Abu Kabeer area of Al Sharqia Governorate, Ahmed Salem pursued his education until completing high school. Following his graduation, he moved to England to study engineering. Upon his arrival, he took the opportunity to learn flying alongside his studies, returning to Egypt in 1931 with the ability to pilot his own aircraft.
Ahmed Salem’s Professional Journey
Upon returning to Egypt, Ahmed Salem began his career as an engineer at Ahmed Aboud Pasha’s companies. Despite achieving considerable success in this field, he chose to resign and soon after accepted the role of Director of the Arabic Department at Egyptian radio.
Artistic Career of Ahmed Salem
Ahmed Salem stumbled into the world of art quite unexpectedly. This transition occurred when he hosted a celebration organized by Bank Misr to commemorate its fifteenth anniversary. His performance caught the attention of businessman Talaat Harb, who invited him to serve as the general manager of Egypt’s Film and Acting Company, “Studio Misr.” At just 25 years of age, Salem undertook the significant responsibility of equipping Studio Misr with state-of-the-art technology, securing necessary equipment, and hiring both foreign and Egyptian technicians. He took a hands-on approach in overseeing film preparation and production, contributing several notable films to Egyptian cinema, including “Wedad” (1936), “The Last Solution” (1937), and “Salama Fi Khair” (1937).
Ahmed Salem’s Artistic Works
Throughout his career, Ahmed Salem participated in acting, writing, and directing various films and television series. Here are some of his notable works:
- Wings of the Desert (1939)
- Man of the Future (1946)
- Unknown Past (1946)
- Dunia (1946)
- Son of Antara (1947)
- Al-Breemo (1947)
- The Avenger (1947)
- A Confused Life (1948)
- Samson the Mighty (1948)
- Unknown Future (1948)
- Tears of Joy (1950)
Ahmed Salem’s Contribution to the Arts
After resigning from his previous position, Ahmed Salem established his own production company, which he named “Nefertiti.” In 1939, he produced his first artistic work titled “Wings of the Desert.” He continued to release a series of films, most of which he directed, wrote, and acted in, such as “Tears of Joy,” “Unknown Future,” “Son of Antara,” “Man of the Future,” “Unknown Past,” and “Samson the Mighty.”
Personal Life of Ahmed Salem
Ahmed Salem had several marriages throughout his life. His first wife was actress Khairyah Al-Bakri, with whom he had a daughter named Nihad. Following their separation, he married Amina Al-Baroudi but divorced her soon after. He then wed actress Tahia Carioca; however, that marriage also ended in separation. His next marriage was to Asmahan, and he ultimately married actress Madiha Yousri, whom he met while filming “Man of the Future.” This marriage lasted three years until his passing.