Face The Future: Dalal El Ghazzali

L'Officiel Arabia: When and how did you decide to be an actress?

Dalal El Ghazzali: I can't tell when I decided to become an actress. It has never been a conscious decision, but I remember when I was a child watching some TV series and thinking "that's me, So I used to repeat the scenes that impress me. I think it was an early manifestation of the impulse to get out of being "me" and experience being someone else.

Acting is, contrary to how it looks, a very challenging career. transmitting the emotions to the audience should come from your love for that job, and if you're not passionate about it won't last.

L'O A: How did you get into Television?

DEG: It all started with a beauty Contest in 2017 where I have been nominated "Miss World next top model" as well as "Miss Arab" in Lebanon.

Then social media, specifically Instagram, positively played to my advantage to make me known so I started getting people following me, and I remember interactions with my first posted videos and photos that were incredibly amazing. 

Therefore, I've been contacted for a few opportunities… So far, I hosted a cooking TV show on MBC5 last year, and two Moroccan TV series this year… And the best is yet to come, and I would rather keep it secret from my audience

L'O A: Who has been your inspiration in your life?

DEG: Oprah is the most inspiring, giving, and empowering lady in my eyes.

Her life path from being born on an isolated farm to making her way to success through persistence, hard work, and belief in her dreams is just fascinating. She's the example to take

She has said once "the biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dream".

That sentence has made me think a lot and then became my everyday inspiration and motivation.

L'O A: How was your experience living in UAE and especially Dubai?

DEG: I live between Morocco and UAE. I had work in Dubai and it was an awesome unforgettable experience.

Today, I am open to experiencing other destinations if work requires it.

Although Morocco is my home and I love it, UAE is my second home and has a special place in my heart.

Dubai has been known to be the city of opportunities and dreams to come true! Such a charming place.

I can say I am blessed and lucky.

L'OA: Who do you consider to be your acting role model?

DEG: There are many good actors/ actresses, but my favourite is Meryl Streep, the world's greatest living actress, as called and considered by many to be. She is on another level! Simply the best actress of her generation.

I've watched her work, and each beat in the scene is complexly different.

She can effortlessly play any scene, able to embody the character in the time it takes the team crew to call "action"!

Powerful… so admirable.

L'O A: What do you feel is more important for an actor, talent, or training?

DEG: It is certainly helping to be born with the ability to perform, that's talent, but when it is combined and mastered with persistent training, through a lot of practice, it makes an actor become a master actor.

Looking back at those notable ones' careers, it is not a coincidence to see them getting where they are today, under that, there are a noticeable set of hard work, long hours of training, and challenges.

Talent is very important but No matter how talented you are, training, practice, and hard work will make you better. The most successful actors spent a lot of time in minor roles until they got their big break. The opportunity which resulted in them becoming a star was due to their hard work and persistence, not luck."

L'O A: Beside Dalal the model, actress, and social media influencer. Who is Dalal?

DEG: On a professional level, I would say I am a devoted, passionate, and challenging beast.

I would like to think my personality is always the same but honestly, it probably isn't.

Strangers, obviously I am polite and don't say too much to strangers since I'm not sure who the person is, and with my friends, I am bubbly and highly social. I love our talks, laughs, cries, and how we are connected. Those are the magical unforgettable moments that have shaped a big part of my personality.

There is another version of myself that I can only find when I am by myself. I truly appreciate that "me time" where I am alone, reconnecting myself through things I love doing: cooking, and painting while listening to my favourite classic composers…

L'O A: What would you change about yourself if you could?

DEG: Personality-wise, If I could, I wouldn't nearly be a trusting person! I want to stop trusting people, especially those who pretend to be nice the truth is they are not. Sometimes I feel I'm too naive and, several times, it sadly led to breaking my heart.

Besides, I want to start being an early morning person and be committed to the gym.

L'O A: If you could choose to do anything for a day what would it be?

DEG: It would be spending a day feeding homeless animals, especially cats, and horses, I feel sad about animal abuse that I have noticed several times, particularly on donkeys on the streets and I get mad at people who hurt and mistreat these innocent and beautiful creatures.

 I call people to be nice to animals, and to learn how to be a giver, giving is extreme happiness, give care, give food, give attention

Those beautiful creatures and especially cats have a unique quality that humans should consider: a large capacity to give love unconditionally.

My cat's love story began when I spotted an irresistible kitten, I couldn't help to not approach her, I hurried up to feed her. She rolled on her back, meaning that I am welcome to become her new friend. I touched her velvety fur. We played together and It felt awesome!

Since that day, she waited for me whenever I leave home, It just felt like I have a secret guardian angel. 

I believe cats can register our tactile presence in a such deep-felt way.

They can feel good and bad people.

I started more and more getting interested to understand their little universe, and honestly, I fully enjoy their company.

I also encourage people to visit orphans and elderly houses, please support and help these people, they need us.

L'O A: How would your friends describe you?

DEG: My friends describe me as an extremely helpful, devoted friend. I stand by them as they do for me.

They also say I'm determined, focused, and persistent.

I've been complimented on being a nice person which I believe I am the more I look around the more I thank God for being raised the way I am.

L'O A: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

DEG: Ideally, on a personal level, married with a beautiful baby. Every woman's dream!

Eventually, I am planning to continue my studies, start a new business, and learn a new instrument.

L'O A: How was your experience as a tv presenter?

DEG: Such a lovely experience, I was lucky to be part of the MBC group and host a cooking show, but I can't deny that standing up in front of many cameras and projectors is a real fear as it was my first experience, especially that there wasn't any autocue to read.

The whole experience helped me develop extensive work skills (how to overcome the fear of cameras, get to know the tech, and practice what I will say, especially with confidence…).

I was honored to be a part of the MBC team.

L'O A: If you could go back in time to change one thing. What would it be?

DEG: We certainly can't go against God's will, but if it was realistically possible, it would be my mother's loss (May her soul Rest in Peace).

That incident has deeply affected me in all senses. It is the deepest sorrow a heart can know.

I was emotionally lost and upset, which indirectly affected my decisions choices, and plans.

Now that I have put myself together and regained my strength, I am very optimistic to still be able to make up with the time the things I've missed before.

 

Credits:

Talent: Dalal El Ghazzali @dalalelghazzali

Photographer: Iya Shengelia @iya_shengelia

Stylist: Nina Lipkina @lipkine

Hair & Make Up: Anna Sizova @dubaimakeupartist