For the launch of Chic Icon’s first-ever digital cover, the editorial choice was intentional — and deeply aligned with the magazine’s identity. Headquartered in Dubai, Chic Icon stands at the crossroads of cultures: influenced by the Arab world, yet distinctly global in perspective, audience, and ambition. Choosing Bassel Alzaro to represent this milestone was not only timely — it was emblematic.
An established presence across Arab media and an emerging name on international screens, Alzaro reflects the intersection we wanted to spotlight: a modern Arab voice with global reach. His work spans acting, hosting, podcasting, and content creation, but more importantly, it spans worlds — speaking to audiences in the region while engaging with an increasingly international creative landscape.
In this exclusive interview, Chic Icon’s Editor-in-Chief Alina Dyachenko sits down with Alzaro to explore the chapters behind the career: the evolution from television presenter to dramatic actor, the discipline behind his transition to Hollywood sets, and the philosophy guiding his expanding body of work.
This cover isn’t just about featuring a well-known face — it’s about reflecting a wider narrative. One of movement, relevance, and cultural clarity. And in this moment, Bassel Alzaro captures exactly that.
Bassel, let’s start from the very beginning. You were barely out of your teens when you won Melody’s presenting competition and quickly became the face of major TV programs. When you look back at that early chapter — hosting everything from Melody Hits to X Factor Arabia — what do you think that version of you would say about where you are now?
Bassel Alzaro: I think that younger me would look at me now and simply say, “I’m proud of you.” Proud that I didn’t just chase a dream, but that I actually enjoyed the ride on the way there.
When I was that teenager running from one studio to another, the “goal” was always this blurry, moving target. Every year it changes, it grows, it gets bigger. But the part I’m most proud of is that I learned to enjoy the journey as much as the goal itself.
I’d probably smile hearing that I managed to turn a humble start in TV into something bigger — not just acting in the roles I love, but building a podcast that turned into a platform people can actually benefit from. El Podcasters isn’t just entertainment for me; it’s my way of giving younger generations something to think about, to learn from, to enjoy.
So yes, I think the younger me would be proud — that I kept doing what I love, that I built something meaningful, and that I’m still having fun living a thousand different lives through acting while creating content that can inspire others.
You’ve described yourself as someone who “accidentally” entered the entertainment world through presenting. What moment or turning point truly made you feel that acting was your calling — not just a transition, but a destiny?
Bassel Alzaro: It’s true — I stumbled into this world completely by accident. My first real “acting offer” came when I was still a teenager doing Melody Premiere and Socca Stars in Lebanon. I was handed a movie script… and I completely chickened out. (Laughs) The role felt way too bold for me at the time. I remember thinking, “If my mom sees this… I’m finished!” I didn’t even fully understand what acting meant yet, so I politely backed away and disappeared from media for a few years.
Then came X Factor. After season one, I was offered a TV drama role — and I refused it seven times. Literally seven. Until one day, the owner of the network called me personally. At that point, you can’t really say no. So I took the leap, terrified… and I completely fell in love with acting.
That was the turning point. From then on, I committed. I took workshop after workshop, worked on my craft, and I realized that this wasn’t a side adventure anymore. Acting had found me — and it became home.
From Death Game to Haza El Masaa, from Nasr El Saeed to El Haramlek, you’ve worked with some of the Arab world’s top talents. Which one of your roles in Middle Eastern drama truly stretched you — emotionally, technically, spiritually — and why?
Bassel Alzaro: Oh, that’s the impossible question every actor dreads! (Laughs) Because honestly, each character leaves its own fingerprint on you — emotionally, technically, spiritually. Choosing just one feels like betraying all the others. But okay… let me give you two that really stayed with me: Nasr El-Saeed and The Cocoon.
Nasr El-Saeed was an aftershock kind of role. We filmed it in 2017, and at the time, I knew it was a solid project, but I didn’t grasp how deeply it would connect. The magic didn’t hit me on set — it hit me after the show aired. People still stop me today to recite scenes from it, and that’s when it sank in. It wasn’t about the hype or even the hard work — though we worked really hard — it was about how real it felt. The story, the characters, the world… it touched people because it was genuine. And that reaction, years later, touched me back in a way I didn’t expect.
Then there’s The Cocoon, which I just did last Ramadan — and wow, that was a completely different experience. The character, Ali Al-Kayal, actually started as a nameless, very small role. It was originally just a speaking extra, the kind of part a stuntman could’ve done because it had some action but no depth.
But the director, whom I had worked with twice before, knew two things about me: I love action, and if you tell me there are guns, chases, or any kind of action scenes, I’m already halfway to set. (Laughs) So he called me and said, “Why don’t we make this role bigger and give him a real personality?”
Once I jumped in, we started shaping Ali together. We threw around references — he wanted a drug lord with Mad Max energy, and I said, “Okay, but give him a bit of Arabic Joker… the cold eyes, the unpredictable humor.” Bit by bit, this tiny role transformed into one of the most exhilarating rides of my career.
Playing Ali was pure adrenaline. Every day on set was a roller coaster — action, darkness, fun, and a character that pushed me out of my own skin. By the time we wrapped, I wasn’t just grateful for the role — I was in love with it.
“El Podcasters” is more than a show — it’s a phenomenon. Ranked among the top 5 podcasts in the region, it reflects a thirst for depth, intellect, and personality. What made you take the leap into podcasting, and how did this format unlock a new side of you?
Bassel Alzaro: Believe it or not, podcasting started for me in Hollywood — literally in our living room. I was filming FBI: International at the time, and I was living with my friend and now partner, Karim Rihan. Karim is a complete podcast addict. Our rule at home was simple: whoever got back from work first took control of the TV. If he was there first, I’d walk in to find a podcast playing instead of Netflix. (Laughs)
One night, he told me it was his dream to create a podcast, and without thinking I said, “Okay… I’m going to make your dream come true.” That’s how it started. We filmed a dummy episode — what’s now episode 10 on YouTube — and I was just helping him out as the guest. Suddenly, it went viral. People loved it. Karim called me and said, “I can’t do this without you,” and that’s how El Podcaster became El Podcasters. We added the “S,” and we added a vision.
From the start, we made each other two promises: first, that we would always have fun on this journey, no matter how big it got; and second, that the podcast would educate first, entertain second. We wanted every episode to give people something real — whether it’s about mental health, science, entrepreneurship, or learning from a celebrity’s journey. We wanted it to be deep but never boring, smart but always human.
And honestly, the format unlocked a new side of me. Acting is about disappearing into other people’s stories, but the podcast lets me show up as myself — curious, sometimes funny, sometimes emotional — and connect with people in a completely different way.
You’ve hosted countless stars and thinkers on El Podcasters. But which guest left the deepest mark on you — and why? Did any episode challenge your own worldview?
Bassel Alzaro: You know, that’s the one question you can’t really ask someone who runs a podcast like ours. (Laughs) El Podcasters is a bit like the Joe Rogan model in the West — we talk about everything. Every industry you can think of, we’ve probably covered it: history, science, business, entertainment, mental health, even a few conversations that border on the… let’s say, conspiratorial.
So to pick just one guest feels impossible. What I can tell you is which types of episodes really stick with me:
The mind-bending ones: Anything with Dr. Waseem El-Sisi is a guaranteed brain workout. His episodes dive into history, philosophy, and sometimes the theories that make you question everything. I leave those conversations buzzing.
Entrepreneurship episodes: These are close to my heart because both Karim and I come from business backgrounds. We know the language, we know the struggles, and we love to challenge our guests — to debate, to dig deeper. Those conversations always light a fire in me.
Celebrity and media episodes: This is my home turf. Most of these guests are friends, so there’s an ease, a lot of laughter, and sometimes stories that even surprise me.
Mental health and therapy episodes: These are the ones that really tickle my brain in a different way. They make you pause, reflect, and sometimes confront things you didn’t even know you needed to hear.
So, in short, I don’t have one single favorite guest. But I do have favorite moments — the ones where I walk away either laughing uncontrollably, questioning life, or feeling like I just leveled up as a human.
Podcasting today is like the new café culture — a space of intimacy and bold dialogue. What does the podcast allow you to say or reveal that scripted acting never can?
Bassel Alzaro: If I can rephrase the question a little, the real comparison isn’t between podcasting and acting — because acting is its own art form, its own parallel world. You can’t compare living in a character’s skin to anything else.
The real comparison is between podcasting and traditional TV talk shows. And honestly, the difference is night and day. A podcast is like a real-life conversation happening on your couch, while a TV talk show is like a perfectly choreographed play. Imagine comparing an unplanned conversation you have in the street in the middle of the day to performing Macbeth in a theater — that’s the difference.
On TV, you have producers, sponsors, time limits, teleprompters, directors whispering in your ear: “Say this, cut to break, mention that sponsor.” On a podcast, none of that exists. There’s no script. No timer. No one is telling you to smile or pivot. It’s just real — from the heart, in the moment, honest.
And of course, TV and network talk shows have their own audience and their own kind of reality — they’re important and they have their place. But podcasting just offers more: more freedom, more intimacy, more space for real connection.
That’s why people love it. They feel like they’re right there with us on the couch, part of the conversation. It’s intimate. It’s credible. Guests can be vulnerable. Hosts can be themselves. There’s a level of trust and authenticity that no big-network talk show can ever fully recreate.
And I think that’s why podcasting has taken off — it’s not just a show you watch, it’s a conversation you feel like you’re in.
Let’s shift to the screen. You took many by surprise with your role in The Cocoon this Ramadan — a dark, emotionally dense character with clear psychological complexity. How did you access the mind of Ali Al-Kayal? And what was the one line or moment that haunted you most after filming wrapped?
Bassel Alzaro: Oh, one of my absolute favorite characters! And believe me, I didn’t even read all the questions before this interview — I’ve been answering one by one — so I had no idea you were going to bring him up. But I’m glad you did, because Ali Al-Kayal is a character I truly loved creating.
To bring him to life, I had to go to the deepest, darkest corners of myself — the parts you don’t visit in everyday life — and pull something raw out of there. Ali wasn’t a character you could play on the surface. He needed that darkness, that danger, and that unpredictability to feel real.
The moment that stayed with me the most was the car dealership scene. The gangster hands me a bag full of dollars, and one of the bills has blood on it. What happened next wasn’t scripted at all — it just came from pure instinct. I picked up the blood-stained bill, smelled it… and then licked it. Even now, just talking about it, I get goosebumps. That was Ali in his truest form — cold, twisted, and alive in that moment.
Every scene with Ali felt like an experience, but that one in particular… I’ll never forget it. It’s the kind of role that leaves a mark on you as an actor — and honestly, I loved every second of it.
Your guest appearance on FBI: International wasn’t just a role — it was an entrance. How did it feel walking onto that set for the first time?
Bassel Alzaro: Oh, this one still gives me chills — Hassan Abdullah was my second Hollywood job, but in many ways the first proper professional set I’d ever stepped onto outside the Middle East.
Don’t get me wrong — in Egypt and the region, we make beautiful, deeply creative productions. Our crews are passionate and our sets are tight, focused, and committed to telling strong stories. But Hollywood operates in a slightly different universe. When I walked onto the set of FBI: International, I saw a scale of organization, technology, and professionalism that took my breath away.
We’re talking top-tier production companies: CBS Studios, Universal Television, and Wolf Entertainment, masterminded by Dick Wolf and Derek Haas — names I grew up watching and admiring. And the episode I worked on was directed by Nina Lopez-Corrado, whose credits include hits like The Night Agent, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., A Million Little Things, and she even directed the final episodes of Supernatural.
Working with Nina was a pleasure — she has this amazing way of creating space for actors to bring authenticity to the screen, even in the middle of a highly choreographed production. She encouraged subtle improvisations and cultural nuances that made Hassan Abdullah feel alive in a way I’ll never forget.
That experience changed my trajectory. Suddenly, I was auditioning for major roles in international projects, and I realized I could work in Egypt and Hollywood in parallel. Acting in English, on that scale, surrounded by actors from so many cultures, opened my eyes to how deeply an actor’s background shapes their craft.
I walked in expecting a job — and walked out with a completely new perspective on what’s possible.
Many Arab actors struggle with being typecast in Western productions. Your role as Hassan Abdullah, a former special forces operative, was praised for nuance. How do you personally approach the challenge of representation without falling into cliché?
Bassel Alzaro: First of all, this is such an important, sensitive question, and I’m really honored you’re asking it.
As a proud Arab man—Egyptian, Jordanian, Palestinian—I feel a deep responsibility to represent the Arab and Muslim world with honesty and dignity. When I signed with Sovereign Talent Agency in the U.S., and started working with my incredible manager, Marina Masowietsky, I was very clear about one thing: I am happy to play Arab characters, but never clichés—never terrorists or one-dimensional stereotypes. Both the agency and Marina fully understood and supported me.
In the beginning, of course, I received a lot of stereotypical audition requests. But my team only passed through the roles they knew I would be proud of. And after FBI: International, the auditions I’ve been getting are completely different—layered, meaningful, and free from any discrimination or tokenism.
Hassan Abdullah is the perfect example. He is a former special forces officer, an honorable man, who is wrongfully imprisoned, and as a result of that injustice, he ends up living in the world of gangsters. But by the end, his true nature rises to the surface—he redeems himself, helps the good guys, and becomes the reason that innocent people get another chance at life.
That’s the kind of Arab character I want to bring to the world stage—flawed, human, but ultimately someone the audience can respect and empathize with. I’ll happily play an Arab character, as long as he reflects a side of our world that’s real and meaningful, not a caricature.
You’ve hinted at a new Hollywood role coming soon — a highly anticipated project. What can you tell us, if anything, about this experience? What makes this next step feel different from your earlier international work?
Bassel Alzaro: I wish I could tell you the name, but I’m still sworn to secrecy! What I can say is that it’s a soap opera — one of those legendary shows that has been running for decades. I’m pretty sure that my mom, your mom, and the moms of anyone reading this have easily watched at least 200 episodes of it. (Laughs) I’ll be able to share the news officially very soon.
Filming it was a completely new experience for me. I was lucky enough to shoot five episodes, and it felt like stepping into a different universe. Unlike FBI: International or the Arabic dramas I’ve done, which often film outdoors or across multiple locations, soap operas are a studio world. Everything happens indoors, and the workflow is totally different.
In our world, we might shoot the same scene 15 or 20 times from different angles, adjusting the mood, the energy, and the lighting each time to capture every detail. In the soap world? It’s a whole other rhythm. You have four cameras rolling from different angles, and most of the time, you do it once and that’s it. There’s an intensity and focus to that — you have to be present, deliver, and trust your instincts.
It was a completely new learning experience for me, and I honestly loved every second of it.
Behind every role is a philosophy, and behind every artist — a vision. What kind of roles are you actively chasing right now? Are you drawn to antiheroes, cultural figures, revolutionaries?
Bassel Alzaro: I’ve always said that I’m the kind of actor who runs after the story first. For me, it’s always about the script — the journey, the message, the world it pulls me into. Any genre can grab my attention if there’s that one thing that makes me think, I want to bring this to life for people. I want them to feel this.
If you really push me to answer where I am right now, I’d say I’m in a phase where I’m craving history and legacy — the kinds of projects that dive into the lives of great figures from the past, or those sweeping stories of war, swords, and horses. Something epic, something that leaves a mark.
But actors are emotional creatures with endless mood swings. (Laughs) Every phase, we fall in love with a new kind of story. Right now, I’m dreaming of epic historical films and biographies… but ask me next year, and I might be obsessed with something completely different.
We’ve seen you champion projects with social meaning — from the anti-bullying themes in Snow White to mental health conversations online. Do you see yourself as an activist-artist? And how do you choose your battles?
Bassel Alzaro: I think about this a lot, because it’s a big part of who I am and how I see life. At some point, you realize that the lights, the cameras, the attention — they’re all temporary. What truly lasts are your actions, the good you put into the world. And for me, as a believer, I know that one day I will stand before God and be judged for what I’ve done, for the lives I’ve touched, and for the happiness I’ve given to others.
That’s why I try to use my platform for more than entertainment. Yes, acting and media bring joy to people, and that’s part of it. But I also believe in doing good and spreading messages that matter. The podcast plays a huge role here. El Podcasters gives us the chance to highlight causes, bring on guests like founders of charitable organizations, and create awareness that can actually change lives.
In my personal life, I follow the same principle. I’m proud to be an ambassador for the Egyptian Food Bank, working to put smiles on people’s faces and food on their tables. Whatever the cause is, if I believe in it, I’ll try to support it — whether directly or quietly from a distance.
At the end of the day, when the lights go off and the red carpets are rolled away, what stays behind isn’t the fame — it’s the impact you’ve left on people’s lives. That’s the part that really matters.
As someone moving between Cairo, L.A., and Dubai, how do you stay grounded?
Bassel Alzaro: Honestly? Staying grounded starts with one very simple rule: I have to call my mother every single day. If I’m in Egypt, it’s just a phone call. If I’m outside Egypt, it has to be a video call — no excuses. (Laughs) She reminds me exactly who I am and where I come from, and that’s the best reality check in the world.
Beyond that, running my own business keeps me on the ground. As the founder of a production company, I’m involved in everything — pre-production, production, post-production. Between that and all the traveling, I don’t even have the time to be stuck up or drift away from reality. Life keeps me busy, and I like it that way.
At the end of the day, I’m just grateful. I’m working, I’m creating, I’m learning, and I’m surrounded by the people and values that keep me balanced. Thanks to God, I’m happy.
Let’s talk future. What can you tell us about what’s coming next — any new TV projects, acting roles, business ventures, or media concepts? Are you planning to return to hosting, or are you now fully rooted in acting and storytelling?
Bassel Alzaro: When it comes to hosting, I always say that El Podcasters is already a kind of hosting — but I know what you mean. If something like X-Factor or Entertainment Tonight came along again, I’d definitely consider it. I wouldn’t do a daily talk show, though. I’d go for a game show or a seasonal show — something exciting that doesn’t make me feel like I’m chained to a desk in a big organization. I need freedom to stay creative. (Laughs)
As for the future, it’s busy and beautiful. The podcast is at the heart of it all. El Podcasters is a weekly show for as long as we’re educating people and making them happy — because if that’s working, why stop? Our vision is to grow regional and then international, and honestly, we have a zillion ideas lined up for it. Right now, we’re in the middle of an epic summer season on Egypt’s North Coast, filming unforgettable episodes on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world with megastars and industry leaders across different fields.
Acting-wise, I’m currently reading three or four scripts — one in Egypt, one in Turkey, and one in Europe. I like to take my time, sleep on a script, and really study it before I say yes. I want every role to feel like it matters.
And then there’s the business side, which is a huge part of my life now. Alongside my partners, Karim Rihan and Hany Mansour , we’re about to launch what we believe will be the biggest studio hub in Egypt for digital filming. Imagine this: if you have a podcast or any kind of online content, you can walk into our studio, shoot your episode, leave, and get the fully edited material while you relax at home in the AC. Everything — lights, sound, direction — will be ready for you. We want to make professional content creation easier for everyone.
So the future, for me, is about balancing all three worlds — acting, podcasting, and entrepreneurship — while making sure that everything I do adds value and makes people smile.
Finally, when people talk about “Bassel Alzaro going international,” what do you want them to truly understand? What does it mean for an Arab actor not just to succeed abroad, but to represent something deeper and more lasting in global cinema?
Bassel Alzaro: For me, “going international” was never just about chasing Hollywood or stepping onto foreign sets. It’s about carrying my identity with me wherever I go. I’m Egyptian, Jordanian, Palestinian — I’m Arab — and I want every role I play to reflect the depth and humanity of where I come from.
When I work abroad, my goal isn’t just to be the Arab actor in an international production. It’s to leave a mark that says, “We are more than the stereotypes. We are storytellers, dreamers, heroes, and humans like anyone else.” If I can open even a small door for others from my region to walk through with pride, then I feel I’ve done my part.
At the end of the day, success for me isn’t the red carpets, the cameras, or even the titles. Success is being remembered for telling stories that mattered — stories that connected people across cultures and made someone, somewhere, feel something real.
If I can do that, both at home and abroad, then I’ll feel that this journey — from a kid hosting music shows to standing on international sets — was truly worth it.
Photo by Camila Barrenechea
Styling by Moe Salah
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