Nehad Qalei

Nehad Al-Kharboutli Al-Qalei
Born	(1928-01-01)January 1, 1928 Zahlé, Lebanon
Died	October 17, 1993(1993-10-17) (aged 65) Syria
Other names	Hosni Al-Borzan
Occupation	Actor & Screenwriter
Years active	1960-1990

Nehad Qalei (Arabic: نهاد قلعي) was a Syrian actor and screenwriter. He was among the founders of Syrian Arab Television. Alongside Duraid Lahham, he formed one of the most iconic duos in Syrian television.

Early life

Born as Nehad Al-Kharboutli Al-Qalei in the Lebanese city of Zahlé to a Syrian-Kurdish family. His father worked in the Telegraph and Postal Service there. In the 1930s, they moved to Damascus, living first on Shura Avenue in the Al-Muhajreen area.

Career

Qalei attended Al-Bukhari School, where he honed his skills in public speaking and performance. During a school event, he impressed the renowned Syrian theater pioneer, Tawfiq Al-Otri, with a recitation of a poem in an acting setting. Al-Otri encouraged him, saying, "You will be an artist." This moment left a lasting impact on Nehad, and he later incorporated the poem into a scene in the play "Salt and Sugar," which was a continuation of the TV series "Saḥ Al-Num" in 1973.

He then moved to Jawdat Al-Hashemi High School, where he discovered his love for acting and forged friendships with influential figures like Abdul Wahab Abu Saud and Wasfi Al-Maleh. Despite his burgeoning interest in theater, Nehad also worked various jobs to support himself, including supervising a pasta factory and serving as a typist at the University of Damascus and the Ministry of Defense. These early experiences instilled in him a strong work ethic and laid the foundation for his future endeavors in the entertainment industry.

In 1946, Nihad joined the "Al-Barq Artistic Studio" club, marking his formal entry into the world of performance. There, he participated in productions like "Our Syrian Army," commemorating the withdrawal of French forces from Syria. Subsequently, he became involved with the Oriental Club, which he co-founded with director Khaldoun El Maleh. It was here that he further honed his comedic talents, setting the stage for his future collaborations.

Nehad's career gained momentum as he ventured into television and theater, notably joining Syrian Arab Television in 1960. His partnership with Duraid Lahham solidified, leading to iconic programs like "Damascus Evening." Their comedic chemistry resonated with audiences, propelling them to stardom across the Arab world. Their success continued with theatrical productions like "The Lulu Contract" and the renowned TV series "Saḥ al-Num," cementing their status as a legendary duo.

Despite professional triumphs, Nihad faced personal challenges, including a debilitating stroke during a performance. His resilience, however, was evident as he continued to pursue his passion for acting. Even amid health setbacks, Nihad remained committed to his craft, making notable appearances in films and radio programs alongside Duraid Lahham.

Nihad's legacy extends beyond entertainment, as he contributed to cultural exchange initiatives, such as presenting plays in Cairo and establishing the National Theater in Damascus. His enduring impact on Arab entertainment is a testament to his talent and dedication. Despite health struggles, Nihad's spirit remained unyielding, inspiring generations of performers and leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

Nihad's journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of passion and perseverance. His story is a source of inspiration for aspiring artists, demonstrating the importance of dedication and resilience in the pursuit of one's dreams. Through his work, Nihad Qalai not only entertained audiences but also left behind a lasting legacy that continues to shape the landscape of Arab entertainment.

Personal life

He married and had 2 children.

Death

In 1976, Qalei was tragically paralyzed in an attack, which eventually led to his death in 1993. After being hit by a chair over his head in Old Damascus, he was paralyzed and then died a slow death. It is said that the person who beat him was one of the members of the Defense Brigades, which was founded by Rifaat al-Assad. Duraid Lahham and Qalei were staying up late at the Family Club restaurant in the Bab Touma before being hit. Although abandoned by many, he persevered, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and talent.

Filmography

• Happy Vacation (1960)
• Bubbles (1963)
• The Pearl Necklace (1964)
• Meeting in Palmyra (1965)
• The Two Drifters (1965)
• Love in Istanbul (1966)
• I Am Antar (1966)
• The Millionairess (1966)
• Ghawar's Pranks (1967)
• Happiness Bath (1967)
• The Theatre of Thorns (1968)
• Dreams Hotel (1968)
• Happiness Bath 2 (1968)
• The Three Swindlers (1968)
• The Tramps (1968)
• Tailor for Women (1969)
• Ghawar secret agent Antar (1970
• Funny Thief (1970)
• The Two Friends (1970)
• The Perfect Man (1970)
• One + one (1971)
• Case and Thieves (1971)
• Sands of Gold (1971)
• A Woman Who Lives Alone (1971)
• The Fox (1971)
• The Mexican Hoax (1972)
• Sah Al-Num (1972)
• Salt and Sugar (1973)
• Musk and Amber (1973)
• Ghawar the Football Player (1973)
• Wake Up S2 (1973)
• My Hippy Wife (1973)
• Ghawar James Bond (1974)
• October Village (1974)
• My Wife Is a Millionaire (1975)
• When Wives Are Absent (1975)
• Wake Up (1975)
• Fakes (1975)
• Expatriation (1976)
• The Good Bridegroom (1984)