Farid El Atrash.

In 1923, during the French occupation of Syria, Princess Alia al Mundhir fled with her three children to Egypt, settling in a one-room flat in Cairo. Farid El Atrash, born on October 19, 1910 in Jabal Al Druze to Prince Fahad Al Atrache and Alia, was among them. To support the family, Alia worked as a singer and taught young Farid to play the oud. He and his sister Amal, later known as Asmahan, sang at radio stations and gained early attention for their musical talents.

Farid’s career took off alongside his sister Asmahan, with whom he starred in two films before her death in a car accident in 1944. After three years of depression, he returned to music and acting, forming a successful duo with belly dancer Samia Gamal. Together they starred in several musical films from the late 1940s to early 1950s, including Afrita Hanem 1949. Farid composed and performed countless songs, earning the nickname King of the Oud. His later films, like My One and Only Love 1957, blended themes of love and patriotism. His final film, Nagahm fi Hayati, premiered after his death in 1974.

Farid fell in love with several of his co-stars but never married, claiming that marriage kills art. His relationship with Samia Gamal ended when she married an American man and moved to the United States. He remained affected by his sister Asmahan’s death, sinking into a three-year depression. His brother Fouad Al Atrache produced many of his films. Farid spent his last years in Lebanon, frequently visiting Egypt and Europe.

Farid El Atrash left an enduring mark on Arabic music and cinema as the King of the Oud. His compositions and performances influenced generations, with fans ranging from Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak to millions of listeners. He was awarded Egypt’s Order of the Nile for his contributions. His final request to be buried in Egypt was honored, and his films and songs remain widely celebrated across the Arab world.