Ragaa Al Geddawy, pictured at the Dubai International Film Festival in 2012, died on July 5. Getty Images
Ragaa Al Geddawy, pictured at the Dubai International Film Festival in 2012, died on July 5. Getty Images
Ragaa Al Geddawy, pictured at the Dubai International Film Festival in 2012, died on July 5. Getty Images
Ragaa Al Geddawy, pictured at the Dubai International Film Festival in 2012, died on July 5. Getty Images

Egyptian actress Ragaa Al Geddawy, 81, diagnosed with Covid-19


Janice Rodrigues
  • English
  • Arabic

Egyptian actress Ragaa Al Geddawy, 81, has tested positive for coronavirus and is currently admitted to a hospital in Ismailia, Egypt, according to several accounts from local media.

The actress wrapped up filming for her latest series Le'bet El Nesyan two days before testing positive, which has also led many fans to question if other cast members have also been infected.

Egyptian actor Aly Kassem, who also stars in the show, has taken to Twitter, advising his cast mates to quarantine themselves.

Kassem wished Al Geddawy a quick and safe recovery, saying that he will self-isolate "despite the result of the test", before advising his friends, family and the Le'bet El Nesyan cast: "I hope that anyone who has interacted with me, or with anyone from the cast of Le'bet El Nesyan, will now self-isolate as much as possible."

Le'bet El Nesyan stars a host of big names, including Dina El Sherbiny, Ahmed Dawoud, Mahmoud Kabil and Ahmed Safwat. The soundtrack for the show was composed by Amr Diab.

Since the news broke, fans have taken to sending their wishes on social media, with her name trending on Twitter. Many are worried that the actress's age puts her at a higher risk.

Even local stars have spoken out, praying for her speedy recovery, including singer Mai Kassab and radio presenter Akram Hosny.

Geddawy is a veteran star who has starred in more than 100 Arabic films and television series. Some of the films she has starred in include El-Wahl (1987), Leh Khaletny Ahebak (2000), Ana Mesh Maahom (2007), and television series such as Azmi and Ashgan (2018) and Halawet El-Donia (2017).

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Chef Nobu's advice for eating sushi

“One mistake people always make is adding extra wasabi. There is no need for this, because it should already be there between the rice and the fish.
“When eating nigiri, you must dip the fish – not the rice – in soy sauce, otherwise the rice will collapse. Also, don’t use too much soy sauce or it will make you thirsty. For sushi rolls, dip a little of the rice-covered roll lightly in soy sauce and eat in one bite.
“Chopsticks are acceptable, but really, I recommend using your fingers for sushi. Do use chopsticks for sashimi, though.
“The ginger should be eaten separately as a palette cleanser and used to clear the mouth when switching between different pieces of fish.”