Yousra (; ; , ; born Sivin Nesim (, )) is an Egyptian actress. She is regarded as a prominent figure in the Middle East entertainment industry and has been described as an influential cultural icon in the region.
Yousra has appeared in nearly 81 films, about 20 television dramas, and three stage productions. She made her film debut in 1980 with Athkiya' Laken Aghbiya (Smart Yet Stupid). Over the years, she has taken on a wide range of roles, including comedic, dramatic, and romantic characters. Her early work included Kasr Fi El Hawaa (Castle in the Air) by Abdel Halim Nasr (1980), Fatah Tabhath Ann Alhob (A Girl Looking for Love) by Nader Galal (1977), Alf Bossa Wa Bossa (A Thousand and One Kisses) by Mohamed Abdel Aziz (1977), and Ebtessama Waheda Takfi (One Smile Is Enough) by Mohamed Bassiyouni (1978).
She later starred in a series of successful films with Adel Emam, including Shabab Yarkoss Fawk Alnar (Youth Dancing on Fire) by Yehiya Al Alamy (1978), Al Ensan Yaeesh Mara Waheda (Man Only Lives Once) by Simone Saleh (1981), Ala Bab Al Wazeer (At the Door of the Minister) by Mohamed Abdel Aziz (1982), Al Avocato (The Lawyer) by Raafat Al Mihi (1984), Al Ins Wa Algen by Mohamed Radi (1985), and Karakoun Fi El Shareih. Their collaborations were known for combining humour with social and political commentary. The duo also appeared together in Al Mansi (The Forgotten), Al Irhab Wal Kabab (Terrorism and Kebab), and Toyour Al Zalam (Birds of Darkness), all of which used comedy to explore political themes and received both critical and popular acclaim.
A significant milestone in Yousra's career was her collaboration with Egyptian director Youssef Chahine. She appeared in his films Hadduta Masreya (Egyptian Story, 1982), Iskanderiya Kaman we Kaman (Alexandria Again and Again, 1990), and Al Mohager (The Emigrant, 1994). Yousra has stated that Chahine had a profound influence on her personally and professionally, describing him as "a school for anyone who works with him."
Yousra also appeared in several television dramas that aired during Ramadan, including the 2005 series Ahlam 'Adiya (Ordinary Dreams). In the show, she portrayed a con artist, a role described by Al-Ahram as "a major departure from the star's usual Ramadan screen persona, which has consistently verged on the romantic and the demure."
In 2006, Yousra played a supporting role in The Yacoubian Building, an adaptation of the novel of the same name. The film reportedly had one of the highest budgets in Egyptian cinema at the time. Playing an entertainer in a restaurant, Yousra, according to Variety, "effortlessly stirs old emotional waters when she sings 'La Vie en rose.'"
Yousra released her first vocal album in 2002. In 2017, she appeared in Abu's hit single 3 Daqat. In 2018, she starred in Ladayna Akwalon Okhra (We Have Another Statement). In 2019, Yousra and Saba Mubarak appeared in a HarperâÂÂs Bazaar Arabia photo shoot, both wearing evening gowns. In 2020, she starred in Saheb Al Maqam, her first film in eight years.
Yousra is married to Khaled Selim and is the sister-in-law of actor Hesham Selim, the son of Egyptian footballer, actor, and former Al Ahly president Saleh Selim.
Following the 2009 EgyptâÂÂAlgeria World Cup dispute, Yousra expressed support for the Algeria national football team during the 2010 FIFA World Cup held in South Africa, despite tensions between Egypt and Algeria at the time. Earlier, she and Omar Sharif had participated in a protest against Algeria following accusations of misconduct against Egypt during a qualifying match between the two countries.