Ilham Ali Shines in Al-Ashi Street Role
Ilham Ali: “Al-Asha Street” Marks a Milestone in My Career
For Saudi actress Ilham Ali, the TV series Al-Asha Street was far more than just another acting gig—it was an emotional journey she lived through every moment. Speaking on Episode 9 of the Behind The Sheen podcast, Ilham described the role as one of the most significant in her artistic career. “I consider Al-Asha Street one of the most important works in my journey—dare I say, it’s in my top five,” she shared candidly.
The episode also featured Badriya Al-Bishr, the novelist behind the original story, who joined Ilham to discuss the experience of seeing her characters leap from the pages of her book to the screen.
Living the Role of Wadhha with Heart and Soul
For Ilham, Al-Asha Street wasn’t just a historical drama—it was a vivid documentation of a bygone era and a fading culture. “This work preserves our details,” she explained. “Even small things, like the shape of a cup, change over a decade. This series captures a moment, an environment, a feeling.” Playing the character Wadhha felt deeply personal to her, as if she were reliving her grandmother’s memories. “I didn’t feel like I was acting—I wasn’t tired. On the contrary, I could see my grandmother in front of me, my grandfather’s house, the same vibes, the same decor, the same emotions,” she said. The biggest challenge, she noted, wasn’t embodying the character but mastering the dialect.
Saudi Drama’s Rise and Badriya Al-Bishr’s Vision
When asked about competition in the Saudi drama scene, Ilham expressed pride in being part of a generation shaping a distinct identity for Saudi storytelling. “Today, we’re no longer a surprise—we’re part of the Arab drama wave. Arab producers now come to us saying, ‘We want Saudi productions,’” she said. Badriya Al-Bishr, meanwhile, reflected on the surreal experience of watching her characters come to life. “The moment I saw it, I felt these characters were stepping out of my book—not just dream figures. It was both thrilling and a little scary,” she admitted. She emphasized that a drama’s success hinges on its story: “The story is the foundation. No matter how grand the production, if the story isn’t strong, it won’t connect with the audience.”
Behind-the-Scenes Laughter and Bonding
Ilham also shared some lighthearted behind-the-scenes moments, revealing how her co-stars teased her during filming. “They’d joke, ‘Ilham doesn’t know how to act? Ilham’s annoying on set?’” she laughed, hinting at how deeply she immersed herself in both the role and the filming atmosphere. These anecdotes showcased the camaraderie that made the experience even more memorable.
From preserving cultural nuances to delivering a standout performance, Ilham Ali’s work in Al-Asha Street underscores her growth as an actress and the rising influence of Saudi drama on the regional stage.
