Farid Al-Atrash truly lived up to his name, being unique in his voice, melodies, and films. His genuine personality shone through every role he played on screen, and his humanity often preceded his artistry. Those who had the privilege of knowing him closely attest to countless moments that touched their hearts and minds. Here, we share some of these remarkable stories as recounted by his friends.

The late artist Abdel Salam Al-Nabulsi shared a deeply emotional story about Farid. During a time when Farid was facing financial hardship and couldn’t even pay his rent, Al-Nabulsi found himself in a dire situation as well. Suffering from a severe illness, Al-Nabulsi was hospitalized for 40 days, during which Farid stayed by his bedside without fail. Despite his own financial struggles, Farid refused to accept help from other artists who visited. On the last day of Al-Nabulsi’s hospital stay, Farid did something extraordinary: he borrowed money—not to pay his own debts or rent, but to settle Al-Nabulsi’s hospital bills and doctor’s fees. Al-Nabulsi, deeply moved, declared, “From that day, Farid became my soulmate.”

Another story, highlighting Farid’s generosity, comes from the late lawyer Mahmoud Lotfy, one of the leading attorneys of his time. He recounted an incident involving poet Kamel Al-Shennawi, one of Farid’s closest friends. On Al-Shennawi’s birthday, Farid organized a grand surprise party, inviting all their mutual friends. Touched by the gesture, Al-Shennawi delivered a heartfelt speech thanking Farid and gifted him the lyrics to a song titled “You Have Returned, My Birthday” (‘Odta Ya Youm Mawlidi). Farid was so inspired that he spent the rest of the evening contemplating a melody for the poem, which he later sang in one of his films.

Days later, Farid was shocked to receive a legal notice from Al-Shennawi, delivered through lawyer Mahmoud Lotfy, demanding compensation of 1,000 Egyptian pounds. Al-Shennawi claimed Farid had used the song in his film without prior consent or recognition of his rights. Deeply hurt, Farid remarked, “But he gave it to me as a gift!” Turning to Kamel’s brother, poet Mamoun Al-Shennawi, Farid expressed his disappointment. Mamoun suggested his brother might have been facing financial difficulties and urged him to forgive the incident. Shortly after, Kamel withdrew his claim and apologized. In a heartwarming twist, Farid sent Kamel 500 pounds along with a note reading: “I’m waiting for you tonight, my dear friend. Your friend, Farid.”

Farid’s legacy continues to thrive through his admirers, such as Mr. Adel Al-Sayed, founder of the Farid Al-Atrash Lovers Association, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. Adel recounts stories passed down from his father, who was a close companion of Farid. He highlights an incident involving filmmaker Ahmed Sabaaoui, who worked as an assistant director on Farid’s film “The Story of a Lifetime” (Hekayat Al-‘Omr Kollo), starring Faten Hamama.

During the filming of several scenes at Cairo’s Ramses Station, Farid noticed porters quarreling loudly over their work. When he asked about the issue, he learned these individuals had no union or stable source of income. Farid immediately approached the film’s producer, the late Ramses Naguib, and requested his payment for the film in full, even though the contract stipulated installments. Farid explained that he needed the entire amount urgently. Upon receiving the money, Farid bought food and distributed cash among the porters, demonstrating once again how his humanity transcended all else.

Farid Al-Atrash’s art endures, as does his legacy of compassion and generosity—a testament to the remarkable man behind the artist.