A Woman in Her Power! Where Strength Meets Sensitivity – Rania Mansour

A Woman in Her Power — Rania Mansour for Loungemag Arabia

There is a gentle kind of strength in Rania Mansour — one built on empathy, curiosity, and an undeniable connection to the human experience. With each role she brings to life, Rania moves audiences not with theatrics but with truth — a rare trait that has steadily reshaped how viewers see her on screen.

Location courtesy of the beautiful Sheraton Cairo Hotel.

1- Let’s start with Watar Hasses 2!
The series has been creating buzz — what drew you to this project and your character in
particular?

The first thing that drew me to this project was the success of its first part last year. When I was offered a role in the second installment, I was genuinely thrilled — the original had resonated so strongly with audiences, and I knew this continuation would be special. After reading the script and discovering my character, my excitement grew even more. It was a role unlike anything I had done before — a young woman deeply in love with an older man who is toxic and unfaithful, yet she remains emotionally attached to him, to his daughter, and to the family dynamic she’s become part of. That emotional complexity — her struggle between love, dependency, and pain — really spoke to me. It challenged me as an actress and gave me the opportunity to explore a more layered and vulnerable side of storytelling.

2- What kind of characters or stories excite you the most as an actress?

The roles that excite me the most are either those that present something completely new — a challenge I haven’t explored before — or characters who feel deeply connected to real people and real experiences. I’m always drawn to roles that allow me to reflect human emotions I’ve witnessed or lived — people I’ve met, stories I’ve heard, or moments that resonate universally. The closer a character feels to real life, the more I’m compelled to bring her to the screen. I wouldn’t necessarily call it delivering a ‘message,’ but I do believe that one of art’s greatest purposes is to express humanity. When people watch a film or series, they should feel that it speaks to them, that it mirrors something in their own lives, or opens their eyes to a new perspective. For me, that’s the kind of storytelling that matters — authentic, relatable, and true to the human experience.” me a richer understanding of who she is. For me, the more depth and imagination I pour into a character, the more authentic and alive she becomes .

3- Every set has its own energy and chemistry.
How was your experience filming Watar Hasses 2, and what was the atmosphere like
behind the scenes?

The atmosphere behind the scenes of Watar was truly special — it was a sensitive story to tell, but the energy on set was incredibly positive. Everyone was so easygoing, which made the experience both smooth and enjoyable. Working with Kamala, Raya, and Ghida was such a pleasure — they all brought great energy and professionalism to the set. Heidi and Karom were also wonderful to be around, and Mohamed Mahmoud Abdel Aziz added so much warmth to the team dynamic. Our director, Khaled Saeed, created a calm and collaborative environment. He’s very understanding, open to discussion, and genuinely listens to his actors, which made the creative process even more fulfilling. Overall, the behind-the-scenes atmosphere — especially during the hospital scenes — was one of support, understanding, and teamwork. It was a beautiful experience.

4- You’re known for bringing authenticity to every role.
How do you prepare mentally and emotionally before stepping into a new character?

Before I step into any role, my process always begins with carefully reading the script. I like to immerse myself in the story, understand its rhythm, and then start imagining the character beyond what’s written on the page. Take Hagar, for example — she’s introduced as a young woman from a particular social background, but to truly bring her to life, I needed to build her world. I start adding layers that aren’t explicitly mentioned — things that help me understand her emotions, psychology, and motivations. Hagar is deeply attached to Hashim, the man she loves. Despite his flaws and toxicity, she remains drawn to him, and I believe that attachment has roots in her past. So, I imagined her backstory: perhaps her father passed away when she was young, leaving an emotional void and a longing for paternal affection. That need might explain why she’s attracted to an older man — it’s an unconscious search for comfort and protection. I also like to create smaller, personal details — her favorite color, the food she avoids, her sense of style, even her zodiac sign. These may never appear on screen, but they give me a richer understanding of who she is. For me, the more depth and imagination I pour into a character, the more authentic and alive she becomes.

5- When you’re not in front of the camera, what does a casual day in Rania Mansour’s life
look like? Any favorite hobbies or rituals that help you unwind?

Honestly, I’m quite a homebody by nature. I enjoy spending most of my time at home — it’s where I feel most at peace. My days are usually simple and centered around family. I go to the gym to stay active, spend quality time with my daughter, and unwind by watching a good series together. Weekends are usually for seeing relatives or catching up with friends, but overall, I love a calm, balanced routine. Traveling is also something I truly enjoy — whether it’s a short getaway or a relaxing retreat, it always helps me recharge and find inspiration. That’s the kind of life that makes me happy.

6- Looking ahead, is there a dream role, director, or genre you’d love to explore next?
Something that would challenge you or show a completely different side of Rania
Mansour?

As I mentioned, a big part of my identity is my love for art — I truly enjoy drawing, sketching, and painting. It’s something that helps me express myself and find calm. Music is also a constant companion; it inspires and centers me. I find great comfort in listening to the Quran, and over the past two years, I’ve become deeply interested in personal growth and self-awareness. I’ve been taking self-improvement courses and exploring topics related to consciousness and mindfulness. It’s a journey that has genuinely enriched my perspective on life and continues to shape who I am, both personally and creatively.

An Exclusive Editorial Feature By Natali Elamine .