Khaberni - Syrian actor Bassam Kousa spoke frankly about his personal stances on the former Syrian regime, especially after the accusations made against him of having a friendship with the former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, admitting that his nature is the opposite of acting. He also discussed the secret of his three-decade-long marriage at the same time.
Bassam Kousa responds to criticisms of his stance from the regime
Bassam Kousa said during an interview with the media personality Mohammed Qais in the podcast "I Have a Question" that he has his own way of expressing his opinion, clarifying that no one can impose a way of thinking on others, denying that his speech implies an apology by saying: "Sorry for what, what did I do?", pointing out that some accused the artists of always being with the regime.
He explained that since the Syrian movement, the situation needed a third voice and people capable of thinking calmly and relying on wisdom and logic, saying: "Even now, we need cool heads instead of hot heads who pronounce takfir and betrayal. This does not lead to results nor does it build a country; countries are not built by emotions."
Regarding his stance on the Assad regime, he clarified that he is against describing it as a sectarian regime, but rather an investment regime explaining: "The regime has capitalized on religion, business, art, and sectarianism," emphasizing that this description is neither praise nor disparagement.
In response to being described as a friend of Bashar Assad, he said: "This is what Mazen al-Natour said and I will not respond because I have shared salt and bread in his house, and I know that inside him there is a noble person, but whoever wants to accuse me and everyone who met with Bashar Assad, that's your right, but do not accuse my children and my wife because they have only seen him through the TV screen."
He continued: "I met him only in the presence of artists, we were not friends, but he respected me because I never asked him for anything finally, nor did I try to impress him, and I did not receive anything from this regime, whether it was a position, status, or money, and whoever talks about him gifting me a house is purely a slander, he did not gift; you ask and he gives you, and this did not happen."
Bassam Kousa reveals the secret of his long marriage
Bassam Kousa stated he is grateful for his professional career with all its diligence and differing opinions, noting that he feels content and that what he has contributed has not been in vain regardless of the differing opinions about his works.
He considered that his family was his safe space in life, emphasizing that family stability formed a psychological base that he could not do without, both at work and outside of it.
Bassam Kousa lingered over his relationship with his wife, noting that their marriage lasted for more than three decades, emphasizing that it was not a traditional relationship but a partnership that formed a refuge for him in various circumstances.
He explained that the emotional stability in his life with his wife clearly reflected on his professional path and his way of thinking, affirming that what happens at home ultimately reflects on what he presents outside.
Bassam Kousa talks about fame and acting
Bassam Kousa discussed fame and acting, considering that every profession has its price, and that acting deprived him of the simplicity he wished for in life and the freedom to live without surveillance.
The Syrian artist considered that fame imposes a kind of public ownership on him and makes everyone feel they have a right to the details of his life, and it was no longer possible for him to walk in the street without notice.
As for acting, Bassam Kousa admitted that he does not see himself as a social person, therefore it was not suitable for a profession associated with fame and widespread exposure, explaining that he is a person who tends towards introspection and prefers quiet spaces away from the limelight.
He stressed that he often tries to enter public places quietly so as not to attract attention, noting that sometimes he feels envious of his colleagues who are able to handle fame more harmoniously.
At the same time, Bassam Kousa did not deny that fame has an attractive aspect sometimes, emphasizing the danger of this feeling because it can give an artist a deceptive sense that he is always the center of attention, warning of falling into this illusion especially since stardom is temporary by nature, he said.
