JEDDAH: Renowned Saudi painter Shalimar Sherbatli is tying the knot with Egyptian director Khaled Yousif. Sherbatli confirmed to Arab News on Sunday media reports that marriage plans have been finalized.Yousif traveled to Jeddah for the wedding function that is due to take place this weekend. A number of Egyptian reporters are accompanying the groom, online newspaper Al-Yaum Al-Sabie reported. Yousif, who was introduced to direction by the late Youssef Chahine, has become increasingly popular among the Egyptian public, particularly after his participation in the recent 18-day freedom struggle at Tahrir Square.
One of his recent films, “Dukan Shahata,” with Haifa Wehbi in the lead role, created a huge sensation in the Arab world. “Kallamani Shukran” is another film he is known for.There have been several rumors in the past of Yousif marrying. A few months ago it was reported that he was going to marry actress Ghada Abd Al-Rizq in secret. Despite a strong denial by both, eyewitnesses say they had seen the pair share a hotel room in Beirut, according to an online report. However, he said his relations with Al-Rizq were only friendly and later broke up because of differences of opinion over the Egyptian revolution. – Arabnews