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Digital Phablet – Maguy Bou Ghosn Kicks Off a Much-Anticipated Series for Ramadan Viewers
Lebanese actress Maguy Bou Ghosn continues to strengthen her status as one of the leading figures in Arab drama. Her name has become closely linked with the Ramadan season, thanks to her talent for trending and dominating search engine results whenever she unveils a new project. As the countdown to Ramadan 2026 begins, Bou Ghosn has once again captured attention with the promotional teaser for her highly awaited series, “Bil Haram” (Forbidden), which immediately generated social media buzz upon its release.
This growing excitement builds on Bou Ghosn’s successful track record in recent Ramadan seasons, which include several works that have become landmarks in Arab television. Notable among her series are “Awlad Adam” (Sons of Adam), the “Lil Mawt” (For Death) trilogy, “Ala Amal” (Hopeful), and “Bil Dam” (With Blood). This year, she returns with a new project she hopes will resonate both artistically and popularly.
“Bil Haram” is a social and human drama delivered in a compelling manner, tackling serious themes rooted in everyday life. The story unveils in a world where power, money, desire, and sin collide, following a diverse cast of characters whose secrets and intertwined relationships gradually come to light as the plot progresses.
The series explores deep-rooted psychological and moral conflicts among its characters, weaving intriguing narratives filled with twists that highlight current societal crises and the severe tests individuals face in their battle between right and wrong.
Maguy Bou Ghosn portrays “Joud,” collaborating with an accomplished cast of Lebanese talents including Tony Issa (Maher), Sarah Abi Kanaan (Zeina), Elsa Zgheib (Sarah), Takla Chamoun (Sabah), Bassem Moughnieh (Farid), Wissam Sabbagh, Cynthia Karam (Alia), Nadia Charbel (Nai), Elie Mitri (Ryan), Tarek Tamim (Tanios), Magdi Machmouchi, Randa Kaadi (Najwa), Carole Abboud (Hadeel), and Ammar Chalak (Malik).
The cast and crew have fueled the anticipation, with Bou Ghosn sharing a cryptic statement upon the trailer’s release: “A mirror doesn’t reveal the truth… it exposes it!” The show is set to premiere during Ramadan 2026.
The streaming platform MBC Shahid has joined the hype, promising that the series “will surpass all expectations,” utilizing teasers like “This smile conceals a thousand pains…” and “What secrets are the stars of ‘Bil Haram’ hiding from us?” to stir curiosity. The most intense secrets, however, remain hidden behind the curtain.
The posters for the series, inspired by the theatrical world, sparked widespread interest thanks to their mysterious circus-themed visuals. In an exclusive interview with ET Bil Arabi, Bou Ghosn clarified that despite the alarming title, “Bil Haram” is a family-centered story that tackles provocative issues within a thoroughly researched humanistic framework. She explained that the circus holds symbolic significance, as life itself is like a circus—an endless tightrope walk where everyone risks falling or injuring themselves and others.
Elie Khater, the concept’s creator, compared the series to a circus, depicting society with each performer fulfilling their role amidst constant danger, mimicking societal pressures and prejudices. He also noted that the recurring clown character, appearing in various guises, symbolizes the protagonists’ internal contradictions.
Costume designer George Saqim revealed that the promotional images and opening scene were styled in a Victorian vintage circus aesthetic, with a carefully curated color palette that defines each character’s unique personality within a cohesive visual narrative.
The series features Ammar Chalak as Malik, a lawyer whose intertwining journey connects many characters through a complex web of relationships. Bassem Moughnieh prefers to keep Farid’s character enigmatic, describing him as full of contradictions. Randa Kaadi plays Margaret (also known as Margot), portraying her as unpredictable, shifting between good and evil. Takla Chamoun features as Sabah, a powerful figure leveraging her influence to uncover truths, emphasizing that everyone harbors a “dark secret.”
Amid its artistic symbolism, dark humor, and ambiguity, “Bil Haram” is poised to be one of the most highly anticipated Ramadan dramas of 2026. It offers a thought-provoking societal commentary that encourages dialogue and leaves the final judgment to the audience, blending human depth with suspense in a compelling narrative.
Eagle Films has officially secured Lebanese singer Wael Kfoury to perform the series’ theme song, which will be broadcast on MBC Shahid and MTV Lebanon.
Wael Kfoury’s collaboration marks his return to television series theme music after a break. Fans eagerly await the song, “Shu Nater” (What Are You Waiting For), currently in production. The song is part of a collaboration involving some of the top names in Arab music: poet Ali Mawla penned its lyrics, Salah Kurdi composed the melody, and Taim arranged the arrangement.
This combination of talent promises a memorable soundtrack to complement the series, heightening anticipation for its flagship release during Ramadan 2026.
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