Having appeared in over 100 films and 10 plays during the course of his long career, Imam, now 68, is arguably the most famous actor in Egypt.

A favourite of the critics, Imam has earned praise for much of his work and has cemented his position as a leading man in the Arab world’s film industry.

Championing characters traditionally down on their luck, Imam’s roles have displayed a wide range of humour.

In 2006 he appeared as one of the many stars of ‘The Yacoubian Building’, a film adapted from the novel of the same name and thought to boast the highest budget in Egyptian cinema.

Out of the limelight, Imam has devoted himself to aiding refugee charities. He was appointed a goodwill ambassador for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in 2000, and has since worked tirelessly to raise the group’s profile.