Beauty is gateway to fame

Miss Arab World USA 2011, Rolita Faqih Rolita Faqih, winner of Miss Arab World USA 2011 pageant,  told Arabstoday, that the title of Miss Arab World was not the dream of her life but she has always dreamed of fame and standing in front of the cameras. She described winning this title as "opening the gate to fame" as she is planning to take up acting to bring her closer to her fans and open the door to stardom. Rolita of Lebanese origin spoke to Arabstoday about dreams, beauty and seeking the limelight.
Arabstoday: As Miss Arab World, what does beauty mean to Rolita Faqih?
RF: Beauty is something of great value and desired by many people.  .Beauty to  me is the beauty of the soul and spirit before the beauty of appearance.  I know that I am beautiful  as I won the award of Miss Arab World in the United States, but this has pushed me to make myself more spiritual in order to complete the beauty recipe. Everyone around me knows that  I am a good person who is ambitious for glamour and stardom.  I like to behave humanely and spiritually  regardless of the problems that I confront. I wish to be beautiful both on the outside and within.
Arabstoday: Can you describe the moment you were crowned Miss Arab World in the United States.
RF:  Success, regardless of its value, is something beautiful, and raising the profile  of your country is an amazing job. Some people might underestimate this title, but it is a measure of success.  It was the most beautiful moment in my life when the special jury of the contest announced my name as the winner.  I shed tears of joy, and then I remembered those who encouraged me to this success. Those minutes will remain engraved in my memory for a lifetime because they are the most beautiful moments of my life.
Arabstoday: Some people say that the journey to Miss Arab World is difficult, what is your opinion?
RF: In fact there are many difficulties in this journey from the preparation stage to the possible coronation. Perhaps the most difficult thing is the psychological aspect -- the  pressure and stress which increases gradually in the early stages. The last step is difficult as it draws towards the crowning ceremony, in addition to maintaining a rigorous diet programme and finding time for sports and exercise. But I always say; whatever the difficulties are, they will disappear as soon as you reach the top rung on the ladder to stardom.
Arabstoday: What has fame done for you, especially since you said that you love it?
RF: In fact, fame has been my dream since childhood. I love standing in front of the cameras and being  interviewed by journalists to the point of obsession. Frankly, it was fame that was my dream, not the coronation of Miss Arab World. I am very happy that I am achieving this dream and aspiring to reach further success and stardom.
Arabstoday: You have recently opened a new company for art production and fashion shows, do you consider this as part of your ambition towards fame?
RF: Of course, it is an aspect of fame, but being famous as an artist, an actor or a singer is so much bigger.  Of course, the title of Miss Arab World has brought me fame, but it is just a door to achieve the fame I am aspiring to. I hope to find real fame by acting in a Syrian drama.
Arabstoday: Can you enlarge on your acting ambitions?
RF: Yes, in fact, I have received many offers to participate in several Syrian drama series. Working in drama is great and every girl’s dream, regardless of whether  she is a star or not. Drama brings you closer to people and opens the door to becoming more famous. I am now reviewing several offers as I told you, and I am about to make my decision. I  may also have a movie role.  I can't reveal the details as I haven't signed any official contracts yet, but I can disclose that the series is in the social genre, tackling marriage and divorce and their causes.
Arabstoday: Why have you chosen  Syrian drama in particular as you have many other options, most notably Egyptian drama, for example?
RF: Syrian drama, as you known, has a following in many parts of the world. Here in the United States, there are many Arabs who are interested in Arab drama in general, but specifically Syrian drama.  Those who settle in the US, specifically in the holy month of Ramadan, will be watching these series closely. That is why I chose Syrian drama in particular.
Arabstoday: Sorry for the question but what qualifies you to get into acting, especially in the knowledge that Syrian drama is home to the brightest stars of drama in the Arab world?
RF: It is said that beauty brings to an actress many roles, and I would say that the audience prefers a pretty actress and I have both beauty and talent which is the most important qualifications for acting. I think I possess the talent and the ability to shine and succeed in acting; my appearance on the stage of the beauty contest was remarkable. I have been assured more than once that I am a promising talent on the road to success.
Arabstoday: What about the fashion show in the United Arab Emirates?
RF: It will be my first show, but not the last. Dubai is a city of magic and beauty, and every person in this world is looking for a way to build a bridge to cross into this charming city! This show is as an introduction to a series of shows that I will present for the fashion designer Akl Fakih. It will be a great show, including Arab and Western designs. It will be attended by artists and socialites in the UAE and the Arab world.
Arabstoday: Will you limit your business work to the drama and acting arenas, or do you have other projects?
RF:  I can't think of anything but acting and drama as this is the next step for me. I like to take things gradually. The fashion shows are projects which don't affect  my aspirations to get into acting.
Rolita Faqih is of Lebanese origin and her hometown is southern Lebanon. She was born and raised in Beirut, then moved to America where she lives in Florida.