Katia Kaadi: Marrying Elie will change my life

Lebanese television presenter and actress Katia Kaadi said that her marriage to minister Elie Marouni will not affect her career, though she might give up acting to focus on being a TV presenter. "Rumours about me don't bother me...I'm taking things easy," she said. In an interview with Arabstoday, Kaadi said: “When I get married to Elie Maroun of course my life will change somewhat and I will not be able to balance my career and personal life at the same time. It's likely that I'll give up acting if my husband asks me to do so.” She added: “It is possible to continue presenting TV programmes as I would need to appear on the screen only once per week, unlike acting which requires a full-time commitment.” Kaadi is know for her stunning looks and has acted in may television series. AT: How did you find yourself on television? KK: I first studied political science. Twenty years ago, I started performing in of fashion shows and advertisements and won the title “Miss Zahle”, and the first runner-up for Miss Lebanon in 1998. After this I received many work offers, so I turned to acting and participated in several Syrian and Egyptian television series. However, my last and most stable job was as a TV presenter. AT: What programmes did you start with? KK: My first hosting job was with the channel ART where I did the programme "Fannan al-Osboua" (Artist of the Week), then another in Arabic called "Ehdaat" (Dedications) which linked the viewers directly to the channel. On the TV station "al-Maraa al-Arabiya" (Arab Women) I did a show called "Stars We Bas" (Just the Stars), where I was hosting the most famous art stars. This programme continued for a long time, which meant it was successful. AT: What made it a success? KK: Maybe my good relationships with most of the artists in Lebanon and Egypt. AT: What are you favourite TV shows? KK: "Oprah", as it addresses all issues of society...also, "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?". I also like to follow the shows of Souad Karout al-Ashi AT: Do you think beauty is essential while selecting a TV presenter? KK: There are other things more important like having a niche and culture. However beauty is required, but not as important as culture and erudition. AT: Did you join TV because of your beauty? KK: It was my mind which helped me as I was elected as the first runner-up for Miss Lebanon in 1998. People and did not just think I was a beautiful girl, but focused on my culture and knowledge as well. AT: What is your opinion on the current entertainment shows on TV? KK: Some of them are required, desirable and attract viewers. However, there is excessive repetition. AT: Do you think you have achieved global fame since satellite channels are broadcast worldwide? KK: Somehow. The satellite channels we work in cover most of the world's countries. Receiving calls from foreign countries is evidence of this. AT: Who are the female presenters you like? KK: Souad Karout al-Ashi. AT: What distinguishes her from the rest? KK: Seriousness, objectivity, non-affectation, professionalism in dealing with the camera and interacting with people spontaneously and naturally. AT: Which presenter does not do justice to the job? KK: Those who try to imitate others to the extent that they forget their own selves and personalities. Also those who make mistakes and do not try to correct them. AT: What makes a successful presenter? KK: Those who work on developing their knowlege and does not fall into the hole of imitation and repetition. AT: How do you increase your knowledge? KK: Through reading. My favourite authors are Khalil Gibran and William Shakespeare. AT: Diplomacy is one of your best traits.. What happens when you lose patience? KK: The tone of my voice changes a bit but I manage to calm down quickly. AT: Celebrities are always subject to rumours...How do you explain this? KK: This is the cost of fame. AT: Did you get bothered by the rumours about you regarding marriage and love? KK: No, they're harmless, and I'm not taking them seriously.