| Nehad Al-Kharboutli Al-Qalei | |
| Birth Date: | 1 January 1928 |
| Birth Place: | Zahlé, Lebanon |
| Death Place: | Syria |
| Other Names: | Hosni Al-Borzan |
| Occupation: | Actor & Screenwriter |
| Years Active: | 1960-1990 |
Nehad Qalei (Arabic:) was a Syrian actor and screenwriter. He was among the founders of Syrian Arab Television. Alongside Duraid Lahham, he formed one of the most iconic duos in Syrian television.
Born as Nehad Al-Kharboutli Al-Qalei in the Lebanese city of Zahlé to a Syrian-Kurdish family. His father worked in the Telegraph and Postal Service there. In the 1930s, they moved to Damascus, living first on Shura Avenue in the Al-Muhajreen area.[1]
Qalei attended Al-Bukhari School, where he honed his skills in public speaking and performance. During a school event, he impressed the renowned Syrian theater pioneer, Tawfiq Al-Otri, with a recitation of a poem in an acting setting. Al-Otri encouraged him, saying, "You will be an artist." This moment left a lasting impact on Nehad, and he later incorporated the poem into a scene in the play "Salt and Sugar," which was a continuation of the TV series "Saḥ Al-Num" in 1973.
He then moved to Jawdat Al-Hashemi High School, where he discovered his love for acting and forged friendships with influential figures like Abdul Wahab Abu Saud and Wasfi Al-Maleh. Despite his burgeoning interest in theater, Nehad also worked various jobs to support himself, including supervising a pasta factory and serving as a typist at the University of Damascus and the Ministry of Defense.
In 1946, Nihad joined the "Al-Barq Artistic Studio" club, marking his formal entry into the world of performance. There, he participated in productions like "Our Syrian Army," commemorating the withdrawal of French forces from Syria. Subsequently, he became involved with the Oriental Club, which he co-founded with director Khaldoun El Maleh. It was here that he further honed his comedic talents, setting the stage for his future collaborations.
Nehad's career gained momentum as he ventured into television and theater, notably joining Syrian Arab Television in 1960. His partnership with Duraid Lahham solidified, leading to iconic programs like "Damascus Evening." Their success continued with theatrical productions like "The Lulu Contract" and the renowned TV series "Saḥ al-Num," cementing their status as a legendary duo.
Despite his success, Nihad faced personal challenges, including a debilitating stroke during a performance. Nevertheless, he continued to pursue acting as he made notable appearances in films and radio programs alongside Duraid Lahham.
Nihad's legacy extends beyond entertainment, as he contributed to cultural exchange initiatives, such as presenting plays in Cairo and establishing the National Theater in Damascus.
He married and had 2 children.
In 1976, Qalei was tragically paralyzed in an attack, which eventually led to his death in 1993. After being hit by a chair over his head in Old Damascus, he was paralyzed and then died a slow death. It is said that the person who beat him was one of the members of the Defense Brigades, which was founded by Rifaat al-Assad. Duraid Lahham and Qalei were staying up late at the Family Club restaurant in the Bab Touma before being hit. Although abandoned by many, he persevered, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and talent.[2]