Photo: Instagram.com
Bella Hadid joining the cast of the popular Hulu series Ramy is a lot more than an acting debut for the part-Palestinian model. According to the 25-year-old, it has opened up a greater window into appreciating her Arab heritage as she becomes a part of a largely Middle Eastern and Muslim crew. “Growing up and being Arab, it was the first time that I’d ever been with like-minded people. I was able to see myself,” she says of her participation in the series in a new interview for GQ, which also features her friend, co-star, and Egyptian actor Ramy Youssef.
The conversation also saw Hadid open up about how she wishes Muslim practices were a bigger part of her childhood. “I would have loved to grow up and be with my dad every day and studying and really being able to practice, just in general being able to live in a Muslim culture. But I wasn’t given that,” she said. The model, who was born to her Palestinian father, Mohamed Hadid, went on to share an instance of when she did feel a deep connection to her roots: “There was one time where Ramy came over during Ramadan and allowed me to pray with him, and it was one of the most beautiful moments of my adult life.”
This is not the first time Hadid has publicly shared her regret when it comes to being in touch with her Arab heritage. Starring on the cover of Vogue US earlier this year, the model set the record straight on the cosmetic procedures she has had done, while also revealing a decision she wishes she could take back. “I wish I had kept the nose of my ancestors,” shared Hadid, who underwent a nose job at the age of 14. “I think I would have grown into it.”
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