Nehad Qalei

Nehad Qalei 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.

Early life

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.

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.