Beauty and Brawn

As a former Miss Lebanon, Njeim has catapulted her career from beauty queen to businesswoman, heading her own company as well as working on a number of film and television projects.

Although working on the famed gaming heroine’s project was a new step in her career, Njeim’s strong personality and zest for adventure are not so far off from the character she’s portraying. The game, which launches in the UAE in March, will be entirely in Arabic.

We speak to the former beauty queen-turned role model about her work in the project.

How did you first get involved with Tomb Raider?

I got a call asking me to voice cast, but I had never done it before, but once I heard ‘Lara Croft’ I went for it. I cast my voice, they loved it and thought it was compatible with the image they were looking for. It was my first time recording in a studio. You’re in a room alone and you’re acting out these voices, breaths and sounds; sometimes you don’t even have a video in front of you so you’re like a mad woman inside. They’re intense sessions for ten hours a day and you repeat these scripted lines countless times to get the perfect emotion out of it. When I saw the finished product I knew it was all worth it.

Were you a gaming enthusiast before being cast as the voice of Lara Croft?

I’m definitely a video gamer; Playstation, Xbox and anything else you can think of. Lara Croft is such a character engraved in our minds. When this new version came out and I’m representing the Middle East for the first time, it makes you proud and at the same time curious to learn what this new version of the game is about. Hearing my voice on Lara Croft is amazing. My two brothers are more than excited.

Do you consider yourself an adrenaline junkie?

I’m really keen about participating in male dominated activities! I just filmed for the MBC Action show Driven which highlights everything about car culture and I’m a drifter as well. I’ve bungee jumped and sky diving is next on my list.

How was winning Miss Lebanon in 2007 a turning point for you?

The initial launch of my career was winning Miss Lebanon and just like Lara Croft in the game, I really do relate to her struggle. We have hardships, obstacles, pre-judgments and inhibitions; to conquer that you need to find your inner strength.

How did you chance upon the beauty contest?

By accident and coincidence; I had never done anything like it before. I was a paramedic in the Red Cross before but at my mom’s insistence, it happened.

What was it like working as a paramedic in Lebanon?

It’s like the army; the same devotion and work ethic. It’s a selfless job. It’s really hard to put yourself in this position because it takes so much out of you, seeing so many things that most people never do. It makes you a stronger and more grateful person.

As a successful business woman with so many projects in the pipeline, what motivates you?

I just want to make an impression and a name for myself and succeed. Being associated with this franchise definitely adds value to one’s career, so I’m really happy about that.

What advice do you have for young people on pursuing their goals?

People look you in the eye and discourage you but you just have to look them back in the eye and make it.

kadry@khaleejtimes.com