Dalida 2017

Cairo childhood and musical awakening

Dalida grows up in Cairo, nurturing a deep passion for music thanks to her violinist father. She later recalls feeling unattractive because of her large glasses, shaping her lifelong insecurities. These early experiences set the emotional foundations for her later on-stage confidence and fragility.

Discovery in Paris and Morisse's pledge

Dalida is discovered in Paris by Lucien Morisse, a radio programmer who becomes her advocate and lover. He eventually leaves his wife for her, signaling a bold shift in her personal life. Morisse's support helps propel her toward a national and international audience.

Marriage to Morisse and Sobieski affair

Dalida marries Lucien Morisse, hoping for stability even as the relationship strains under career pressures. Morisse's reluctance to marry or have a child creates distance between them. She begins an affair with artist Jean Sobieski, signaling her restless search for passion.

Affair with Luigi Tenco and rising fame

Dalida ends her affair with Sobieski to pursue a relationship with Luigi Tenco, a temperamental musician whose intensity mirrors her own drive. Their romance fuels her art but also deepens emotional turmoil. The coupling becomes a defining chapter of her personal life.

Tenco's Sanremo breakdown and suicide

Tenco performs at Sanremo and suffers a breakdown, walking off stage. He later commits suicide, a shock to Dalida. Dalida discovers his body, an event that weighs heavily on her and marks a turning point in her life.

1967 hotel suicide attempt

In 1967, Dalida goes to a hotel and makes an unsuccessful suicide attempt. Her ex-husband Morisse, ex-lover Sobieski, and brother Orlando rush to her side during recovery. The episode exposes the web of relationships that haunt her.

Recovery with brother Orlando

After the crisis, Dalida begins to recover with the support of her brother Orlando. Orlando takes on management duties, guiding a new phase of successful recordings and performances. This marks a turning point toward renewed professional achievement.

Italy trip: affair with a 22-year-old student

Dalida travels to Italy to perform and meets a 22-year-old student with whom she begins a passionate affair. She discovers she is pregnant and decides not to keep the child, fearing he is too young to be a responsible parent. She has an abortion and ends the relationship.

Lucien Morisse's suicide

Back in Paris, Morisse's mental health crashes and he commits suicide in their old apartment. His death adds to the mounting personal tragedies surrounding Dalida. The loss deeply affects her and influences her ongoing insecurities.

Meeting Richard Chanfray

Dalida is introduced to media personality Richard Chanfray and enters a relationship that feels safe and stabilizing. She believes she has found security for the first time in a long while. However, the relationship soon strains under jealousy and career pressures.

Dangerous incident and legal pressure

Richard accidentally shoots the boyfriend of Dalida's housekeeper, creating a potential legal crisis. Dalida pays off the family to keep him out of jail, trying to shield him from consequences. The incident stains their relationship and tests her resolve.

Recording with Richard and pregnancy scare

Dalida records an album with Richard despite his limited talent, seeking to sustain their partnership. She later believes she is pregnant, only to learn that her abortion has damaged her uterus. This revelation darkens her outlook on motherhood and future relationships.

New Year's Eve fallout and his suicide

On New Year’s Eve, after a public humiliation and Richard's unpleasant behavior toward her, Dalida ends the relationship. Shortly afterward, Richard Chanfray commits suicide, leaving her to cope with another loss. The sequence intensifies her sense of isolation.

Le Sixième Jour and Egyptian homecoming

Dalida stars in the acclaimed film Le Sixième Jour and returns to Egypt, where she is feted by fans. Public triumph contrasts with private fragility as her bulimia deepens. The crown of success sits alongside a mounting inner despair.