Dali Benssalah – The Veil

By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) This is such an incredible series was there something about Malik or the premise itself that really do to be a part of this project?

A) Yeah, I’m so happy so proud to be involved in it. It’s a crazy show. Intense interesting.

Q) But was there something about this role or maybe the premise of it that made you want to be an actor on the series?

A) You know, when I when I first read the script, I immediately dove in its Yes, absolutely. So, yeah, it’s for Steven Knight, though. It’s already something it’s not a surprise, but yeah, all the characters the the intensity the situation’s everything is so like page after page you’re still focused on it. You just want to know what’s going to happen anytime. So, yes, it’s it’s not just about my character but all the projects. It’s on the paper it was already something.

Q) How did they describe then Malik to originally?

A) My first chats and all the character was with Daina Reid – or director for episode 1,2 and 3. She told me Malik is an experienced DGSE agent between professional with that fire inside that professional fire. Yeah, he lives for his job. That’s really the start of the character. It’s just about his job. His job his job. You can see why he can be nervous when it’s not going the way he wants. Also, it’s becoming more and more complicated because that specific mission. That’s a big global investigation. The main character is Imogen (Elisabeth Moss). They’ve got this ten years romantic/professional complex relationship. it’s tricky for him as well. He can’t just be focused on his job. There is something else. That’s tricky so he’s ready to explode any time.

Q) There is such great chemistry between Imogen and Malik. Talk about building that with co-star Elisabeth Moss.

A) It was something. She is so good. It looks easy for her like she’s working so much. You can tell when you’re just acting with her she is already here. The first take can be the one. She’s focused. She ahs the intelligence of the scene. She knows where to put the highlights of the scene. She knows what is going on the first second. You are working with someone who is always ready and who is generous as well. So, it was a great experience for sure.

Q) What was your favorite scene(s) to film?

A) Well, my favorite scenes…[laughs] I loved spending time – I had scenes with Max Peterson (Josh Charles). I loved these scenes becuase Max is really in the way not the enemy but not the friend of Malik. But when you’re acting, playing in a scene like this and when it is cut you spend a great time with the actor. You are confident with him. You can go anywhere. You are working together and having fun. It made me enjoy every scene with Josh. I loved all the scenes, of course, of the show but especially the ones with Josh becuase our characters have that relationship. It was something. it was a little bit crazy.

Q) How did you shake off a long day of filming this series?

A) [laughs] Wow. I can’t remember. I was so focused on the shooting day after day. It was for sure exhausting but we had so much good times. I don’t know. Day after day, at the end of the day, I was waiting for the next day. You can’t really sleep but you are telling yourself you have to sleep so you are ready for the next day. Then, the intensity of shooting gives you no choice. You stay focused on sleep becuase you did it today and now let’s focus on tomorrow and recharge yoru batteries. I remember now, what I did on the way back from teh studio or whereever we were shooting I think i was already reaiding the lines for teh day after. It was a way to be like, “Today was today. We did it so let’s focus on tomorrow.” Then, I will rest. But if I start to read from beginning to the end what is awaiting us tomorrow I will be ready to sleep. My mind will be at peace. Like, “I’m ready for tomorrow now.”