Ilana Avital Reflects on Career, Iconic Status, and New Film Role
Israeli singer Ilana Avital recently attended the premiere of Moshe Rosenthal's award-winning film "Independence," which features her 1980s hit song "Chazak." Avital expressed her delight at the song's inclusion and her connection with director Rosenthal, who grew up listening to her music. The film, set partly in 1987, incorporates Avital's presence through a large poster of her in a child's bedroom and a lip-sync performance of her song by a young character.
Avital reflected on her status as a pop icon in the 1980s, particularly her connection with the LGBTQ+ community, whom she felt understood her bold, larger-than-life persona. She spoke about the challenges faced by the community during the AIDS epidemic and offered encouragement to young people still hesitant to come out. She described her younger self as confident and authentic, acknowledging that while she experienced happiness, it wasn't constant.
The singer discussed her career's numerous comebacks, notably her role in the 2001 telenovela "Laga'at Ba'osher" (To Touch Happiness), which recently saw a resurgence in popularity through a humorous web series. This led to a highly emotional live event where Avital received an overwhelming reception from fans, reminiscent of her early career.
Avital, born Brigitte Abitbol in Paris, immigrated to Israel at age 10. She began her singing career at 16 and achieved early success. She has been married and divorced twice, has two sons, and is now a grandmother. Reflecting on her personal life, she stated she no longer desires marriage but is open to love, emphasizing her preference for independence over feeling tied down.
Looking ahead, the 66-year-old Avital expressed a desire to continue performing and acting, while also cherishing her role as a grandmother. She remains committed to Israel, despite current challenges, and is proud of her enduring career spanning over 40 years, marked by resilience and reinvention.
