Youssef Wahbi, an Egyptian actor and director, recognised the young actress's talent so he offered her a lead role in the 1946 film "Malak al-Rahma" (ملاك الرحمة, "Angel of Mercy"). The film attracted widespread media attention, and Hamama, who was only 15 at the time, became famous for her melodramatic role. In 1949, Hamama had roles in three films with Wahbi: "Kursi al-I`tiraf" (كرسي الاعتراف, "Chair of Confession"), "Al-Yateematain" (اليتيمتين, "The Two Orphans") and "Sitt al-Bayt" (ست البيت, "Lady of the House"). All were successful films.