In 2021, his dedication finally won him the coveted role of Alexander in B for Busy, a Shanghai-flavored film that features a talented cast of local stars all speaking in the Shanghai dialect.

Faced with the formidable task of mastering the dialect quickly and delivering a nuanced performance that humorously comments on the intricate romantic lives of the main characters, he doubled down on his efforts, seeking guidance from veteran actors and fellow students, tirelessly rehearsing and memorizing his lines.

The release of B for Busy at the end of 2021 propelled the young Yemeni to stardom. The hit movie pulled in over 250 million yuan ($34.5 million) at the box office in just one month, and made a stir on social platforms.

Now a familiar face, he is often recognized in coffee shops and on city streets with the query, "Aren't you Alexander?" Riding the wave of his character's popularity, he subsequently starred in plays including Baoxing Alley, as well as a theatrical adaptation of B for Busy. Meanwhile, new film and stage opportunities continue to present themselves.

In terms of his future, he says he will definitely finish university and get a degree before forging his own path in the performance industry.

"As a stage actor in Shanghai, there are a lot of opportunities, because theater here is developing very well," he says.

"But as a foreign actor, it is also difficult. I hope the film and acting industry will offer more opportunities for foreign actors because if China really wants to make it big in films, it has to think that way."

Hamza Al-Sal knows that his father hopes the sons will help him with the family business, but the father has never forced him to give up his desire to act. "Young people need to struggle for their dreams even if they end up in failure," he says. "I believe I will succeed. If I haven't made it by the time I'm 35, I might go back home and help my father with the family business."

Looking ahead, he envisions directing a film that explores the experiences of foreigners living in China, while continuing to pursue his acting dreams.

"Shanghai is an international city. I want to incorporate international elements into my film that represent the life of a foreigner in China. I want to be the first to make that kind of movie here."

Wang Biye contributed to this story.