Itatí Cantoral and the challenge of playing a presidential candidate during Mexico's historic time - Interview

In a year marked by the Mexican elections, where two women are vying for the presidency, actress Itatí Cantoral faced the challenge of playing the villain Belén Rueda, a female presidential candidate as well, in the latest season of the hit series "El Señor de los Cielos".

Her role coincided with Mexico's historic electoral campaign, which features two main candidates: Claudia Sheinbaum, representing the ruling party MORENA, and Xóchitl Gálvez, from the opposition coalition.

This marks a significant milestone in a country where political leadership has been traditionally dominated by men. The prospect of a woman leading the nation has sparked widespread debate and excitement, symbolizing a broader shift towards gender equality in Mexican politics.

Itatí Cantoral reflects on the political moment and her role in ESDLC9

Cantoral, known for her versatility and acting talent, especially for her iconic role as Soraya Montenegro in "María la del Barrio," immersed herself in the complexity of an ambitious and ruthless character, who seeks power at all costs. Belén Rueda, an enigmatic and manipulative woman, has been the main antagonist of this season, facing the protagonist, Aurelio Casillas.

In an interview with the Latin Times, Itatí Cantoral shared her excitement at the possibility of a woman becoming president of Mexico, a "historic milestone" that fills her with "pride as a citizen."

However, the experience of playing a villain in a real political context has awakened in her a deep reflection on the nature of power and the dangers it entails. "One of the most dangerous things and where there are more bad people is in politics," said Cantoral."There are bad guys in real life."

"I am voting this year with both pride and more awareness than ever on what my vote means. I feel I know now the worst that can be on the side of politics and power," she said.

Learning the responsibilities of a politician

The actress emphasized the importance of using power for the common good and warns about the risks of falling into the temptation of evil. "There are people who do not know how to control [power]," she says. "When you have power in your hands, it goes hand in hand with evil and with the devil."

In the ninth season of "El Señor de los Cielos," viewers have witnessed the fierce struggle between Belén Rueda and Aurelio Casillas (played by Rafael Amaya,) two characters who represent opposite sides of power. The actress described her character as "a woman with a brilliant mind, whose strength and determination could be used for good, but who is consumed by ambition and the desire for revenge."

Cantoral's performance has captivated the audience and generated debate about the role of women in politics and the challenges they face in seeking power in a system traditionally dominated by men. The actress invites reflection on the importance of choosing leaders with integrity and the ability to use power to build a better future for all.