Written by By Ayesha Tarafdar, CNN
To get Lindsay Lohan into the limelight, she had to get in trouble. But after more than a decade of media antics (many of which were documented on camera), the 30-year-old actress’ new documentary, Lindsay, premiered on US television last week.
But there’s more — that is if she decides to get engaged to boyfriend Bader Shammas.
Sharaz is a 26-year-old actor, model and the co-founder of James Murphy’s Odd Future clothing brand, Zephyro. Shammas proposed to Lindsay Lohan — officially known as Lindsey Steele — in Dubai back in February.
A Persian vase — with diamonds and Aiden, Sharaz’s pet dog — rests on Lindsey Lohan’s hand. Credit: MANDEL NGAN/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
“To say a video changed my life would be an understatement,” Lindsey tells CNN. “It was the first time I’d ever heard ‘Will you marry me?’ from someone. It was something I’d only ever seen on the news as a kid.”
Is it still Lindsay?
Lindsay Lohan’s engagement ring — with a brilliant-cut diamond. Credit: MANDEL NGAN/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
“I love his lips,” Lindsey continued. “The world got to see the person I met before — someone passionate and keen with his craft. I like the fact that he’s a bit off. He’s known for his creativity and for speaking his mind.”
In part two of the “Lindsay” documentary, Lindsay shows viewers her engagement ring for the first time. “I didn’t know what to think when he asked me, but yes, I said yes,” she says in the film. “He’s my dream guy.”
Even more than the sparkler, her family seem to believe it’s the real deal. As the couple walk around the grounds of the glitzy Dubai hotel where they’ve spent the last week, her mother, Dina Lohan, says “Oh my God, that’s [the ring] for sure!”
Lindsay and Bader Shammas in Dubai. “The world got to see the person I met before” — Lindsey Lohan tells CNN. Credit: MANDEL NGAN/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
‘Respecting the roots’
The two met through the actor’s sister, Ali Lohan, who was in contact with Shammas’ brother. The pair initially met in 2011 when Lindsay was in Dubai filming “Scary Movie 5.” After their first meeting in person, Lindsay invited Shammas to dinner.
“I showed up, and we had an amazing time on the boat, drinking, having a lot of cocktails and catching up,” Shammas said. “Then that night I think she started to feel quite sentimental and reached out again. I was definitely flattered that she reached out to me the second time.”
Despite the sheen of newlywed excitement, Lindsay says it’s been a bittersweet trip: “While I’m trying to have the kind of romantic trip I’ve always dreamed of, being in Dubai is really grounding. In spite of all of the crazy things that go on here — drinking too much alcohol, drinking more than I should be drinking — it’s a very laid back place.”
In spite of all of the crazy things that go on here — drinking too much alcohol, drinking more than I should be drinking — it’s a very laid back place. Lindsay Lohan
Lindsay also says the city “has taken me to where I am right now.”
“The best thing I’ve taken with me so far is the opportunities I’ve met and the changes in my perspective of life — not just in the UAE, but globally,” she says. “I’ve traveled all over the world and it’s taught me so much. The Gulf — the Middle East — represents culture, religion, a history that I feel like I can carry with me throughout the rest of my life.”