Neslihan is so self-confident that it doesn’t take long for her to mesmerize everyone around. While most of us cannot attach a meaning to their existence all their lives, it’s magical that she could make that “life decisions” around the age of 7-8 and began to fight for it soon after. She is so confident about what she wants that nothing can stop us. We begin to talk about acting for which she feels a deep sense of passion and patience.
We wonder one thing about people who start acting at a very young age. Are they led to this career by their families or do they persuade their families about this choice? How was your story?
I was seven or eight and was watching a movie with my father. Suddenly, I looked at him and said, “Dad, I’m going to be an actress.” He said, “You can.” Maybe he didn’t pay attention or maybe he fully believed in me. I don’t know. When I was 13, I found the number of an agency in a phone book. I told my mother about it, persuaded her and enrolled in an agency. It was my first step. The second was to wait. (laughs)
You are 25 and you have a 12-year experience in your career. How does affect the way you look at peer actors?
If it did affect my view of them, then I’d think “You didn’t learn anything.” The path I chose is very long and I still have a great distance to go.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be an actor?
To have self-confidence, ambition and patience.
We know you love the character Joker. Whose is your favorite?
Heath Ledger’s.
Heath Ledger talks about the interaction he had with his character by saying, “I loved playing Joker because there was no limit to what he could do or say.” How would you define a role that’s pleasant to act?
He said it best, and I want to feel that way! I imagine it must feel great to be limitless and play a character without a social gender. I cannot describe it to you. But if I’m excited or anxious about a role, then it’s pleasant for me.
What is the biggest sacrifice you’ve made to push the limits of your profession?
Time – it’s the biggest thing I’ve sacrificed for my profession. Actually, it’s a sacrifice at first and a profit later. A profit-oriented sacrifice, so to speak.
How do you think our changing habits of screen use affected the industry?
I think it’s a positive one. Some people completely forgot about TV. Now, they watch series of movies on the Internet – even the ones broadcast on TV. I support the digital with the hope of creating unique and free projects.
What is next for you?
We’re working on a show for the digital platform, and I’m very excited about it. After reading the script, I thought “I have to be a part of this.” I hope it turns out great because we’re all very excited and motivated.
Do you feel like you’re experiencing everything at a fast speed? Professional experience, marriage… A burden that makes you feel that you have to live everything fast. How do you feel about it?
Actually, I try to live everything more as if I’m trying to get to a place. (laughs) Why would I be burdened with my experiences? If we can cast our judgment aside, they can be our compass in life. They become heavy only when we label them as such. I live what I want how I want!
Are you a person who makes plans?
Depends. Sometimes I’m very organized and sometimes it’s the opposite.
Bits and Pieces
A line?
“Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.”
A movie scene?
It’s from Ulysses’ Gaze by Angelopulos. The scene where they take Len’s sculpture.
A movie you could watch many times?
The Fall.
The song you recently listen to the most?
Dead Man by Neil Young.
The phrase you use the most?
“Do you know what I mean?”