Our meeting with Hande takes place at the hotel where the actress is staying during her stay in Moscow. That evening, she’s attending the high-profile premiere of “Two Worlds, One Wish,” and for now, we’re discussing the film with producers Dzhemal and Can Okana. Hande is wearing a long, light-colored knit dress and brown pumps. Her hair is pulled back into a sleek low ponytail. Erçel smiles and answers our questions warmly, thanking us for our questions.
The plot of her new film centers on the romantic story of Bilge and Can. Many years ago, as children, they met in the hospital. Years passed, and old acquaintances crossed paths again: he is a sought-after architect with a worldwide reputation, she is a successful lawyer.
Hande, the description of the film says that you were its ideological inspiration. What does that mean?
I am the author of the idea for the film “Two Worlds, One Desire”, and my friend Elchin Muslu wrote the script for it after I told him about my idea. What inspired me to create this story? Probably, nostalgia for childhood and everything that reminds me of it. Events, people, even the smell of cookies – all this can take us back to the past. And inspire a new film (smiles).
So, the plot is based on your personal memories?
Rather thoughts, feelings. I know my character well because she lived with me, inside me, for a very long time. I created her and brought her to life.
You always choose films and series with a romantic or dramatic subtext.
Actually, there’s no mystery here; I simply take on what interests me and star in projects I’d like to be a part of. If I like the script or the character, if I feel it, if I understand that I can bring something of my own to this role, I agree.
Your partner in the film was actor Metin Akdülger, who played Sultan Murad in the series “Magnificent Century. Empire of Kosem”. How was it working together?
Metin is such a talented actor that he can be completely different. In one film he can be tough, and in another – gentle and romantic, he can play completely different characters, he has a very wide creative and professional range. The most important thing is that Metin gives his heart and soul to each of his characters. I always dreamed of playing him. And as soon as we started working, we immediately found a lot in common.
So, the filming was memorable?
Every day was simply amazing. Plus, the director of this project was Ketche (He is also known as the director of the series “Cranberry Sherbet” – editor’s note) . He has his own special look, vision. He created a world in which everyone wanted to play. And the entire crew, actors, cameramen, artists, costume designers – everyone with whom we shared the set, served this story.
This is not the first time you have played a lawyer. For example, in the series “Completely Different”, your character Leyla is a prosecutor. Do you feel comfortable in such roles?
You won’t believe it, but as a child I dreamed of becoming a lawyer, a criminal lawyer, but at the same time I also wanted to become an actress. Acting won out, as you understand (smiles).
You are coming to Moscow for the second time this year. The first was in January. Have you already received offers to star in Russian films?
Not yet, but I really hope that there will be some (smiles). I’m looking for proposals from Russian directors!
The film’s plot unfolds on New Year’s Eve – a magical and fabulous time. Do you believe in miracles?
Of course! Even this film is a true miracle. It began five years ago with literally a single sentence – an idea. And now we can see it on big screens all over the world. So let’s continue to believe in miracles and fairy tales! They definitely come true!
The film “Two Worlds, One Wish” is in cinemas from November 27.
