TURKISH STAR - NURETTIN SÖNMEZ, AN EXCLUSIVE HEART-TO-HEART FOR HIS PAKISTANI FANS
Who hasn’t yet heard about the phenomenal TV show ‘Dirilis: Ertugrul’, unless you have been living under some rock - the show became a massive success in Pakistan back in 2020 with series of actors from the drama catching a new fame and fan following in Pakistan. It may have been surprising for the actors initially but then it kind of became a norm and soon enough the love of Pakistani audience pulled the stars of the show towards them – some even paying a visit to the country. We have been extremely lucky and honored to be at the forefront of introducing those actors to Pakistan one after the other through our publication. This time we have none other than Nurettin Sönmez, aka ‘Bamsı Beyrek’ who was kind enough to spare his time for us. The Turkish actor’s innate charisma, great sense of humour, laid-back character and sharp intelligence would immediately turn you into a fan of his, even if you have no idea who he is. Without further ado let’s dive right into the interview that the actor literally wrote for us in his beautiful, artistic handwriting – certainly nothing can live up to the personal touch of writing a text...
Hello Nurettin. Pleasure to have you on our cover this month. Tell us a little about yourself: where were you born and where did you grow up?
Hello! It is my pleasure, thank you very much. I was born in the city of Istanbul and I grew up in a beautiful district – we were like a family with all our neighbours.
What about your education? Was acting something you always wanted to do, or did you have other plans? We hear that you’re also a martial arts teacher so how did acting happen?
I never let the child inside me get lost – in my childhood I used to play games but even as I grew up, that didn’t change.
"I never plan anything in my life and always do what I want to do – I just go with my instinct"
Did you have any idols or role models that you took as an example?
No I didn’t have any.
What did you have in mind when you first became an actor? With what motivation did you want to be an actor? Did you find what you hoped? What is the hardest part of fame?
"What is fame? Do you really live your life by your mind? Do you really compromise everything like success, beauty, power, etc. ? Whether you’re an actor, a teacher or a parent, just be yourself – only then you can really do anything with love and passion."
We’ve seen you in a few dramas but your role in ‘Diriliş: Ertuğrul’, is what introduced you to the Pakistani audience — what kind of roles do you see yourself doing in the future?
I can do many roles in the future – A police officer, a mentally challenged or perhaps a crazy guy screaming at people about what really the reality is, or even a passionate lover setting his women’s heart free.
Any chance of a collaboration with the Pakistani entertainment industry? Any favourite Pakistani actors you’d love to share screen space with?
Yes I had the honorable chance which I am grateful for. Both the actors and actresses are good looking with their own amazing talents.
The Pakistani audience loved your role as ‘Bamsı Beyrek’ in the series ‘Diriliş: Ertuğrul’. How strongly do you identify with this character you play? In your view, why do you think the show resonates with the Pakistani audience? Would you like to give the Pakistani audience a message?
‘Bamsı Beyrek’ is a very respectful and beautiful character for me. He’s strong, simple but deep, lovely and wild. His love is like a heaven and his hate is like hell. Pakistani audience and all others loved this show because all the warriors were the examples of having the combination of mind, heart, body and soul with all beautiful human beings’ values. And for me this is the best message.
You have a huge fan following in Pakistan and you also recently visited the country. Tell us what did you like the most about Pakistan and where do you think we lack and can work on? Anything similarities you picked on between Türkiye and Pakistan?
I’ve said this before that Pakistani people are hot blooded, sincere and have similar values like us. It was a great experience to meet with my Pakistani fans – their love is very precious for me.
When you are by yourself, as Nurettin, what makes you happy, what excites you the most, what occupations make you feel good?
When I am alone, I am out in the nature, enjoying it in its truest form, talking to the tress, being in the sea. Yes that’s me. And if I have someone next to me that I love then I just feel pure joy. What else a person needs?
This month we’re celebrating fashion and style. How do you define your personal style and what’s your go-to favourite piece of clothing
"Fashion is a fake thing for me I think but enjoyable and colourful."
I always prefer freestyle – clothes that are comfortable and I can easily walk around in out on the streets, run, fight and even dance...
What’s next for Nurettin Sönmez? Anything your fans here in Pakistan should look forward to?
"A new serial is about to hit the TV screens this year – another chance to touch the hearts and feel the love of the audience. Lots of love, hugs and kisses for my fans."
RAPID FIRE
Describe yourself in 3 words
Free/independent, honest and unpredictable
Who do you admire the most?
I admire the light... so whomever has the light
What is your favourite song?
I have many. Why only one favourite?
What is the first thing you notice about the opposite sex?
Face, feet and the back side
What do you think your spirit animal would be and why?
Not would be; it is and not one. It is Bengal Tiger, relaxed and wild
What is your favourite movie?
Many movies, starting with 'Matrix'
What foods do you dislike?
I love food
Weirdest thing you ever asked Google?
Who is Nurettin Sönmez
If a movie was made of your life what genre would it be, who would play you?
It would be an 'adventure' movie, full of passion. No one would play me. I play me!
What was the last film you watched?
'Blade Runner'
What fashion trend do you just not get?
The trend where men look like women
What is your best childhood memory?
Running away from home and exploring the streets
What is one item you could never live without?
Not one... my boots, my zippo and beads
Your greatest achievement?
I don’t have an achievement. I only have me.
Your advice to your future self?
Just don’t think about anything too much
Greatness or happiness?
What is happiness? They’re all the lies people are following. Just find peace in your heart and free your spirit then you’ll know the reality.
Message to our followers...
Enjoy and don’t be a slave. Kisses
INTERVIEW: SUNDUS UNSAR RAJA
PROJECT MANAGER & COORDINATOR: GOKSEN SEL CAYIRLIOGLU
MANAGEMENT: SOPHISTO GLOBAL MEDYA
PHOTOGRAPHY: CEM TALU STYLING: ECEM EMIR, GIZEM MAVIS
HAIR & MAKEUP: OSMAN NURI BURUK
STYLIST DESIGNER: SARFRAZ AKBAR
BRAND: SARTORIA DI AMBASSADOR