Burak Deniz: Even before I became an actor, I was a good-looking man (Exclusive)

"I like Aamir khan because he is not just an actor. He is also involved in socio-political issues and social causes. It's important for actors to express their feelings"- Burak
Dressed in white, wading through a sea of people willing to take selfies with him at FICCI Frames 2023 in Mumbai, one of the biggest actors in Turkey, Burak Deniz was upbeat about his first visit to India.Known for his work in 'Ask Laftan Anlamaz, Shahmaran and The Ignorant Angels’, despite the chaos, heat, and exhaustion on his short two-day visit, he took a breather and sat with Bombay Times for a tête-à-tête. The Turkish heartthrob spoke about Indian films, food, and people in an exclusive interview with Bombay Times during his first visit to India. Excerpts...

Most handsome man in the world, one of the hottest actors alive… Do you like these labels being bestowed upon you?
I am not speaking in a proud, cocky manner or thinking too highly of myself but even before I became an actor, I was a good-looking man. People were attracted to me before as well. What has changed is the fact that now people compliment me openly. I am flattered and it’s good to know that people find me attractive.

What were you expecting India to be like before you landed here?
Spicy food, hot weather and I experienced both. I got a great welcome.
Were you aware of your massive popularity here?
It was nice to interact with fans. Streaming platforms have brought the world closer. A change has happened. Language barriers are diminishing. Cinematic language is getting more global. People now watch Korean, Indian, Turkish series widely. It’s nice to be exposed to different cultures as an audience. Also, the human emotions stay constant, no matter what language or country you go to and that is relatable. All of this is bringing us together and making us more united. Movies are now a collective experience.

Are you familiar with Indian films or actors?
Yes, I liked PK and 3 Idiots. Wait wait wait!! Lady! Whenever I say in India that I know Aamir Khan there's a sense of surprise. Let me tell you, everyone back home (in Turkey) knows Aamir Khan, of course. Hindi cinema is watched in Turkey. I like Aamir because he is not just an actor. He is also involved in socio-political issues and social causes like water conservation. I remember him meeting our Turkish First Lady Emine Erdogan in Istanbul in 2020, while shooting for his film (Laal Singh Chaddha) in Turkey. It's important for actors to express their feelings which people often resonate with. You are lucky to have an actor like him who doesn't live in a cocoon but has a wider outlook towards life, various cultures, and people.

What would you like to explore in India when you visit us the next time?
I wish I could stay for longer, but I am here just for two days this time. I will have to go back immediately as my shoot is ongoing. I love India. I knew I had just two days, but I still came over. This was not a vacation, but I hope to come back for one later. I want to explore the Street food and local life in India. I am not too curious about touristy places or looking for stuff that I can also find in Turkey. I want to see how people go about their day-to-day life here. Nothing gives a better idea about a place than the people who inhabit it.

What do you think makes Turkish series and movies so relatable for people in India?
We are a Mediterranean country, but we fall between Europe, the middle east and Asia. The culture of Anatolia is to welcome other cultures. We are very emotional people and that reflects in our films and series. That makes our projects more sincere because they are closer to who we are as people. Of course, there are popcorn projects also that are simply made for entertainment. The ones that work the most are the ones with human connect.