Adnan Maral
This is how he stands by a “Turkish for Beginners” sequel
Adnan Maral plays the chief inspector Sami Fares in “WaPo Elbe”.
© ARD/Rudolf Wernicke
Adnan Maral is in action as a commissioner in “WaPo Elbe”. Would he play the policeman again in “Turkish for Beginners”?
The German-Turkish actor Adnan Maral (54) was one of the stars of the popular internationally acclaimed TV series “Turkish for Beginners” (2006-2008). In the patchwork family he played detective inspector Metin Öztürk and the father and stepfather of Cem (Elyas M’Barek, 40) and Lena (Josefine Preuss, 37). From February 14, Maral can be seen again as a police officer in a TV series. In the new pre-evening crime format “WaPo Elbe” (from 6:50 p.m., the first), he plays Chief Inspector Sami Fares from the water police, who, together with his colleagues, is responsible for the Elbe area between Dresden and the German-Czech border.
In an interview with the news agency spot on news, the 54-year-old tells how he likes his new role and the new location. In doing so, he reveals – fitting for Valentine’s Day – the secret of his happy marriage and whether he can imagine a sequel to “Turkish for Beginners”.
In “Wapo Elbe” your role ensures safety on one of the most beautiful waterways in Germany. Would you call water your element?
Adnan Maral: Personally, I think water is great. I am Cancer and the water has a magical attraction for me and at the same time a calming effect.
How did you like the location Pirna?
Maral: Pirna is beautiful, very cute and located directly on the Elbe. I didn’t know this corner of Germany – apart from Dresden – before that. The nature is incredible and it is a great pleasure to get to know this landscape, but also the people, their mentality and culture.
How did you prepare for your role?
Maral: I went swimming a lot (laughs). No not at all. We visited and spoke to the real water police officers. They are stationed on the Elbe, 300 meters as the crow flies from our film area. When the real officers drove their boats past ours, we always waved at each other and sometimes the horn was honked. That was really funny. And when we had questions, we asked them for advice.
You play a real tech nerd. What is your private life like?
Maral: I don’t know much about computers (laughs). But I learned a lot. But I am very familiar with vehicles on the water and on land, for example. I also know how an engine works and have even disassembled one before.
You live near the Ammersee. What do you particularly like about this place?
Maral: It just puts you in a good mood to keep rediscovering this landscape. In addition, people in Upper Bavaria are very positive, loving and very open.
The first episode of your new series will be released on Valentine’s Day. Do you already have plans for this special day?
Maral: I honor the special person I love and who is very close to me every day. So I don’t necessarily need this day to do that. I always try to show my love to my counterpart.
Would you say that you are romantic?
Maral: Of course. I am very romantic. You can also be romantic every day (laughs). It would be fatal if you always waited until February 14 for this. Still, it’s kind of nice to be reminded of it again. Because some people simply forget that in everyday life.
You and your wife, the Swiss actress Franziska Maral, live and work together. What is your secret of success for a happy marriage?
Maral: The secret of our success is that we don’t wait for Valentine’s Day, but for us every day is Valentine’s Day. Trust and respect are also important. In addition, you should not lose the fun with each other and develop a common culture of debate. We’ve learned how to talk to each other when we have disagreements without getting personal.
Your character Metin in “Turkish for Beginners” was always very romantic. To what extent can you imagine a sequel to the TV hit?
Maral: I can well imagine a sequel and would be happy. Unfortunately, I’m not the one who decides that. I would be back in a heartbeat because it was such a joy to shoot the series which, by the way, is still cutting edge, funny and humorous. I am also very grateful to the series, it was a great success. My 12-year-old daughter is watching it now because her friends started it. Actually, she didn’t want to watch it because I’m participating and it’s embarrassing.
She’s probably more of a fan of Elyas M’Barek…
Maral: Wait a minute, I have to talk to her (laughs). Yes, of course I understand that. He’s a great young man.
What is next for you, or for you and your wife, professionally?
Maral: We are preparing the shooting for “Barbecue with Ivana and Adnan”. I have a new barbecue partner by my side. At the same time, the Berlinale is just around the corner. We’re going to Berlin for that. There we have different invitations and meet different people from the film industry.