Tan Caglar can be seen as a police officer for the first time in the new Berlin “Tatort” location. In the interview he grants a look behind the scenes.
There is a new face in Berlin’s “Tatort”: Tan Caglar (born 1980) can be seen for the first time in his role as Malik Aslan in “Die Kalten und die Toten” (November 14, Das Erste). He takes the place of Anna Feil (Carolyn Genzkow, 29) and supports the two inspectors Nina Rubin (Meret Becker, 52) and Robert Karow (Mark Waschke, 49) in the investigation.
For the native of Hildesheim, who has so far made a name for himself primarily as a comedian, it is not his first engagement as an actor. Since August he can be seen in the successful series “In aller Freundlichkeit”. This makes him the first real wheelchair user who embodies a doctor on German television – and now also the first to play an investigator.
Caglar is very pleased that he can prove his talent at the Berlin “Tatort” event. “I actually come from the comedy corner and was accepted anyway. That was a great feeling,” says the all-rounder. In an interview with the news agency spot on news, he reveals how nervous Caglar was before the first day of shooting, how the collaboration with Meret Becker and Mark Waschke worked and to what extent he perceives a change in the German television landscape.
You slip into the role of Malik Aslan for the first time in the new “Tatort: The Cold and the Dead”. How did the engagement come about?
Tan Caglar: It was in the middle of lockdown. I was lying in the hammock in the garden and then the call came. At that time, I was already in the casting for “In aller Freunde” and thought to myself: “Wow, a role in such a great series soon. That is an accolade for a beginner.” Then my agency called and asked: “Fancy a ‘crime scene’? You are looking for someone for a new role.” I thought I can give it a try. After all, “Tatort” is the Champions League. I was very lucky in the end.
What was the first thing you thought when you were accepted?
Caglar: “That can’t be true.” After all, an incredible number of actresses and actors apply. I actually come from the comedy corner and was accepted anyway. It was a great feeling. My parents used to say to me: “If we have learned anything about the Germans, it is that you go to church on Sundays and turn on ‘Tatort’ in the evening.” After I got the approval, I said to my parents: “From now on you can see me at the ‘Tatort’ after church on Sunday.”
So you followed the “crime scene” before you got involved?
Caglar: I started with “Tatort” when Götz George alias Schimanski was still filming. I also visited the Münster “crime scene” often. The Berlin “Tatort” in preparation anyway. I am very happy that I got the Berliner because I find it very edgy and raw. I like that. However, I have noticed that I can no longer watch films in peace. I always wonder: why did he say that? Why is it filmed from this angle? I’ve gotten totally analytical since becoming an actor.
How nervous were you before the first day of shooting?
Caglar: When I was filming “In aller Freunde” I had a rough idea of how it might work. But of course there are differences. Finally, I slip into another role in another genre. In “Tatort” I play a policeman who, as a wheelchair user, deals sarcastically with his situation. I am a serious doctor in “In aller Freund’s”. I find this change exciting.
Your role in “Tatort” always has a funny slogan on your lips. How is there an overlap with yourself?
Caglar: I have the feeling that the scriptwriters looked at a lot of me in advance. But it is also a good fit to appear as a wheelchair user with a certain sense of humor.
You also sing in the new crime thriller. Did that cost you overcoming?
Caglar: I used to think: “If I do something with television, hopefully I never have to sing.” I also said to the director: “I hope the position comes at the end, because it could be that from then on the audience rating will drop rapidly.” ‘Cause I can’t sing The director patted me on the shoulder and encouraged me: “Oh, don’t worry. Nobody sees that.” Now I’m in “Tatort” for the first time and I also have to sing Elvis’ “Love Me Tender” – that’s all I can do. But I’ve already watched the episode and didn’t think it was as bad as I thought.
How was the collaboration with Meret Becker and Mark Waschke?
Caglar: Great. You were very nice to me. At the beginning it is always like when you come to a new school class. But they welcomed me well. We talked a lot and the two of them gave me tips – but also just let me do it. I was very pleased that we got along so well. Of course, you don’t know that beforehand.
Were you able to spend time together outside of filming?
Caglar: I recently met Meret by chance in Berlin. We met in a hotel and immediately hugged each other. We ate together and talked a lot about the “crime scene” – also about the next one. I’m looking forward to seeing the boys and girls again when filming starts again.
Unfortunately, Meret Becker will go into “Tatort” retirement in 2022. So you only had two cases with her then. How are you doing with that?
Caglar: I’m glad I managed to shoot two “crime scenes” with her. It’s also exciting that I’ll be there when there is a change. Meret’s successor, Corinna Harfouch, belongs to the top league of actresses. I have great respect for it. Especially now that I am in front of the camera as an actor. Having a new colleague will certainly be exciting. So I have one laughing and one crying eye. Of course, the best thing would be if Meret stayed and we had two female inspectors (laughs).
Who are you going to watch the first episode with?
Caglar: We are doing a public viewing with friends and family at home – open air in the garden – and we already have 21 registrations. I’m wondering whether we should maybe charge entry and sell blankets, then it’s really worth it (laughs).
Are you already very nervous?
Caglar: I’m nervous. After all, it’s the first “crime scene” and you don’t know how people will react. That’s why I’m excited and excited about it.
You seem to have a run for the moment when it comes to roles. In your opinion, why is that?
Caglar: On the one hand, it has a lot to do with the fact that diversity is playing an increasingly important role. With me you have the quota disabled and the quota foreigner in one person (laughs). But of course that’s not all. It is also type-dependent, the role must ultimately suit you. If you also sit in a wheelchair, it is an extra point, but certainly not the main reason. You can also tell from the fact that the subject of wheelchairs is not a major theme in the films – and that’s exactly how it has to be. The channels are becoming more and more modern and changing the way they think.
You are the first actor in a wheelchair to portray a doctor and an investigator on German television. In other formats such as “Die Toten von Salzburg”, “Eifel Practice” or “Blind Determined”, the protagonists are embodied by actors who have no disabilities. How do you see it
Caglar: Those in charge probably think it’s safer to cast an actor who just pretends to be in a wheelchair. Because using a wheelchair is probably easier than acting. However, more and more people are now saying, “If we have a wheelchair user who can play well, why shouldn’t we occupy him?” Of course, nobody is allowed to get the job just because they’re in a wheelchair.
Can you see the difference if someone is really in a wheelchair?
Caglar: We wheelchair users see when someone has just sat down and drives. During “In aller Freund’s”, some viewers have already asked the broadcaster whether I am really in a wheelchair. But not as many as I thought. So a lot of people see the difference. There are actors who say, “I’ve been doing it, I’ve been driving around for a day.” It’s like when someone says to me: “I know exactly how it is. I sat in a wheelchair for a week myself.” This is nonsense, of course. Occupying real wheelchair users is a good approach that many production companies are now taking. This is a great development and a vote of confidence.
What’s next for you?
Caglar: “In all friendship”, the “Tatort” and my comedy appearances seldom give me a day off. At the moment I have to cancel a lot of acting offers due to time constraints. Making a movie would be a big dream of mine. Or your own program or show. We already have a lot of good ideas. I always want to develop myself further in what I do. But I’m also open to new things …