In An Endless Space Kubilay Aka

Young and successful actor Kubilay Aka, who has fitted many different roles in his career, says the best thing about acting is preparing for a new role. Also known for his musical talent, Aka manages to have new experiences despite his busy schedule.

Vest: Dilek Hanif, Gizia Gate

Pants: Vakko

Shoes: Kill Your Idols

Brooch: Canan Yolaç

Everything’s changing fast, and every day, we wake up to a new element in our lives. How do you see this fast change? Are you quick to embrace the new, or do you adapt to it more slowly?

I learn more about something new when I experience it step by step, which makes me more self-confident in what I do. So, I’m a bit cautious when it comes to new things. I listen to the opinions of people I trust, think about it, and embrace that change if I feel ready.

What do you do to prepare for a new role and to adapt to a new character?

I think it’s the most fun aspect of my job. It’s extremely entertaining for me to try and adapt to a new character in a new world. I make my utmost effort to properly analyse the character and how he relates to other characters and to his own world, what he reflects to those around him and what happens inside his head, and what he does when the audience doesn’t see him. For me, this process usually takes place behind a desk, imagining him in my head, and on the phone talking to directors and screenwriters. After filtering all this in my head, I mostly want to be by myself. I try acting at home which helps me contribute to the “gestus” of the character’s pose and walk. The rest comes alive on set. The feedback from directors is crucial as well. Indeed, a character comes alive in a long process, but I enjoy defining the outlines of the character before filming and blending it with the director’s feedback.

What are the most pleasant and challenging things about acting?

Acting is a world of freedom where we can explore new worlds, emotions and overcome our limitations. It’s like a playground where kids play. I’m usually the kid who doesn’t want to go home. I enjoy every aspect of it whether it’s being on set or putting in an effort. It’s a lovely thing to share with others on set. There are challenges to it, too. You have to work no matter the conditions; cold or hot, snow or rain. You live according to the set schedule and do not have to have an organised life. For instance, you have to hit the road at four in the morning to catch a specific hue of light in the sky. After arriving at the set, these challenges just disappear, and I feel really happy to be there.

If there were a time machine and you could travel into the past or the future, which would you prefer? Is there a specific period you wish to see, and why?

I think I’d like to visit ancient Egypt. I’ve watched a lot of documentaries about the pyramids, and there are many myths as to how they were built. I would love to see how they were constructed back then. I read that they attached great importance to personal hygiene and style, and we know that both men and women wore makeup. However, there was also a division of class where the rich were immensely rich and the poor were extremely poor. The wealth of nobles was incredible because slavery was regarded as normal. I would love to see the elegance and cruelty of those times. The world isn’t all that different now; there is still a huge gap between social classes. It’s so sad to look back at ancient Egypt only to see that we haven’t progressed much in terms of human rights despite industrial and technological revolutions.

You’re also interested in music. How did this come about? Do you have any plans to make it a part of your career journey?

When I was a kid, my father bought me a guitar for my birthday. My family did everything in its power so that the children could improve themselves, so they picked our gifts accordingly. I didn’t touch the guitar for two years, it just stood there. Then I decided to go to a class. I learned a little, and my teacher was great. Then I thought it was more fun to improve on my own. I didn’t stop with the guitar and started learning many other things. Music has opened up a new world to me. I greatly enjoy playing or writing music, and feel wonderful if people enjoy it when they listen to it. However, I want it to stay this way for now. I have this endless place available to me, and I feel happier to enjoy it on my own.

You also love cooking and trying new recipes. Do you have any hobbies besides music and cooking? Do you enjoy trying and learning new things?

I've been into camping recently. Two days a month, I set out with two of my friends for winter camping. If you’re interested, I definitely recommend it. I also love animals. My friend has a veterinary clinic, so I sometimes go there to help them. A lot of animals need our help. I often play football. I play in two teams, and we play for 90 minutes twice every week. I can only find time for these when I’m working.

“MUSIC HAS OPENED UP A NEW WORLD TO ME. I GREATLY ENJOY PLAYING OR WRITING MUSIC. I HAVE THIS ENDLESS SPACE AVAILABLE TO ME, AND I FEEL HAPPIER TO ENJOY IT ON MY OWN FOR NOW.”