Timur Ülker: “Caroline is simply the perfect partner”

The “GZSZ” spin-off “Nihat – Alles auf Anfang” shows RTL in five episodes in a row on September 22nd and 23rd at the usual “Good Times, Bad Times” time at 7:40 pm. Nihat goes in search of his roots and his biological family. The trail to his mother leads him to Hamburg’s red-light district. In an interview with the news agency spot on news, Nihat actor Timur Ülker (32) talks about the athletic and emotional preparation for shooting his own series. The actor also reveals how he reconciles family and work and what his partner Caroline has to do with it.

You have been with “GZSZ” since 2018, and now you have your own series. Did you respect the challenge?

Timur Ülker: There was definitely some excitement. At “GZSZ” you have a group of about 20 people in the main cast. Then the stories vary, sometimes Nihat has a story, sometimes someone else. Now the whole dramatic bow is spun around my role and the burden is practically on my shoulders. But the result can definitely be seen and turned out very well, that reassured me.

How did you prepare?

Ülker: I did a lot of sport, just to feel good and to lose a little weight. I prefer to go jogging and have a small weight bench in my basement. I wanted to go back to Nihat’s old six-pack, with which he became known at “GZSZ” – but in the meantime I’ve gained weight again (laughs). We also had some stunt rehearsals in preparation. Especially in the finale we have dramatic images and daring fight scenes.

Gamze Senol aka Shirin is celebrating a small comeback in the series. How was the reunion with her?

Ülker: It was very nice. If you get along well, you don’t forget to play together; Shirin and Nihat immediately harmonized again. As a colleague, I would be very happy if Gamze would return to “GZSZ”.

Her role Nihat regularly scores with charm and intelligence at “GZSZ”. Can you keep up with that privately?

Ülker: We are both little smart asses in any case, but I am in the light version. And if Nihat wants to achieve something, he’ll do everything, we have that in common. But Nihat is definitely a bit more intelligent than Timur (laughs). I often have to google what’s written in the script and then have to learn it by heart. Wherever we differ: Nihat jumps from branch to branch and quickly loses interest, especially when choosing a partner. On the other hand, I’ve been in a happy relationship for eight years.

The series is about Nihat’s personal story, he wants to find his biological family. What were your first thoughts when reading the script?

Ülker: When I read the script, I just had goosebumps all the time and was emotionally moved. I can understand that Nihat is going on this journey to find his mother. The story has followed him for a long time at “GZSZ” and now he finds out that his mother’s last sign of life was in Hamburg. He wants to go there to shed light on the darkness. I’ve also done a lot of research and read about people who have been adopted, who have plunged into an existential crisis and who are asking themselves questions like: Why did my mother give me away? Was it my fault, wasn’t I good enough? I was fortunate that my mother was always behind me. She was always there for me and when I imagine that this is now all based on a lie … My family is very important to me, it is my home.

How do you reconcile family and work?

Ülker: It is important to have a partner who has my back and who is always, really always there for me. Caroline is just the perfect partner and perfect mom. It’s the lid for my pot. I work a lot, but when I can spend the moments with the children and the family, then I take advantage of them and enjoy them. And: I don’t sleep very much, I usually only allow myself enough sleep when I’m on vacation (laughs).

You shot the new series in your hometown of Hamburg. How was that for you?

Ülker: The series is about criminal machinations and drug deals and as a native of Hamburg I used to have that on my doorstep. The police kept coming and I watched everything from the window – memories came up. But on the whole it was nice. We really had the most beautiful corners of Hamburg to shoot. The whole of the Great Freedom, where the young Timur was previously turned away by bouncers, was cordoned off for us, which I would never have dreamed of. That was surreal.

Do you still like going to clubs?

Ülker: Definitely, if the current situation allows it and there is time. I prefer to sit at the table with my friends over a beer or two, we enjoy the music and maybe dance too. I think that’s cool, but unfortunately it has become the exception and absolute luxury for me.