Müjde Uzman shared insights into her portrayal of Alev in the hit Turkish series One Love in an exclusive interview for Episode Magazine’s MIPTV 2024 issue. From discussing Alev’s humorous and transformative journey over two seasons to reflecting on the series’ international success and resonance with audiences abroad, Müjde Uzman offered a glimpse into the depth of her character and the impact of One Love‘s storytelling on a global scale.
One Love has consistently ranked among the top 3 most viewed and discussed TV series in Türkiye for the past two seasons. How do you perceive the character Alev and the series One Love within the context of your career, and what significance does it hold for you?
Alev is very, very special to me. Because for the first time, she is funny and witty, unlike the characters that have come to me so far. I have incredible fun portraying her. Thanks to her, the viewers were able to see my humorous side, which was only known in my close circle.
Since the second season began, Alev has been at the center of a whirlwind of change. How would you describe Alev’s transformation over these two seasons?
Alev was really loved, thanks to our screenwriters. In the first season, we mostly saw Alev’s crazy, cheerful, reckless side, but also consistent and determined when necessary. In the second season, as the story progressed, we started to see more of her inner world, and as a result of the events in the family, her resentments, her child spirit, and what she did not reflect to the outside were revealed. We are now witnessing her more emotional, more unstable, darker sides.
One Love isn’t like those works where two characters take center stage and side characters simply develop the plot. It shows us the characters’ journeys, their dilemmas, and their decisions. This focus on a well-rounded cast makes the series so strong. What kind of experience is it for you to be part of such a talented group in a multi-character story?
Simply marvellous. We always talk about this among ourselves as actors. Not only because we couldn’t think of any other actors who were chosen for each character, but also because everyone is the lead and everyone has a story. It is absolutely a very enjoyable situation for the audience and for us.
The series’ international sales are also thriving. There’s an important event coming up at MIPTV. How are you feeling about MIPTV? Also, what were the most interesting comments you’ve received about One Love from international audiences?
We are watched from many parts of the world, which is very honoring in itself. Despite the 10 hour difference, there are people who gather at midnight to watch it at the same time it is aired in Türkiye, or people who watch it on airplanes, in between their work, during breaks. It is a very happy and impressive thing.
Müjde Uzman: ”Fostering unity in this complicated world we live in is the thing that makes me the happiest.”
In its first season, One Love tackled the contrasting worldviews of two families, exploring their interactions and the characters’ reactions to unfolding events. It was the first time we saw the issues in Turkish society so openly in a TV series. Do you think the first season was challenging for audiences abroad in this respect?
If you had asked me before I saw the reactions, I would have said yes, it would be difficult. But now I see that despite foreign languages and completely different cultures, we have been understood and somehow we have been able to touch everyone’s inner world. Believe me, this makes me very emotional. Fostering unity in this complicated world we live in is the thing that makes me the happiest.
This exclusive interview with Müjde Uzman was published in Episode’s MIPTV 2024 issue.
