Casablanca – Raja Battaoui
Tuba Buyukustun stayed away from the spotlight since she appeared in “Flower Girl” in 2010. She became famous for her role as “Lamis” in the show inspired by “My Fair Lady”. The show reunited the young Turkish actress and Onur Saylak - they got married not long after the film was finished. Buyukustun retired from acting during her pregnancy but after giving birth to twins, she is ready to restart her career. She recently made her first appearance since her pregnancy when launching Pantene’s new shampoo line in Morocco. Arabstoday interviewed Tuba Buyukustun during her visit in Casablanca. Arabstoday: You recently visited the Women Solidarity Association in Morocco, why? Tuba Buyukustun: The idea was suggested by representatives at Procter and Gamble, and I liked it because I’m interested in everything related to social work. When I met the women of the association, I was able to understand these women’s lives. I met Aicha Chenna, the president of the association, who is making tremendous effort to enable these women and children to have a better life. AT: How much time do you dedicate to social work? TB: I’m trying to do as much as I possibly can. I was very happy that I was also able to visit an association that cares about children with autism. AT: Straight after finishing “Flower Girl” you married co-star Onur Saylak… Did you know each other before the show? TB: We knew each other before working together, but we grew closer while filming the show. AT: You had twins lately, how do you balance your time between work and family? TB: I took time off work during the pregnancy and spent most of my time with my daughters. Now, I’m ready to work and will soon start on a new show. I know that the nature of my work will take up most of my time, but I am dedicating my free time with my daughters. AT: How have you managed to stay in shape after the pregnancy? TB: I didn’t follow a specific diet so that I could give my twins the nutrition they need. After the pregnancy, I was really active when around them, we play and jump around a lot. Actually I didn’t expect to lose weight so quickly, but I’m glad I did. Raja Battaoui: Is your next role similar to the characters you played before? Tuba Buyukustun: The next character I’m playing is completely different from anything I've done before. It’s very much different to the romantic, dreamy woman I played before. But I won’t give too much away, but the audience see me in a new light.