After a long break from television, Berk Cankat is back on screen. The talented actor has joined the cast of Aşk ve Gözyaşı, taking on the role of Ercan.
In an interview with the Turkish edition of WS MEN, he spoke about his new character and opened up about life away from the cameras.
The project Aşk ve Gözyaşı: what made you say “this is it” when you first saw it?
When I read the script, I was struck by how layered Ercan was. On one hand he is strong, but at the same time trapped between past and present. He carries wounds, yet also hope. For an actor, that kind of role is thrilling.
What feeling do you want the audience to have toward your character?
I don’t want viewers to lock onto a single emotion. In one scene they might hate him, and in another wonder if he’s actually right. He isn’t straightforward. The most valuable thing for me is if the audience keeps changing their minds while following his story.
If you were in Selim’s situation, would you still choose divorce?
Selim’s circumstances are very heavy. Everyone might react differently. I think I would try to share every moment and every feeling.
Can love exist without tears?
Love isn’t just joy and laughter. Sometimes it’s silence, sometimes it’s tears. That’s part of its nature.
Do you see yourself in Ercan, or are you completely different?
In the way he experiences emotions and looks at life, I recognize a lot of myself. But there are also big differences. We have different methods, different reactions, and his path is nothing like mine.
What keeps you motivated on set?
Filming is like a school. We may be the ones in front of the camera, but behind it there’s a big team. We spend long hours together. Sometimes we get tired, but supporting each other and working toward the same goal is very motivating. It reminds you that you’re part of something bigger.
And what about you outside the set?
I’m a calm person. I try to live in the moment, because life outside of filming moves very fast. I work with discipline toward my goals, but I also make time for hobbies. I like drawing, photography, or simply sitting quietly. I’d say I try to live in balance.
Which of your own traits do you struggle with the most?
Probably how easily I start worrying about little things. Sometimes I get caught up in details that don’t matter. It’s tiring. Lately I’ve been learning to let go, but it’s still a work in progress.
What’s the hardest thing for you?
My perfectionism. At times it holds me back from moving forward. I’m working on it, but in a way it also makes me disciplined and detail-oriented. The key is balance.
Do you have small rituals?
I like to wake up early. Morning is the calmest time of day. I enjoy thinking in silence, drinking coffee, doing nothing for a bit, just planning the day. Those small moments are important — they prepare me for everything else.
What do you value most in the people you work with?
Kindness and sincerity. This job depends a lot on trust. It matters to be surrounded by people whose honesty you believe in. The shared journey is what makes it special.
What relaxes you most?
Creative things. Drawing, photography, building models or even Lego. Walks sometimes. Small things bring me a lot of joy.
What mistake taught you the most important lesson?
I’ve made many mistakes. Postponing things and hesitating held me back the most. The biggest lesson: don’t wait too long — sometimes you just have to act in the moment.
What do you want for the future?
I dream of working on international projects. To see stories from different cultures, to be part of them. Acting is a universal language. Wherever you are, people understand the same emotions, and I want to share those emotions across cultures.
