Ceyda Saltadal reflects, "I grew up immersed in the world of anatomy books, surgical videos, and delving into medical articles."

 *This interview, conducted by Eylül Aşkın, was first published in Turkish on 30.08.2023 on the online art platform sosyeteart.com. https://sosyeteart.com/index.php/2023/08/30/merve-dizdar-bence-turkiyenin-en-iyi-oyuncularindandir/

Today, we are with a wonderful woman who is an actress, voice artist, yoga instructor, family systems therapist, carrying many more skills within her being and mind, with her curiosity, diligence, determination, and ongoing educational life, emitting positive energies with her cheerful demeanor in every environment. Ceyda Fatma Saltadal.

How did the desire to become an actress emerge within you? Did you dream of being on stage even as a child? Could you share a bit about your self-discovery process?

   - I started imitating around the ages of 5-6. Wearing wigs and costumes, I would transform from one character to another, playing games in front of the mirror. My favorite thing was embodying different characters. I used to memorize commercial jingles and lines, reenacting commercials at home. Interestingly, my first dream at that age was to be a belly dancer. We often visited the Egyptian Bazaar, and I remember pleading with my mom to buy me a belly dancer costume. Later, I realized I had a unique connection with animals and wanted to become a veterinarian. When I turned 10, I encountered theater and thought, "This is me, I belong on stage. I will be an actress." People warned me that I might go hungry, but I confidently said, 'That's okay, I can do other jobs.' I was always on stage in middle school and high school – plays, competitions, hosting. I achieved many first places at inter-school competitions. In high school, I started acting in a private theater. During breaks, I memorized lines, and when evening rehearsals paused, I studied. I went to bed at 2 am and woke up at 6 am for school. I was exhausted but incredibly happy. In short, I can say I never stepped off the stage until the end of high school. I always felt I belonged there, and it brought me peace.

After studying at the Mujdat Gezen Art Center Acting Department, you graduated from the Marmara University Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Cinema-TV, having chosen not to pursue a conservatory education. What led to this decision? Additionally, as an actress, how have your insights into both the front and back of the camera benefited your career?

- I had a strong desire to attend a conservatory, but at that time, theater students were not allowed to engage in acting or voice work, and I needed to earn a living. I had started doing voice work right after high school. After school, I would go to the studio for voice acting and occasionally act in TV series when opportunities arose. Although our studio manager at the time didn't pay beginners, he would occasionally provide a small allowance. So, I was earning a little. In those circumstances, I chose to study Cinema to become an actor who understands lighting and camera work. I used to act in so many student films that I would end up shooting my own film last. Having worked on sets allowed me to understand the dynamics of how a set operates and the emotional state of the people on set very well. I know why they do what they do. Especially having worked as an assistant director for many years, I intimately know the challenging conditions under which the set crew works. I have immense respect for all the members of a film set.

Despite comprehensive training in acting both domestically and internationally, you are predominantly recognized for your beautiful voice and voiceover work. Throughout various projects, you've lent your voice to popular Turkish actors like Hande Soral, Nefise Karatay, Pınar Aydın, Serenay Sarıkaya, Belçim Bilgin, Meral Kaplan, and even provided the voice for Natalia Oreiro in the Turkish broadcast of the once-popular series Sos Mi Vida. How do you evaluate being a voice artist appreciated even by the intellectual circles that typically lean towards live performances? Do you continue to engage in voiceover work?

   - It actually comes down to earning a living again :). When you were acting in a series, you couldn't attend voiceover sessions. Mentioning that you had your own set a couple of times would result in a decrease in job offers. At that time, I was voicing characters in 10-15 different series within a week. If I were to act, I would only have the chance to be part of a single series. This way, I could work more. As technology advanced and series started being recorded with live sound, I returned to acting. I still collaborate with many brands and organizations, providing voiceovers for commercials, films, and foreign series platforms. Voice acting brings me great joy. Nowadays, I even have students saying, "I grew up with your voice." I never consider giving it up.

 We last saw you in the series "Ömer" on Star TV, alongside esteemed actors such as Selahattin Paşalı, Gökçe Bahadır, Simay Barlas, Merve Dizdar, Barış Falay, Melike Güner, and Zerrin Sümer. Do you have any new acting projects in the upcoming season? We eagerly anticipate seeing more of you on screen.

   - The realization of a significant dream came true with the "Ömer" series. About seven years ago, I filmed a commercial with Merve Dizdar, whom I consider one of Turkey's best actors. Back then, we said, "Hopefully, we'll act together one day." The excitement during the filming of our first scene was indescribable. Now, I bear witness to a wish sent to the universe years ago coming true. We are currently in discussions for new projects this season. Let's say, for now, whatever is meant to be will be.

Recently, you've become quite active and popular on social media as a yoga instructor. How did your journey with yoga begin, and what aspects of this philosophy and lifestyle drew you in, leading you to achieve the status of an instructor in such a short time?

   - After my thyroid surgery, I developed a condition called thyroid-related eye orbitopathy. Upon consulting a doctor, I learned that there was no cure, and if the stress-induced adrenaline release continued, the condition could progress, potentially leading to vision loss. I decided to change my lifestyle. Having heard that yoga has relaxing effects, I started practicing and found myself. To progress further, I began taking training courses, working hard to afford them. I didn't take these courses with the intention of becoming an instructor one day; I am simply very curious and believe in continuous self-improvement. When the tree starts bearing fruit, there are those who come to satisfy their hunger from its branches—I understood this. We often say we can't silence our minds, but during yoga, even if you don't want it to, the mind becomes quiet, and you witness how your limits expand. When my wrists, which couldn't even wring out a wet cloth, began carrying my own body, I realized how much I had strengthened physically. This strength also manifests in life. I always say, finding balance on the mat brings finding balance in life, and strengthening on the mat allows you to stand more firmly in life. I initially started with physical goals, and over time, the philosophy of yoga became integrated into my life. Yoga gives you whatever you seek—whether it's leaner legs, a more peaceful mind, or the ability to harmonize with everything that exists.

Since 2014, you've been practicing yoga instruction and, since 2020, providing yoga teacher training at YogaKioo institutes in Turkey, Germany, and Cyprus. Despite the increasing interest in yoga and competition among instructors in recent times, you have solidified your position in this field with confidence. What do you believe sets you apart and propels you forward in comparison to other instructors? What guiding principles do you adopt in the training you provide?

   - I share everything I talk about by experiencing it. Regardless of the philosophy, anatomy, Upanishads, I share the process I've been through. My students know that in trainings, I discuss the topics I struggle with the most in life, the ones I practice on. I don't keep them private by calling them personal. Another aspect is that throughout my life, I've had 14 fractures, numerous falls, dozens of surgeries, and various unusual health issues. I grew up reading anatomy books, watching surgical videos, and delving into medical articles. Consequently, my knowledge of anatomy is quite profound. I've worked with some of the world's best instructors since the beginning of my yoga journey. I've been through various challenging processes both physically and mentally. I often say, "We're all on the same path; some of us just started a little earlier." I share the experiences I gained on this journey with my students in the most open way. With each training group, we become like a family. We spend 280 hours together. We laugh, we cry, we sweat together. The 280-hour training at YogaKioo is truly unique. From the first day you walk in, you emerge on the last day as a completely different person with a diploma in hand. Guiding them through this process in the way I know is so valuable.

As a remarkably versatile individual, on top of all this, you are currently pursuing your undergraduate studies in the Sociology Department at Istanbul University. Meanwhile, you continue to receive training in family constellations, trauma therapy, and somatic psychotherapy. Do you have specific goals for the future following all these diverse training experiences? Could we expect, for instance, a "Ceyda Fatma Saltadal Yoga and Therapy Center"? Or considering the recent popularity of yoga retreats, are you contemplating organizing yoga and therapy retreats under your name?

   - Initially, I wanted to pursue a master's degree in psychology, but unfortunately, in our country, if you graduate from the Faculty of Fine Arts, you cannot pursue a master's degree in psychology. So, I decided to study sociology as a second university degree and then pursue a master's degree in psychology. I don't think I would open something under that name, but currently, there is an ongoing process of establishment, especially in Ankara. I will be intensively involved in Family Constellations and Somatic practices there. Additionally, I am preparing for a training to be held at YogaKioo institutes, open even to those who have just started yoga. We already have ongoing retreats. My future goal is to delve deeper, first finding out what I am not, and then sharing this journey with people in all its facets.

Apart from acting and voiceover, do you have interests in other art forms? What nourishes and motivates you in life?

   - I take tribal dance classes. It's enjoyable to control the body in a different way.

Within all the professions you engage in, what could be your most utopian dream in your professional field?

   - My most utopian dream in my professional field would be to act in a film with intense action scenes, jumping off buildings, leaping as if flying – essentially, a film where I can extensively use my body. A kind of Tomb Raider dream 🙂

Where can our readers follow you on social media?

   - You can find me on Instagram as Ceyda Fatma Saltadal. You can follow all my work there and stay informed about upcoming events. (@ceydasaltadal)