Mina Demirtaş on ‘Red Roses’ and Her Role as Zeynep | Exclusive Interview

For months, Red Roses has been the talk of Türkiye. It’s the most-watched show in the country, with scenes shared all over social media, sparking conversations after every episode. We also deeply admire the character Zeynep for her compelling story and the challenges she overcomes. In our conversation with Mina Demirtaş, we discussed her portrayal of Zeynep, Red Roses, and the remarkable success she has achieved at a young age.

Red Roses has been Türkiye’s most-watched and talked-about series since the last season, and it made a strong start to its second season. What did you feel when you first read the script?

Mina Demirtaş: When I first read the story, I was really moved by Zeynep’s journey and her determination to pursue an education. It’s heartbreaking that, even today, we still have to fight for girls’ right to education around the world.

Zeynep is a very smart character, eager to get an education, but faces serious obstacles and is married off at a young age. How do you feel about Zeynep, and how does portraying her make you feel?

I love Zeynep very much. What she goes through is incredibly tough, but I want Zeynep’s efforts to inspire all children and young people whose right to education is denied for various reasons.

You portray a very heartfelt mother-daughter relationship with Özgü Namal, and your chemistry with Mert Yazıcıoğlu is also widely praised.

Mina Demirtaş: What would you like to say about your co-stars? I’m very lucky to be part of such an amazing cast in my first TV series. Özgü Namal, Özcan Deniz… everyone… All the actors, my directors, and the entire crew have been incredibly supportive to me, and I feel very safe on set. Mert Yazıcıoğlu is really fun on set, and we work together very well.

What do you think is one of the most important messages of Red Roses?

Children and young people shouldn’t be the victims of the differences in opinions and lifestyles between adults.

This interview with Mina Demirtaş was featured in Episode Magazine’s MIPCOM 2024 issue.