March 30 (BTA, Daniel Dimitrov) - If life is indeed made out of colors, as actress Maria Bakalova believes, then she must be one of the most colorful, lively, authentic and lovable young women there are. Bakalova is an artist whom Bulgaria has yet to appreciate, understand and emulate and a role model to follow and associate with. Her BAFTA, Golden Globe and Oscar nominations are only the first steps on her path to proving that her success is above all the result of her personal struggle, her concept of professional development, and also of her talent, underpinned with excellent preparation and personal qualities.

Every one of these nominations is mostly an added bonus to Maria Bakalova. As an actress, she always tries to play her part in the best way possible. When project is ready and presented to the world, the people's reaction is the first recognition of an actor's work, she says in an exclusive interview for BTA.

"If the film is well accepted, this means you have done something right. After that, nominations and awards are merely a bonus. Of course, there is greater responsibility, because now you are a public figure. Many people know your name and want to follow in your footsteps. You are a role model for many little children across Bulgaria who want some day to be like you, or even better than you," Bakalova says.

The actress is interested in Bulgarian history and likes old Bulgarian films. She believes that history is full of known facts that we don't know how to recount. From her spot in the limelight, Bakalova would like to attract attention to Bulgaria's roots. She points out that this country is one of the very few that have preserved its name for centuries, and that deserves enormous respect. "Our history is full of important and powerful episodes that must be brought to light. People must be reminded of the hardship this nation has been through, of the things that made us so resilient. And this is not a question of belief, it's a must," Bakalova says.

In Bakalova's opinion Borat Subsequent Moviefilm was not only a social experiment, but also a film about love. "I think of it as a film that tries to unite people, to bring us closer together by showing us how different we are. I have the feeling that nowadays people are in great need of support for diversity," the young actress says.

"We are all people, we are all equal, we are all born the same way, and we will all die eventually. That is why we must do our best to fill our time on earth with love and goodness," Bakalova invites.

In her opinion, we are all social animals, and we all felt the lack of social contact during the pandemic. "We cannot survive on our own. Yes, a break is welcome, but in time you realize that you need to hug someone. To hold someone's hand. To meet them in person, instead of virtually."

"Many of the causes I would like to support have to do with equal rights. I am afraid that we are still living in a world where equality is not a given. And it must be. There are still places in the world where women do not have the same opportunities as men. There are still places where people are rejected for their religious beliefs, sex, sexual orientation or country of origin: all factors beyond their control. I need people to be accepted," Bakalova says.

"I want to help people who are underprivileged and do not have access to equal opportunities, and children who have had their share of living in misery just because they were born under unfavorable conditions," she concludes.

NV/MT

/DT/