Selim Bayraktar Talks Traffic Incident and the Challenges of Fame

Renowned actor Selim Bayraktar, known for his role in Mehmed: Sultan of Conquest, recently shared his harrowing experience with road rage and the challenges of being a public figure. Speaking on Bam Başka Sohbetler (Completely Different Chats), hosted by Ceyda Düvenci on NTV, Bayraktar detailed an unsettling traffic altercation that escalated due to his celebrity status.

A Traffic Incident Turned Sour

Selim Bayraktar recounted a recent incident in which he became the target of aggression while driving in a neighborhood. Despite following traffic rules, he found himself embroiled in a confrontation:
“I was going downhill in a neighborhood where the car going downhill has priority. The driver saw me, but he sped up and blocked me from passing. Then he demanded I stop, rolled down his window, and began swearing at me harshly.”

Bayraktar explained that the situation escalated further when the other driver’s companion began recording the encounter on a cell phone, seemingly attempting to provoke him.

“He was waiting for me to make a mistake, but I didn’t give him the response he wanted. Then, he opened his door and began hitting mine, crushing it in the process. I took a photo and filed a complaint,” he said.

The Struggles of Being in the Spotlight

The incident served as a reminder of the challenges that come with being in the public eye. Bayraktar reflected on how fame often amplifies everyday situations:
“The hardest part of our job isn’t memorizing lines or performing. It’s dealing with how people evaluate you and exploit your mistakes. Our lives are hard because we are constantly exposed, and some people thrive on bringing us down.”

He emphasized that being a recognizable figure often means facing heightened scrutiny, where even minor actions can be misinterpreted or magnified.

Selim Bayraktar’s Legacy

Selim Bayraktar, widely admired for his portrayal of significant historical figures such as Hasan in Mehmed Fetihler Sultani, has long been a celebrated name in Turkish television and theater. His performances in productions such as Magnificent Century (Muhteşem Yüzyıl) have cemented his place as one of Turkey’s most respected actors.

Despite his achievements, Bayraktar’s story sheds light on the hidden pressures of fame. As he put it, “We have difficult lives, but we endure for our craft.”