Director Kadijević Recalls "Most Beautiful Moment" of Villagers Kissing Actor's Hand on Film Set

Filmmaker Đorđe Kadijević, who passed away on July 10 at the age of 94, once shared a deeply emotional memory from the set of his 1983 film "Karađorđe's Death." The film starred Marko Nikolić in his first leading role, a performance Kadijević described as transformative for the actor.

The scene was being filmed in Radovanjski Lug, near Velika Plana, the historical site where Karađorđe Petrović, a leader of the Serbian uprisings, was assassinated in 1817. Despite the somber historical context, the filming was marked by an unexpected and touching display of public sentiment.

As Nikolić, dressed in costume and makeup to portray Karađorđe, arrived at the filming location, hundreds of local villagers had gathered. They had heard about the film and came to witness the production. Upon seeing Nikolić emerge, the villagers approached him and began kissing his hand, a gesture of profound respect and enduring affection for the historical figure he was portraying.

Kadijević described this moment as one of the most beautiful he had ever experienced in film or life. He recounted how the villagers' deep love for Karađorđe, who sacrificed his life for Serbia, moved him and Nikolić to tears. The collective emotion on set, as the crew witnessed this heartfelt tribute, led Kadijević to reconsider his general perception of the people, recognizing a profound depth of heart and soul within them.