Filip Tůma: Working with Nela Pocisková on 'Dunaj' Feels Natural, We're Experienced

In a recent interview with Closer Talks, as reported by SME, actor Filip Tůma offered a candid look into his experience portraying the antagonist Anton Holubec in the popular Slovak series "Dunaj, k vašim službám." Tůma, also an opera singer, has become synonymous with complex, often villainous characters, and he acknowledges the strong reactions these roles elicit from the public.

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I've heard people call me disgusting. Then, most of the time, there was also praise that I play this role well.

"I've heard people call me disgusting," Tůma admitted, but he quickly followed up with the acknowledgment that such feedback is often paired with praise for his performance. This duality highlights the effectiveness of his acting – he successfully embodies characters that viewers love to hate. He also touched upon the heavy atmosphere on set, particularly when filming scenes set during the Slovak State and the era of fascism, noting that even the sight of actors in period uniforms could evoke a sense of unease.

What adds a unique layer to Tůma's current work is the presence of his wife, singer and actress Nela Pocisková, who also stars in "Dunaj, k vašim službám." They portray a couple on screen, and Tůma described the experience as feeling less like acting and more like a natural extension of their real-life relationship. However, he emphasized that both he and Pocisková are seasoned professionals, capable of navigating these scenes without undue disruption to their performance.

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When I once went to the dressing room, I saw guards in uniforms and high boots marching in the corridors. I felt fear, it wasn't pleasant at all.

This interview, part of the Closer Talks video series by SME, delves beyond Tůma's on-screen persona. It explores his broader thoughts on the cultural landscape, his work ethic, and his identity as both an opera singer and a television actor. For Slovak audiences, Tůma's reflections offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse into a beloved series and an insight into the challenges and rewards of portraying historical figures and complex characters within a significant period of our nation's history.

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You have the feeling that you are not even acting anymore, because you know each other. But we are both experienced actors, so it doesn't disturb us in any way.