New Actress Joins 'Kumovi' After Pausing Studies for Role: Meet Her and Hear How She Describes Her Character

Lejla Hakalović, a 23-year-old actress from Sarajevo, is making her mark in the long-running Croatian television series "Kumovi" with her portrayal of Iva Grabovac. The character is described as spirited, full of life, and harboring secrets, adding a layer of complexity to the show's narrative.

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Iva is a warm girl whom life has not spared, and she had to find her way and save herself as best she could. The longer I play Iva, the more I connect with her, so now I easily take on her character and make that role my own.

Hakalović finds a deep connection with Iva, seeing her as a warm individual who has navigated life's challenges and forged her own path. "The longer I play Iva, the more I connect with her, so now I easily take on her character and make that role my own," Hakalović shared. She notes that while Iva is braver than herself, they both share a fervent desire for justice and freedom. Hakalović also relates to the character's rebellious spirit, stemming from a strict upbringing, and acknowledges that she is adopting Iva's decisiveness and courage.

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Iva is braver than me, and I share the same zeal for justice and freedom with the character.

This significant television role marks a pivotal moment in Hakalović's career, requiring her to temporarily pause her studies in her fourth year at the Sarajevo Academy of Dramatic Arts. "I made the decision easily; it's not the first time I've paused my studies to film," she explained. "Nova TV's production chose me for this role, and I couldn't refuse such a privilege." While some colleagues and loved ones expressed concerns, Hakalović ultimately made the choice to seize this opportunity.

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I also grew up in a strict home, so I am familiar with the rebelliousness that arises in order to be free. I can say that I am now adopting decisiveness and courage from Iva.

Beyond her role in "Kumovi," Hakalović has prior acting experience in the Bosnian-Herzegovinian series "Komar" and remains active in theater, working on the musical "Sarajevo moje drago." She also contributed to a documentary about women in the Balkans titled "Ženski pogled" (Women's View). Hakalović finds such documentary work and theater deeply engaging, believing that authentic stories of people's experiences are vital for broader audiences to see, as universal human problems connect us all.

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I made the decision easily; it's not the first time I've paused my studies to film. Nova TV's production chose me for this role, and I couldn't refuse such a privilege.