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Zdravko Čolić's first love, Jasna Ornela Bery, shines at Sarajevo Film Festival
🇭🇷 Croatia /Culture & Society

Zdravko Čolić's first love, Jasna Ornela Bery, shines at Sarajevo Film Festival

From Večernji List · () Croatian

Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Actress Jasna Ornela Bery appeared at the Sarajevo Film Festival, drawing attention and recalling her past relationship with music icon Zdravko Čolić.
  • Čolić dedicated his hit song "Noć mi te duguje" to Bery, whom he described as his first great love.
  • Despite their separation, Bery and Čolić maintained a friendship, with Bery stating their youthful passion evolved into a valuable bond.

Actress Jasna Ornela Bery recently graced the red carpet at the Sarajevo Film Festival, captivating attendees with her elegant presence and sparking memories of a significant past romance with regional music legend Zdravko Čolić.

I had the good fortune to fall in love for the first time with someone like him. He was dedicated, and he looked like a prince.

— Jasna Ornela BeryBery reflecting on her early relationship with Zdravko Čolić.

Bery, once Čolić's "first great love," met the singer in Sarajevo during the 1970s, a vibrant cultural hub of the former Yugoslavia. They connected at Dom Mladih na Skenderiji, a popular gathering place for young artists. Bery recalled their early days, describing Čolić as "dedicated, and he looked like a prince."

Their relationship eventually ended as their paths diverged. Bery admitted she struggled with Čolić's popularity and the attention he received from numerous fans, feeling she would "only suffer" in the relationship. Čolić, now 75 and married with two daughters, later reflected on their romance, suggesting, "Maybe we met too soon."

I knew that in that relationship I would only suffer.

— Jasna Ornela BeryBery explaining her reasons for the breakup.

The enduring connection between Bery and Čolić is also evident in his music. Čolić revealed that his hit song "Noć mi te duguje" was written for and dedicated to Bery. "I dedicate the song 'Noć mi te duguje' to her because I wrote it," the singer stated.

Maybe we met too soon.

— Zdravko ČolićČolić's reflection on his past romance with Bery during a joint appearance.

Despite the romantic separation, their bond evolved into a strong friendship. Bery emphasized that their youthful passion transformed into something more valuable, a lasting connection where they remain supportive of each other. She described Čolić as a "modest, intelligent, and above all, a good man."

I dedicate the song 'Noć mi te duguje' to her because I wrote it.

— Zdravko ČolićČolić revealing the inspiration behind his hit song.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Večernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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