The scene during their studies at the Academy in Sarajevo, then the one in front of the camera in the series “Pečat”, and later the theatrical performance “Prvi put s ocem na izbore”, more than two decades ago, “condemned” the relationship among Bosnian actors with successful international careers – Adnan Hasković and Muhamed Hadžović – to an unbreakable friendship.
The destiny of finding themselves together in front of the camera has followed them throughout their careers, and some of the most significant projects in which they have played roles include foreign productions such as the series “Below the Surface,” produced by Discovery, as well as the series “Legends” with the famous actor Sean Bean, produced by TNT.
They have stood shoulder to shoulder in the Montenegrin film “Zaliv”, and they are soon preparing a joint project, and viewers will also see them in the domestic film “Trenutak”.
Careful Drivers
However, acting isn’t all that connects them. Both are motorcycle enthusiasts and have been enjoying “off-road” tours for over two decades, exploring both Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region. Interestingly, just like their friendship, this story also began at the Academy, where they weren’t in the same class or year, even though they are from the same generation.
“We’re the same age, but I enrolled at the Academy a year after Adnan. He was in Izudin Bajrović’s class, and was in Senad Bašić’s. At the Academy, all classes are on the same floor, so it’s very easy to make contact; everyone is together with everyone. Basically, you don’t even realize when you’ve connected with someone on a deeper level because we operate like a family. But I remember the first time I took Adnan for a motorcycle ride. I was 19 then and bought a Yamaha Virago from Feđa Štukan. After that ride, Adnan went for his motorcycle license — he liked it”, Hadžović recalls.
Hasković adds that at that time, there weren’t many sources of information about motorcycles. There was only one shop in the city, and he bought his first motorcycle from Neno Narcis, also from the Academy.
“The motorcycle was bought on a ‘dealer shop’ principle. Neno’s motorcycle was ridden by a guy from America, then I bought it, and after me, Danin Alimanović… Basically, you stop someone on the street and ask, ‘Would you sell your motorcycle?’” explains Hasković.
They mainly go on tours with their bikes around the homeland, with Bjelašnica being the most common choice due to its proximity and accessibility. But, as both agree, traveling is a real adventure because they manage to discover untouched and hidden parts of BiH.
“In Sarajevo and the surrounding areas, there’s so much to see; you have paved roads plus some alternatives. It’s very beautiful and peaceful. It takes you to places you wouldn’t reach even with an ATV or quad. To parts that aren’t easily accessible even on foot. It’s the perfect way to go somewhere you’ve never been. For us, the motorcycle represents freedom, as if you’re flying. The hardest part is riding in the city because that’s basically the ‘jungle’”, they say.
On the road, they don’t act recklessly; they ride very carefully, maintaining a safe distance that allows for quick reactions, even though, as Hasković explains, “when speed is the salvation, when a car driver is heading straight at you,” situations can be tense.
“I’ve never fallen off a motorcycle. Before I bought my bike, I set a goal to ride responsibly, planning 15 steps ahead. I’ve never gambled with my safety, and those are the principles on which I build my riding — I’ve been doing this for almost 20 years, nearly every day”, adds Hadžović.
Promotion of BiH
Hasković has ridden a motorcycle in two domestic films, “Sevdah za Karima” and “Umri prije smrti”, while Hadžović is still waiting for that opportunity. Given that their Hollywood colleague Tom Cruise is known for his stunts in “Mission Impossible,” Hadžović says he would eagerly accept such an opportunity. Hasković is more skeptical but would definitely do it if the role paid 300 million dollars.
They reveal that they are preparing a joint project involving motorcycles, but without major challenges, because they actually want to combine acting and creative efforts to promote the beauty of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Hadžović adds that he already has a lot of footage recorded but hasn’t shared it with the public yet, as he was filming it for himself.
“We plan to travel around BiH on motorcycles and film forgotten regions, roads, lakes, to create a YouTube podcast promoting the country. We know how to create video content; it’s part of our profession”, they emphasize.
However, since both are family-oriented people and they can’t do “off-road” tours as a couple, Hadžović humorously states that “his wife doesn’t tolerate it,” and Hasković adds that “it’s important to get the wife to love motorcycles too”, and that he is doing well with that process because they are close to buying her a motorcycle.
Currently, they are preparing to appear again in the film “Trenutak”, which will connect them through another shared trait — religiousness.
“The characters in the film go through everything that prophets of the four monotheistic religions experienced. Everything we talked about is physical food, and this is spiritual. That balance is essential. It’s that feeling of safety. A person must have a refuge, a safe harbor; then it’s easier to walk through life”, they conclude.
Hadžović also reveals that he has become a national champion in shooting with a pistol, while Hasković jokingly says that a gun suits him more. But they’ll tell that story another time.
