Fans of Bosnian humour remember actor Željko Ninčić for his iconic roles: Davor Stevanović and his monologue about the dog and her seven puppies, Marinko Ćutuk from the legendary Audicija, and the cheerful Bosnian character known for the famous phrase “Primi me” (“Take me”). Ninčić describes himself as “Ero s ovoga svijeta,” the title of his popular stand-up show.
In an interview with Visit BiH magazine, Ninčić spoke candidly, without exaggeration, about how Audicija became an inseparable part of him, which of his many characters best reflects him as a person, and what he thinks distinguishes Bosnians from Herzegovinians. Although born in Posušje, he has lived in several places and now resides permanently in Belgrade. He works mostly in Croatia but visits his homeland to “recharge his soul.”
After the summer break, what acting engagements await you?
“I’m continuing with my stand-up performances, it’s basically Audicija in one show, Ero s ovoga svijeta. I’ll be performing in Split and Široki Brijeg, where we’re marking the 130th anniversary of the first theatre performance. I occasionally return to venues where I’ve already performed – this will be my sixth show in Split in recent years.”
How many performances of Ero s ovoga svijeta have you done so far?
“Audicija is in the thousands, and Ero around 350 times. Seven years ago, the original Audicija team reunited for a tour. Later, we paused, and then I launched Ero, which has taken me far.”
Was the Audicija project permanently discontinued?
“I’d like to bring it back. I’m waiting for better working conditions so I can revive it with a new cast. It’s always something new, but Audicija has always been so entertaining that it can be watched again and again – the old, the new, and the newest version.”
Besides Ero s ovoga svijeta, are there new projects ahead?
“I’m planning to work on a film – and, of course, everything is somehow tied to Audicija. Lately, I’ve become active on social media. People seem happy to see me back in the public after a long time.”
Audicija has been a part of you since your student days, hasn’t it?
“Yes. It’s all due to life and social circumstances. I saw enough space in Audicija to express myself as an actor, writer, director, and producer. However, many things didn’t go in my favour here in the Balkans. I suffered a lot because of a system that doesn’t protect those who work and create. I couldn’t legally protect my work, so I had to adapt and keep fighting. That interrupted my plans for film and for taking the show international.”
You’re considered one of the audience’s favourite actors, yet you rarely appear on film. Do you prefer theatre, or are you not being offered good roles?
“Working in film today is like being in politics. You have to belong to certain circles and lobbies. I wanted to stay clean. Honestly, I’m not very interested in today’s kind of films. What used to be considered cheap entertainment has now become popular.”
Then your success is that you’ve stayed true to yourself.
“Exactly. My success is that I perform in all the former Yugoslav countries and am equally respected everywhere. Unfortunately, in this region, nothing good lasts long, not even for people dedicated to theatre and acting. I didn’t want to get into politics, and that came with an extra expense.”
You’ve lived in several places — where do you spend most of your time now?
“I’ve permanently settled in Belgrade, where I built a family. I have a wife and a daughter. My daughter is pursuing her PhD in Montreal, she’s the most beautiful part of my and my wife’s life, the greatest reward for how we’ve lived. That gives me more satisfaction than any award I might have received but didn’t.”
So, you’re fulfilled in every sense?
“Yes. My daughter is finishing her doctorate in molecular biology. It’s true that I live off old fame, but that’s the time we live in. I have decent work behind me – in most places, I’d be recognized for it, but here you get pushed aside. The irony is that I live in Belgrade but have worked mostly in Croatia for the past 20 years.”
Which of your characters is closest to your heart?
“Maybe Veseli is the closest to me. I actually named him Veseli Bosanac (‘The Cheerful Bosnian’) after a song by the band Crvena Jabuka. I was close friends with their late singer, Dražen Ričl. The character represents an ordinary man trying to get by through turbulent times — war, exile, and return. It’s about people and experiences that many of us share.”
Despite all you’ve been through to stay true to yourself, there’s no bitterness in your voice.
“As they say, ‘What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.’ Of course, that strength comes from family and friends. We all owe something to the people we’ve met along the way — I hope I haven’t let them down.”
You haven’t let your audience down either.
“Of course not. My reappearance on social media confirmed that. I joke about it and say, ‘Some people go crazy in their youth, I did it in my old age.’”
So now you’re an influencer-actor, using humour to promote real values?
“Yes, that’s the plan. I want to attract the audience first, that’s how Audicija began. There will be funny videos, but also serious and important topics.”
You’re originally from Bosnia. What makes our people special compared to others you’ve met?
“When it comes to Bosnians, I’d say their simplicity and sincerity stand out. Unfortunately, because of jokes, people think Bosnians are naïve, but they’re not. They’re just good-hearted. As for Herzegovinians, they’re extremely noble; they carry that nobility with them. In Bosnia, you find kindness and straightforwardness; in Herzegovina, intelligence and, sometimes, a bit of stubbornness.”
