TANJA BOŠKOVIĆ REVEALS WHAT TRULY MATTERS MOST IN HER LIFE

Legendary Serbian actress Tanja Bošković says she has never belonged to clans, parties, or closed circles — and never wanted to. Instead, she feels connected to people with whom she shares a common language of the soul, regardless of whether that language is English, French, Italian, or any other.

PHOTO: Glas Srpske

“I am not a member of any political party. I am tied to people with whom I speak a common language, no matter what language that is,” Bošković said in an extensive interview for Glas Srpske. “I even dream of going somewhere one day where I don’t know the language at all, just to see how far my soul can stretch.”

In a wide-ranging conversation, the acclaimed actress reflected on the state of theatre and film today, the lives of actors, nostalgia, artistic values, friendship, and the importance of remaining a true artistic community beyond politics and borders.

Theatre Today: “At a Crossroads”

Having spent decades on the stage, Bošković believes contemporary theatre is currently “at a crossroads.” She admits that much of today’s dramatic writing does not speak to her personally.

“I belong to the last century when it comes to dramatic literature,” she said, adding that modern theatre likely communicates more with younger audiences. Still, she highlighted several productions that deeply moved her, including The Glow of the Stars on the Ceiling from Belgrade’s Duško Radović Children’s Theatre, as well as Kontramundum by the Tivat Theatre, directed by Veljko Mićunović.

She emphasized the importance of festivals, which allow audiences to see productions from across the former Yugoslav region, calling them a valuable opportunity to experience theatre without borders.

Friendship Above Politics

Reflecting on relationships formed during Yugoslav times, Bošković stressed that true friendships cannot be destroyed by politics or geography.

“The only real value in life is friendship. Everything else is irrelevant,” she said. “No fame, no money, no political system can break that.”

According to her, actors form a kind of global family, bound together regardless of language or country. “Art allows us to remain a community even after we leave this world,” she noted. “What remains behind us is something divine.”

A Simple, Fulfilled Life

Bošković described her life today as modest, peaceful, and deeply fulfilling. While acknowledging that technological progress has made access to information easier for artists, she regrets that profit has become more important than artistic depth.

“I live normally, like any ordinary person, and I am fine,” she said. “I don’t need luxury or branded clothes to feel successful.”

She finds happiness in travel, books, theatre, helping others when she can, and spending time with her family. “My children are healthy, I am a grandmother, my mother is still alive, and I have friends I’ve had for 65 years. I am a rich woman.”

Roles, Texts, and Young Actors

When asked about her favorite roles, Bošković avoided naming a single one, explaining that the true value of her career lies in the friendships formed along the way. She also expressed concern over the quality of contemporary texts, which she finds less engaging, though she believes this generational shift has always existed.

As for young actors, she praised their talent and dedication but noted that they often lack sufficiently challenging material. She encourages them to constantly test their limits and aim higher than they believe possible.

Impressed by Sarajevo Festival

Bošković recently participated in the International Festival of Small Stages and Monodrama in East Sarajevo, which left a strong impression on her.

“I was thrilled and fascinated,” she said, praising the selection and organization. “Festivals like this offer a rare chance to see exceptional performances in one place.”

For Tanja Bošković, art, friendship, and spiritual connection remain the pillars of a meaningful life — values she believes no political system can ever erase.