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Thanks for the chance to satisfy and speak. We had been delighted if you contacted the State Committee for Work with the Diaspora and got here to satisfy us instantly. We’re particularly joyful to see Kristopher in Baku.
Suada:
Thanks for taking the time to satisfy with us.
Let’s begin with the place and the way you two met.
Kristopher:
My father visited Azerbaijan within the early 2000s. Regardless that he was right here just for a short while, he fell in love with the nation. He additionally met Suada’s father at the moment. And when he got here again to america, to Los Angeles, he instructed me that Azerbaijan was a really stunning nation with an important future. My father mentioned the folks right here had been very sort, that they had a wealthy tradition. I don’t know why, however he then instructed me that sooner or later I ought to positively marry a woman from Azerbaijan. I used to be in a relationship on the time, so after all I mentioned no, that was unimaginable. However years later I met Suada on Instagram. Once I came upon that she was from Azerbaijan, I instantly remembered my father’s phrases. We talked on-line for 4 years, turned shut associates, and ultimately fell in love.
My father usually had stay broadcasts on Fb and different social media. As soon as, on New Yr’s Eve, when he was broadcasting stay with 100,000 viewers, he noticed a reputation on the display and browse it aloud, “Suada Hajizade”. However he couldn’t even think about on the time that Suada was the daughter of his acquaintance from Azerbaijan. He wished her a Joyful New Yr, and Suada recorded that and saved the recording.
Suada:
I nonetheless have that video. I’ll by no means delete it.
Kristopher:
When she instructed me about that video, I couldn’t consider it, I assumed she was joking. It was as if destiny was bringing us collectively once more differently. A couple of years later we determined to get our households collectively in Istanbul.
However why not Baku, why Istanbul?
Kristopher:
It was extra handy due to the visa points. In the course of the pandemic, neither my mother and father nor Suada’s mother and father may come to Belgium. Though we had already determined to get married at that time. Our relationship began on-line, and we noticed one another in particular person for the primary time in Istanbul, and three days later we had been married. Our marriage ceremony was on the Consulate Normal of Azerbaijan in Istanbul. Istanbul is a really stunning metropolis. However I actually needed to return and see Baku, as a result of Dad instructed me rather a lot about this metropolis. It was solely two years later that I used to be lastly ready to try this. Six years after we met on-line, I got here to Suada’s home for the primary time, however I have to admit that I noticed it many instances once we talked on-line. That’s how we met. It’s unbelievable, but it surely’s destiny, God-given destiny. All of us in all probability consider in God.
Suada, if you met Kristopher, did you ever think about that this encounter would finish in marriage?
Suada:
Properly, I appreciated him as an individual, we had been shut associates, however since we lived far-off from one another, I had no hope of assembly in actual life, not to mention getting married. After we had been first attending to know one another, I didn’t even know who his father was. He by no means instructed me something about that. He was hiding his final title and didn’t share photos together with his father. His Instagram web page solely had photos of him, photos of his bikes and artwork stuff. A couple of years later, once we began speaking on the telephone, he requested me sooner or later if I knew who his father was. In fact, I mentioned I didn’t. I assumed again then, how may I probably know his father? He requested, “However didn’t you discover out in all these years who he’s?” I mentioned no. “Ask your father who Jean-Claude Van Damme is,” he mentioned. I didn’t know him due to my age; moreover, I spent a whole lot of time learning and taking part in music, I infrequently had the time to observe TV, to observe motion pictures. Typically I’d play the piano for 10-12 hours a day. I requested my father who Jean-Claude Van Damme was. And he was watching a film with him in it at that very second. He confirmed it to me. I used to be stunned and I had no concept what was occurring. I assumed both Kristopher was messing with me or Dad was. I instructed my father that I had a overseas pal who was saying his dad was Jean-Claude Van Damme. Dad mentioned it couldn’t probably be true, that the man have to be taking part in a joke on me. My mother and father instructed me I shouldn’t speak to him anymore, they thought he was a liar. They needed to guard me.
However later your mother and father gave you their blessing, didn’t they?
Suada:
The connection grew, and he requested my mother and father for my hand on Facetime and even mailed me the ring.
So all this, the proposal, assembly the mother and father, occurred on-line?
Suada:
Sure. We had been attending to know one another even higher. It was through the pandemic, there have been no flights. We even misplaced contact for some time. Then we began speaking once more in the summertime of 2020, and he instructed me he appreciated me.
Falling in love and proposing on social media… However issues could possibly be completely different in actual life. Didn’t that scare you?
Suada:
He had over one million followers on Instagram and his account was verified. I knew he wasn’t a pretend, he was actual.
I imply, he could possibly be completely different as an individual.
Suada:
Over time we had been speaking, he would solely speak about music and artwork. He was very cultured, very respectful. His respect for me, my household, my nation was crucial to me. I used to be stunned {that a} foreigner knew Azerbaijan, was accustomed to our nation’s tradition. His father had been to Azerbaijan, and that sparked Kris’s curiosity in our nation. When he started to study extra about Azerbaijani tradition, I despatched him images and movies, confirmed him our nationwide dishes. He actually was , and I believed his sincerity.
Kristopher:
I believed within the magic of this relationship. Once more, once I noticed an Azerbaijani title, I instantly remembered my father’s phrases and thought, I ponder if ladies from that nation Dad praised a lot are fairly. And that’s how our journey started. Let me let you know this about Suada: her eyes, her gaze give me confidence, and that confidence grows every single day. I do know that Suada can really feel my soul, too.
Suada, you come from an bizarre Azerbaijani household, and Kristopher’s father is a world-famous star. Didn’t that scare you if you began a relationship? In spite of everything, you belonged to 2 completely different worlds…
Suada:
I didn’t assume that we belonged to completely different worlds. It’s not the occupation, it’s the particular person’s soul that issues. We even have soulmate chains with our initials. When he despatched me the ring, I despatched him that chain. Our rings have the letters S and Ok on them. Regardless that Kris is from a celeb household, each member of his household handled me with affection, very warmly, they usually accepted me from day one. I didn’t assume we had been from completely different worlds, as a result of his mom and father began speaking to me. I additionally had contact together with his brother and sister. The best way they handled me made me really feel like a part of the household, too. They’re quite simple and pleasant folks. His mom even prompt I name her mother quickly after I met her. Kris felt the identical means.
The place do you reside now and the place do you propose to stay sooner or later?
Suada:
I presently stay in Baku, however I’m ready for my US visa. I’ll in all probability be in america by the winter. Kris’s father’s household lives in Belgium, so we meet there. As you understand, his father is from Belgium. That’s the place I met his grandparents. I stayed in Belgium for 3 months and noticed his grandparents every single day. They respect their elders similar to we do and wish to spend extra time with them. They had been very unhappy once I had to return to Baku. So was I—they accepted me as their very own granddaughter. We might exit for a stroll collectively every single day, they might inform me about Belgian meals and tradition.
Should you don’t thoughts me asking, what presents did you get on your marriage ceremony?
Suada:
Though their traditions are completely different from ours, they did ship me marriage ceremony presents. However I’d relatively not say what they had been.
How do they really feel about grandchildren over there? Have they been telling you it’s time since you bought married?
Suada:
Virtually every single day they inform us they’re anticipating grandchildren. However for now, I’m desirous about getting my visa and shifting, I wish to work there. I’ve a Bachelor’s diploma from the Baku Music Academy and I’m a President Ilham Aliyev scholarship holder. It’s a massive standing for a musician. I’ve gained numerous locations in competitions in seven international locations. Schooling can also be a matter of precept for my mother and father. Possibly I’ll get my Grasp’s within the US. Kris suggests I ought to attempt working within the movie trade. I’m a musician, however I can even work in that area. I additionally may attempt music competition and competitors planning.
Kris has a particular relationship with tradition. After we go on an extended journey, we hearken to music for 2-3 hours with out speaking. We talk about artworks. As soon as I noticed a grand piano at an airport and began taking part in a chunk by Vagif Mustafazade; he appreciated it very a lot. He makes certain to take a video of me each time I play the piano. He says he’s happy with me.
Kristopher, what line of labor are you in in the mean time?
Kristopher:
Like my dad, I’m an athlete, my sport is Shotokan karate. Suada’s father is a Shotokan grasp, too, like my dad. Nowadays I work primarily within the movie trade. My brother and I’ve an organization referred to as Damme BROS. We write scripts, make movies and act, search for sponsors… We’re good actors, like our father. It could be enjoyable if we made a movie collectively. I additionally create 2D animations, very prime quality ones. I’m at all times desirous about my profession and planning, I plan to make many movies, I need my father, my brother and Suada to work with me. It’s crucial for me that my spouse is a part of the that world. I hope we could have excellent initiatives sooner or later. She is a pianist, an important pianist, she has a nice appreciation of every thing, an important sense of scene. All through this 12 months we have now been working towards behind the digital camera. I needed her to have the ability to seize feelings in a video shoot in order that the viewer, the viewers may really feel these feelings. She could be very proficient and he or she does her finest in every thing. That’s why I like her a lot.
Suada can also be my social media supervisor. She runs my krisvandamoffical web page, we’re ready for our “blue badge”. It’s an important platform for each of us.
There are individuals who work onerous, make good cash, however can’t change into professionals. I don’t wish to be like that. I’m choosy. A part of my day by day routine is train, I work out every single day, I’ve to remain in form.
What your training do you could have?
Kristopher:
I’ve a Grasp’s diploma in animation. My mother and father would do something for me, however I want to do what I like: animation. I realized enterprise principally from my grandfather. He graduated from highschool, went into enterprise and created an important setting for my father and aunt. As for the movie trade, movie manufacturing, that was training by observe working facet by facet with my father, that’s how I received the data and the abilities.
The entire world is aware of your father, however what are you able to inform us about your mom?
Kristopher:
Each my father and my mom and good actors. Mother can also be an artist, and he or she was a bodybuilding champion. My mother is a really proficient lady, however only a few know that.
Kristopher, how did your mother and father meet?
Kristopher:
My father noticed Mother’s image in a sports activities journal within the late Seventies. He was residing in Belgium on the time. He then instructed his athlete associates that he was going to marry this lady and change into a well-known actor it doesn’t matter what. No person believed him. Years later, they met whereas filming in Mexico. In fact, Mother, being an athlete herself, was excited to satisfy him. There are even photos from that point. My dad believed within the energy of desires, and Mother got here again to New York desirous about my father on a regular basis. She had been widespread earlier than my father received well-known, however she ended her profession after she had my sister and me. My mother and father had been separated for some time after which married one another once more the 12 months Suada was born. They’re additionally good associates now.
Do you assume you might be completely different from different folks since you are Van Damme’s son?
Kristopher:
Quite the opposite, I’m removed from the “Hollywood video games”. Within the Hollywood world, you placed on a masks, change into a distinct particular person, you lie. However I’ve my very own ethical values I received doing karate, I by no means lie. I made errors once I was a child, however I realized from my errors and by no means repeated them. My father at all times tells me that it’s higher to be honest and sincere than to “play a component”. An individual shouldn’t have any regrets in regards to the issues they’ve accomplished after they get previous. For me, my household comes first and my well being second. And the issues within the movie trade aren’t extra vital than that. Suada may also see this when she involves america, however the vital factor is that she already is aware of and perceive this.
What does friendship imply to you? Do you could have many associates?
Kristopher:
A pal is somebody who is aware of what you need and is at all times supportive. There are not any actual associates in Hollywood, however I’ve 4 or 5 good associates in actual life. I can rely on two of them, three on the most. They’re like brothers to me. My members of the family are additionally my associates. General, friendship is essential to me. It appears to me that in Azerbaijan the thought of friendship has a deeper which means than in america. I feel that critical friendships in america are solely potential within the army, as a result of folks there undergo rather a lot collectively. My recommendation to younger Azerbaijanis can be to be very selective when making associates with foreigners. Or simply making associates on the whole. For instance, once I began a household with Suada, I adopted the recommendation of my associates. As a result of they knew my previous, my relationships so nicely. I’ve a detailed pal named Scott. We’ve labored on a whole lot of initiatives collectively. He’s my pal who helps me by means of each good and unhealthy instances. Once I requested his opinion of Suada, he mentioned she and I had been made for one another.
Suada:
Kris’s mother texted me yesterday: “Kris has modified for the higher. When he’s with you, I can see the flicker in his eyes. I like you very a lot.”
Kristopher, do you could have any curiosity within the Azerbaijani movie trade, in Azerbaijani artwork?
Kristopher:
I’m not accustomed to the Azerbaijani movie trade all that a lot, however I actually wish to make a movie right here. I’d be proud to satisfy and work with native artists. My spouse is Azerbaijani and I ought to contribute to this nation in a roundabout way. It would in all probability be within the area of cinema, too. I want to be a part of Azerbaijani movie tradition.
Should you had been to stay right here sooner or later…
Kristopher:
I gained’t have the ability to transfer right here for good. However Suada’s mother and father stay right here, it’s crucial to me, and I can stay right here for some time. My entire life, 35 years of my life, has been about Los Angeles. However I’ve lived in several cities world wide, in Hong Kong, in Vancouver… Additionally Belgium, Germany, Spain, Switzerland and different European international locations. I additionally love Asian international locations, however I feel our second house could possibly be Japan. I’ve been to many cities in Japan, I like it very a lot. I additionally wish to go to Australia and New Zealand.
What number of kids would you like?
Kristopher:
Three—two boys, one lady.
May one among them have an Azerbaijani title?
Suada:
I feel when I’ve a baby, I’ll positively give them an Azerbaijani title, too. I by no means instructed him that, however I’m saying it now. However the title ought to be straightforward to pronounce and write, straightforward to grasp.
Kristopher:
One may have an American title, one Belgian, or Puerto-Rican.
Does Jean-Claude Van Damme have any plans to return to Azerbaijan?
Kristopher:
My father could be very busy in the mean time. However he will certainly come as quickly as he can. Dad is a citizen of the world, he loves Azerbaijan and Azerbaijanis very a lot. He considers himself a common particular person and strives to get to know the cultures of various peoples. In addition to folks, he loves nature, animals, and cares in regards to the setting. That’s why he likes travelling. Since he has an Azerbaijani daughter-in-law, Azerbaijan is on the prime of the listing of nations he’ll journey to.
Suada:
My dad can also be trying ahead to his go to, they’re very shut associates.
Folks write about you numerous on social media. Does it trouble you?
Kristopher:
I’m nice with that, with these opinions and assaults. However Suada shouldn’t be. Everybody has an opinion, and typically there are causes behind hatred. That’s regular. The vital factor is that what they are saying doesn’t and can’t have an effect on our love. Our relationship with one another is extra vital than the rest. I’m very joyful, I’m grateful that God blessed me with such an exquisite spouse. Folks will settle for us ultimately.
Suada:
It bothered us when folks voiced their opinions with out even realizing us. They mentioned we met on TikTok. And Kris doesn’t even like TikTok. They mentioned our marriage would final two months. We promised then that we might show our love was actual. I used to be instructed that I used to be in all probability marrying him as a result of he was Van Damme’s son. However, like I mentioned, I hadn’t even recognized who his father was. Folks had been saying it was all for the press, for publicity, for cash… That actually bothered me.
Does Kristopher ever forbid you something?
Suada:
He simply doesn’t need me to be exterior after darkish. There may be jealousy as nicely—he believes me, he trusts me, however he nonetheless will get jealous. Even his grandmother and mom inform him, she is holding your hand tight, cease it with these ideas. He acts like an Azerbaijani man. However I don’t forbid him something. I belief him, too.
Kristopher:
We’re like a pyramid, our basis is powerful.
Suada:
I attempt not to concentrate to what different folks assume. I do know I’ve to be sturdy. Kris requested me many instances if I used to be certain I needed to marry him, as a result of my life would change a lot. I instructed him that I used to be certain and had already made my selection. With him, I’m stronger and prepared for any problem.
Earlier than the interview, I couldn’t even think about I’d be assembly such an unassuming, honest and warm-hearted particular person…
Kristopher:
Once I’m in my nineties, I don’t wish to remorse something I’ve skilled. It’s not straightforward if you come from a well-known household. There are two paths. The primary one is clear and well-lit, however boring, and the second is attention-grabbing, however messy. Many select the clear path. Kevin Baker’s daughter thinks like me. We don’t prefer to placed on an act for cameras.
How is your relationship with Azerbaijani delicacies?
Suada:
He loves Azerbaijani delicacies: qutabs, kebab, pilaf and particularly dolma. However he isn’t very keen on dairy merchandise. However after making an attempt Azerbaijani dishes, he by no means forgets how vital figuring out is.
What’s your largest dream?
Kristopher:
My largest dream is to change into an achieved director. We should always make the scripts that we wrote along with my brother into movies. You will need to carry our father’s title with dignity, make use of the privileges it offers us however by no means tarnish it.
Aren’t you afraid that irrespective of how onerous you’re employed, you’ll at all times stay in your father’s shadow, that to the general public, you’ll at all times be Van Damme’s son?
Kristopher:
I used to have these fears once I was youthful, once I was an beginner. Folks nonetheless don’t know that I got here out of my father’s shadow a very long time in the past, however they’ll study from interviews like this one. Folks anticipate me to be higher than my father, however they gained’t let me be myself. They don’t wish to give me an opportunity. My life philosophy is that an individual has to search out their peace. I discover it in my spouse, my household and my associates.
We all know Van Damme as a powerful and fearless man, principally like his film characters. However what are Kristopher’s fears?
Suada:
When he was 19, he was caught in an elevator for six hours, so he has a concern of confined areas. He prefers to not use the elevator. He even walked up the steps to his seventy fifth ground condo in Hong Kong for 35 minutes. He doesn’t use the elevator right here both.
Can we speak about concern in a broader sense?
Kristopher:
We had been raised Catholic, however I don’t contemplate myself Catholic. All of us stay in the identical world. All of us share the identical world. All of us have fears. For instance, my father is extra afraid of dropping his members of the family than of his personal dying. That, too, is regular. He’s additionally afraid that his kids will fail. That’s why he does no matter he can for us. We’re taught to simply accept and love different peoples. My father thinks the identical means. The vital factor is humanity. God is to not be feared, however liked.
We consider that our love can be an instance for younger folks. So, ultimately I’ve a chunk of recommendation to provide them. Don’t let society form you to suit a sure mildew. Observe your individual desires. My spouse has been by means of rather a lot, too, so she talks to each younger males and younger ladies about tips on how to be decided. We’re all free to make choices. Don’t let concern lead you to a spot you may assume is true however actually shouldn’t be. Imagine in God and attempt to be joyful.
Vasile Vahidgizi
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