I don't watch reality shows. I don't like pretending, says legendary Saskia Burešová.
Saskia Burešová has been working at Czech Television since 1967. Currently, you may know her from the show Kalendárium. She is also known for the show Kolotoč, which airs on Czech Radio. In the interview, we asked her if she thinks chivalry still exists. And she also revealed, among other things, how to stay young - at least in mind.
Saskia Burešová received a prestigious award. She received an award for life-long cultural contribution. In the past, she also received an award for 1st place in the Týtý popularity poll.
She even won the symbolic gold five times. So she has been among the most popular and well-known Czech TV presenters for a long time. Her husband since 1972 was the television director Petr Obdržálek, who died this year, with whom she also collaborated on her shows.
A voice known not only from radio and television
She first appeared on television screens in 1967. She found her professional berth at Czech (formerly Czechoslovak) Television, where along with her colleague Eduard Hrubeš she presented the programme Mailbox which was released every other week and was intended for soldiers. It was later renamed to Transport Magazine and finally ceased in its original form. But for Saskia Burešová this was far from being the end of her career. Quite the opposite. She worked as a speaker and from 1971 to 1975 she hosted the variety programme Televarieté with Vladimír Dvořák.
In the 90s, she expanded her presenter portfolio with two more programs. She also hosted shows named Welcome, please and Unknown destinies of the well-known.
One of the strongest moments of her career occurred on the last day of 1992, when she announced the division of Czechoslovakia in a live broadcast, making her significantly famous.
It's commonplace for presenters that part of their living is made from recording voiceovers for various projects.
Saska Buresova is no exception. Her voice accompanies a whole range of popular educational films.
She greatly appreciates the current award for a lifetime cultural contribution.
"For me, it's a huge honor, because after all the reactions that I've received from viewers, this is an award from professional organizations, so of course I'm very pleased."
Does not perceive the current television and radio culture positively
We were interested in her view on contemporary culture. And from her words, a certain disappointment, even disgust, was apparent.
,"Now I'm thinking about how to say it as decently as possible. Sometimes I mind the excess of vulgarity. It should be a bit more polished, nicer and more decent. I understand that these are perhaps modern expressions and that we are not puritans, but still radio and television are listened to by young people, so I think they should be more careful."
There was also a discussion about whether she watches any reality shows on television, which have recently gained popularity among viewers again.
,Not one. I don't like pretending."
Just as, for example, presenter Marek Eben is considered a true gentleman, Saskia Burešová is perceived as a genuine lady. We therefore asked her if she believes chivalry still exists.
,Certainly. At least I'm lucky enough to encounter it."
She shared her recipe for eternal youth
Few would say that the host is nearing her 80th birthday. For many years now, she has looked very good for her age. Her fans and industry colleagues agree about this. It's as if aging was avoiding her.
Along with her simply titled autobiographical book Saskia, she also co-authored a book named Youth is in the head which was published in 2023. So we asked her how to keep the youth - at least in the head. She surprised us with a simple answer. No expensive creams, strict diets, or anything similar.
"No one believes me that I don't have much time. I'm trying to think positively, that's about it."
She does not make a potato salad
During the pre-Christmas period, we asked her who among them cooks potato salad for Christmas at home. Apparently, we wouldn't find any special ingredient in it.
"My son. And excellently, I must say. He makes a classic and that's what's beautiful and good."
Source: own inquiry, author's article, Wikipedia
