Greek singer Melina Aslanidou has addressed false rumours regarding her personal life during a wide-ranging interview on the Rainbow Mermaids video podcast.
The vocalist spoke candidly about public criticism, the tragic loss of her younger brother, her romantic relationships and her early upbringing in northern Greece.
Addressing public rumours
Aslanidou revealed that the most hurtful comment she had ever heard about herself was the claim that she was an alcoholic. She dismissed the rumour as entirely absurd, explaining that she has learned to tune out negative gossip and protect her peace of mind.
She added that she and her close circle have effectively closed their ears to unfounded public commentary, choosing instead to focus their attention only on constructive feedback and matters of real importance.
Impact of family loss
Reflecting on the major turning points in her life, Aslanidou spoke about the death of her brother, who passed away at the age of 20. She remembered him as a handsome young man who was like clear water and an angel before his life was cut short.
She explained that the tragic loss served as a profound awakening, helping her realise how fragile life is and prompting her to pursue her dreams without delay.
Following her brother's death, Aslanidou decided to move to Athens, the capital of Greece and the center of the nation's music industry, to build a career in singing. She noted that she managed to find a guiding light amidst deep darkness during that period, describing that pursuit as life-saving.
Romantic life and Pontic heritage
Speaking about her love life, Aslanidou admitted to acting impulsively when falling in love. She explained that she experiences her emotions deeply and intensely during romantic relationships.
She compared her emotional experiences in love to a Turkish soap opera, noting that she falls completely onto the floor emotionally when navigating intense romantic drama.
Aslanidou also shared details about her family background and original name. She revealed that her baptismal name is Symela, reflecting her Pontic Greek heritage, an ethnic Greek population historically connected to the Black Sea region.
She noted that her mother never called her Symela, but her parents instead used the childhood nicknames Meli and Mela.
The singer lived in Germany during her early childhood before relocating with her family to Giannitsa, a town in Central Macedonia in northern Greece, where she grew up and formed her earliest memories.
