Pakistani comedian-actor reacts to Diriliş: Ertuğrul

With the premier of the Turkish series, Diriliş: Ertuğrul, Pakistani showbiz industry has mixed reviews, from Ahsan Khan to Shaan Shahid and even Yasir Hussain, many have expressed their views about the trending series.

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According to reports of Baaghi TV, Pakistani comedian turned actor, Yasir Hussain, who is currently presenting his acting chops in ARY’s Jhooti, alongside his wife, Iqra Aziz, has taken to Instagram to express his not-so-positive opinion about the series believed by many to be Turkey’s version of ‘Game of Thrones’.

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Since its broadcast from the first of Ramadan following orders of the Prime Minister, Imran Khan, to revive the glory of Islam for the younger generations, Diriliş: Ertuğrul, or Ertugul Ghazi, has broken all records of viewership across Pakistan. The theme of Islam running parallel with the Turkish culture and heritage as depicted in the series is enchanting global audiences and Pakistan is no different. The historical and religious appeal in the series is fascinating the young and old alike. However, while social media is full of the public’s positive reaction to the series, there are many from the Pakistan showbiz industry who fear the possible outcomes and what it may mean for them professionally.

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Pakistani comedian-actor, Yasir Hussain, is one of such who believe that broadcasting Diriliş: Ertuğrul, is like killing off the local talent. Taking to Instagram, the actor said in his Instagram stories, that “when someone’s father or brother loses their jobs to Turkish people, only then they will understand what he is saying.”

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Following the criticism Hussain received for his opinion against the viewing of the Turkish series, another Pakistani celebrity, Anoushey Ashraf, stepped in to show support for the Shaadi Mubarak actor.

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Similarly, Pakistani film actor, Shaan Shahid, took to Twitter to express his views pertaining to the rising popularity of the Turkish series. Shahid said, “Our artistic heritage will be lost in a decade if not preserved.” The Waar actor added, “Artistic community waits for its naya Pakistan.”

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#saveart&culture @ImranKhanPTI sir our culture, music ,film ,art , and literature awaits your response. Our artistic heritage will be lost in a decade if not preserved . Our music & film exports can help the economy as well if supported .artistic community waits for its naya

— Shaan Shahid (@mshaanshahid) December 6, 2019

Many social media users responded to the claims made by the actor. One social media user named, Sid Ramadan wrote, the the Pakistani public requests Shaan to produce something which belongs to “our culture, our history, and our religion”.

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@ImranKhanPTI @mshaanshahid
Please we request you to produce something which is belong to our culture our history and our religion. The bollywood cinema and our current cinema is damaging our generation. Cinema is powerful so use this power in positive direction.

— Sid Ramadan (@siddiqramadan) December 6, 2019

Another user wrote, “Seeing artists like great Mehdi Hassan and Shaukat Ali in bad financial conditions often make me wonder why don’t they plan or save for rainy days?”

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Seeing artists like great Mehdi Hassan and Shaukat Ali in bad financial conditions often make me wonder why don't they plan or save for rainy days? And why don't their sons study, work n earn for the family? Coz in their prime they earn good. Do they just waste the money ?

— jerryjanjua (@jerryjanjua) December 6, 2019

Similarly, another user named Maha wrote, “I feel there are more pressing matters that require @ImranKhanPTI attention that will actually catapult the country forwards & the improve standard of living.”

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I feel there are more pressing matters that require @ImranKhanPTI attention that will actually catapult the country forward & the improve standard of living.

In fact, it is artists like you who should get in touch with Netflix & others to take the industry forward.

— Maha (@cestmoiM) December 6, 2019

However, Shaan Shahid is of the opinion that local talent should be celebrated and Pakistan Television Network (PTV) should invest in making such high-budget series to honour the heritage and culture of Pakistan. Meanwhile, there are actors such as former actor, Hamza Ali Abbasi and Ahsan Khan who believe talent should be appreciated no matter the geographical boundaries.