Turkish drama series Diriliş: Ertuğrul has created a sensation in Pakistan to the point that there is nothing else anyone can talk about. The drama has become the most-watched television show in Pakistan this Ramazan and is being widely discussed on social media and in Whatsapp groups.
Read more – ‘Diriliş: Ertuğrul is a gift to Pakistan from Erdoğan’
Following the excitement, Khalil ur Rehman Qamar announced that he is working on a historical saga similar to Ertuğrul. The writer said that it was time to “introduce our heroes to the younger generation who don’t know them”.
Speaking to a private media outlet, the writer said, “We have decided to make a serial on a great Islamic hero. I am currently doing research, reading various books and will start writing it in a week.”
The writer further shared that he will once again join hands with the team of Meray Paas Tum Ho for this and will cast Humayun Saeed as the lead hero. Nadeem Baig will direct the show while Humayun’s production house Six Sigma Productions will produce it.
Qamar added that he has been asking Humayun to “work on something like this for the last twelve years” but due to limited facilities, they have been unable to turn their dream into reality.
While Qamar refrained from sharing further details, he said that the TV show will match international standards and will be based entirely on facts. He said that the team will soon hold a joint press conference to formally announce the project and other details.
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The writer appreciated Ertuğrul and said that he “salutes” the creators of it and the President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for producing this masterpiece. He also lauded Prime Minister Imran Khan’s decision to air this series in Urdu for Pakistani audiences.
“Ertuğrul was the hero of the Muslims, whether the serial is made by Turkey or any other country, heroes don’t change,” said Qamar.
On the other hand, Humayun while talking about the project said that he hopes it will be the “grandest drama ever produced in Pakistan”.
“I had contemplated making a historical drama nearly two years ago, which is when I saw Ertuğrul,” said Humayun. “When I saw Ertuğrul‘s popularity in Pakistan as soon as it started airing on PTV, I was even more convinced that we needed to create a historical drama of our own.”
“We are yet to decide who the story will be based on and the planning is still in its initial stages, but yes, Khalil sahab is writing it,” he added. Some reports are suggesting that the drama will on the great warrior of Islam Sultan Salahuddin Ayubi.
Diriliş: Ertuğrul is being aired in Urdu on PTV on the recommendation of PM Imran who wanted to “help youngsters connect with their roots.”
Set in 13th century Anatolia, before the establishment of the Ottoman Empire Diriliş: Ertuğrul illustrates the struggle of Ertugrul Gazi, the father of Osman I – the founder of the Ottoman dynasty.
