Tag: Turkish dramas

  • ‘Turki Lala’: Everything you need to know about Pak-Turk’s joint production venture

    Prime Minister Imran Khan’s decision to air Diriliş: Ertuğrul on state-run Pakistan Television (PTV) has opened new doors for the Pakistani entertainment industry with a new alliance formed between Pakistani production house Ansari Films and Turkish production house Tekden Films.

    According to a press release, “Countering the narrative of Islamophobia and highlighting the teachings of Islam and the goodness the religion propagates will be a key focus of the new alliance between Pakistan-based Ansari Films and Turkish production house Tekden Films. This was discussed during one of the many meetings held during the recent Turkey visit of Pakistani delegation to Turkey.”

    The Pakistani delegation comprising of Adnan Siddiqui, Humayun Saeed, producers Dr Kashif Ansari of Ansari Films and Dr Junaid Ali Shah met senior ministers in the Turkish government and discussed an upcoming series Turki Lala, which will be a joint production venture between the two countries. Turki Lala is expected to go on floors soon. The plot of the upcoming venture is based on “Turki Lala who is considered to be one of the most glorious Muslim nationalists to have assisted Turkey during the Balkan War and World War I.”

    According to the Ansari-Tekden team, this will [the partnership] start a new chapter in the cross-border talent exchange including actors and writers and more programmes on popular names in the history.”

    During their three-day visit, the Pakistani delegation also met several Turkish dignitaries including Governor of Istanbul Ali Yerlikaya, Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Youth and Sports Minister M. Muharrem Kasapoglu.

    Speaking about the project, Humayun said: “Turkey has very graciously extended its cooperation to us when we start shooting the series. Turki Lala is a formidable figure in Pak-Turkey relations that go back centuries. The programme will be a tribute to his heroics as well the great friendship between the two nations.”

    Similarly, Adnan while sharing his thoughts on the project said: “Plans are afoot to create content that breaks the myth surrounding Muslims which, unfortunately, has led to unnecessary hatred towards the community. We want people to know that Islam is all about purity of thought and deeds through our future productions. We had a detailed dialogue on the same with the communication director of Presidency Fahrettin Altun.”

    Earlier, Turkish actor Celal Al warmly welcomed Humayun, Adnan, Reema Khan and Sadia Khan in Turkey.

    In January when a Turkish delegation visited Pakistan, Humayun had announced that he and his “friend Adnan Siddiqui” are bringing the biggest project ever in collaboration with Kashif [Ansari] and “our Turkish brothers”. He revealed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would be signed between Tekdin Films and Dr Kashif Ansari of Ansari Films and TRT Films which would lead to a collective project and Adnan and Humayun would be overseeing casting and production-related decisions in Pakistan.

    While a release date for the project has not been announced, it is being speculated that the series will begin to air some time in 2023.

    Meanwhile, Adnan and Humayun have been sharing pictures of themselves enjoying the beauty of Turkey.

  • IN PICTURES: Celal Al welcomes Humayun, Adnan and Reema to Turkey

    IN PICTURES: Celal Al welcomes Humayun, Adnan and Reema to Turkey

    Turkish actor Celal Al on Sunday welcomed Pakistani actors Humayun Saeed, Reema Khan, Sadia Khan and Adnan Siddiqui in Turkey.

    Sharing a picture of Pakistani celebrities enjoying their meals together in his Instagram stories, Celal wrote: “Adnan, Humayun, Reema and Sadia welcome to Istanbul. Turkey-Pakistan brotherhood zindabad.”

    Earlier, Humayun Saeed and Adnan Siddiqui left their fans excited when they informed them of their visit to Turkey.

    Reema also shared a picture with the production team of Diriliş: Ertuğrul on her Instagram account.

    Later Reema shared some fascinating pictures and video of their tour to Hagia Sophia Mosque. Posting a video on Instagram, she also shared the history of this Mosque and wrote: “The world-famous Hagia Sophia mosque ( Which has converted into museum also in Istanbul. A world Heritage site, was originally built as a cathedral around 1,500 years ago by the Bazantine Empire.”

    She also shared some pictures of the meetup with Kamal Tekdin, the famous series’ executive producer and other participants.

    Adnan Siddiqui also took to Instagram and shared a video of their tour. Sharing how he felt, the actor wrote: “It was spellbinding to offer prayer at the iconic Hagia Sophia Holy Grand Mosque. It is grand in ever sense of the word—history, beauty, political significance.”

    “A little lesson in history for those who may not be aware. The world-famous Hagia Sophia museum in Istanbul, also a UNESCO World Heritage site, was originally built as a cathedral around 1500 years ago by the Byzantine empire. The architectural marvel was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest in 1453. In 1934, it became a museum,” he added.

    “Only in July last year, it became a mosque again and opened for prayer and worship,” he wrote.

    Earlier this year, a Turkish delegation comprising Diriliş: Ertuğrul executive producer Tekdin and actor Celal visited Pakistan where they met Prime Minister Imran Khan, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shibli Faraz, Shehryar Afridi, Humayun and Adnan. It was reported that the two countries are working together on a joint production to strengthen ties and people-to-people contact. This tour of Pakistani celebrities to Turkey depicts that something very interesting is coming our way.

  • Sharmeen Obaid defends stance on Turkish actors

    Sharmeen Obaid defends stance on Turkish actors

    Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy continues to defend her stance on Turkish actor despite receiving immense backlash and criticism.

    In a series of stories on Instagram, Chinoy backed her opinion questioning her followers and presenting facts.

    “Let’s play a game,” wrote the award-winning director before questioning how many Pakistani films were made in 2020 and how many brands slashed their budgets last year.

    Chinoy then went onto say that “every industry that the government want to see grow has protections” because of which imports are taxed and/or discouraged.

    “When you have budgets and work for Pakistani actors, then begin to import foreign ones,” continued the filmmaker. “Bollywood and Hollywood can afford to do that – we cannot.”

    She then urged her followers to invest in “your own people and industry first”.

    “I welcome the day when our industry will thrive and we will afford to welcome talent from overseas but not when I see our own struggling without work,” she added.

    “Too bad the truth isn’t always pretty,” concluded Chinoy.

    Sharmeen’s comments come after she was trolled for disapproving Peshawar Zalmi’s decision to appoint Esra Bilgiç as the face of the team.

    “I find this hilarious!,” Sharmeen had said. “A Turkish actress whose country doesn’t even play the sport will now be a mascot for cricket.”

    “What happened to Pakistani actresses by the way?” she said further. “Did they all disappear that we have to get foreign ones? Whatever is left of our industry will die if you keep paying Turkish actors for jobs Pakistani actors can do!”

    Diriliş: Ertuğrul has been trending in Pakistan ever since its first episode aired on PTV Home in Ramzan 2020. Pakistanis are loving the drama series and it has become a sensation in the country. According to some estimates, millions of people have tuned in to watch the show on PTV and YouTube.

    Recently, several Turkish actors from the super hit series Diriliş: Ertuğrul have visited Pakistan for different purposes. From Engin Altan Düzyatan (Ertuğrul Bey) to Cavit Çetin Güner (Dogan Alp) and Celal AL (Abdur Rehman Alp), almost every prominent actor from the drama series has visited different cities of the country.

  • Humayun Saeed is ‘thrilled’ to be bringing the ‘biggest project ever’

    Humayun Saeed is ‘thrilled’ to be bringing the ‘biggest project ever’

    A Turkish delegation comprising of Diriliş: Ertuğrul executive producer Kamal Tekdin and actor Celal Al recently visited Pakistan where they met Prime Minister Imran Khan, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shibli Faraz, Shehryar Afridi, Humayun Saeed and Adnan Siddiqui. According to details, the two countries are working together on a joint production to strengthen ties and people-to-people contact.

    Sharing pictures from their visit on social media, Humayun wrote that “it was an absolute pleasure to host our Turkish guests”, adding that he and his “friend Adnan Siddiqui are absolutely thrilled to be bringing to you the biggest project ever in collaboration with Kashif Bhai and our Turkish brothers.”

    The Jawani Phir Nahi Ani actor then thanked the authorities responsible for making this collaboration possible.

    “I would like to especially thank Prime Minister Imran Khan, President Arif Alvi as well as our esteemed ministers Mr Shibli Faraz and Mr Shehryar Afridi who have pledged their full support in bringing this historic project to life.”

    Saeed reinstated that the upcoming venture “will be shot in and feature actors from both countries.”

    “Here’s to the beginning of a new chapter in Pak-Turkey friendship,” he concluded.

    According to a press release by the PM’s office, the meeting between the two parties discussed in detail the proposed television series being created in collaboration between Pakistan and Turkey on the Khilafat Movement among other future projects and the lost glory of the Pakistani entertainment industry.

    PM Khan, during the meeting, emphasized on showcasing the golden era of Muslims’ Rule in the subcontinent in dramas and films to apprise the youth about that golden age and to foil negative propaganda and designs.

    The PM said that the Pakistani film and drama industry needed to work for the promotion of local culture to apprise western-influenced youth of their indigenous values and to protect them from social evils, adding that the Pakistani film and drama industry will flourish by producing quality content. This will also provide a substitute for the superficial and glamourized broadcast content to the youth.

    Meanwhile, producer Tekdin said that the Turkish team is very happy over Pakistan’s cooperation in this project, which will highlight cultural commonalities between the two countries.

    The Prime Minister assured the Turkish team that his government will provide full cooperation in this regard.

    Meanwhile, Diriliş: Ertuğrul’s Nurettin Sönmez (Bamsı Beyrek) and Ayberk Pekcan (Artuk Bey) also arrived in Pakistan on Wednesday along with a 20-member delegation including Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu.

  • Feroze Khan thanks Celal AL for love, priceless gifts

    Feroze Khan thanks Celal AL for love, priceless gifts

    Feroze Khan has thanked Diriliş: Ertuğrul star Celal AL for all the love and “priceless gifts” he brought for him on his visit to Karachi.

    “Thank you, Jalal for the priceless gifts you’ve brought me and love that I can’t thank [you] enough for,” wrote Feroze alongside a picture of the two.

    “Great to have Celal AL here in Pakistan,” he wrote further, requesting his fans to shower love on the Turkish star.

    Responding to Feroze’s post, Celal said: “The gift that I gave you is more than a gift. You deserve it.”

    “I bring the relic that is already yours from Istanbul, which is 5000 km far from here,” added Celal. “InshAllah you will serve much more to humanity, Islam, culture, art, and Turkey-Pakistan people.”

    The two also appeared to have enjoyed a hearty breakfast during their meeting.

    Meanwhile, Celal, during his visit also met several other Pakistani celebrities including Adnan Siddiqui, Humayun Saeed, and Imran Abbas. Adnan and Humayun hosted a dinner for him in Karachi also.

    Celal also met with Prime Minister Imran Khan and donated blood for children with thalassemia during his visit to Pakistan.

  • Ertuğrul’s Celal AL looks up to Quaid-e-Azam for inspiration

    Ertuğrul’s Celal AL looks up to Quaid-e-Azam for inspiration

    Celal AL who plays Abdul Rehman Alp in Diriliş: Ertuğrul is currently touring Pakistan as part of a Turkish delegation. So far, the actor and his team has been welcomed by Adnan Siddiqui and Humayun Saeed, had a meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan and also enjoyed a delightful dinner in Islamabad. The dinner, which was hosted by The Legend of Maula Jutt producer Ammara Hikmat saw several Pakistani celebrities including Imran Abbas, Faisal Qureshi, Ahmad Ali Akhbar, Yasir Jaswal, Adnan and Humayun in attendance.

    Celal later also explored Islamabad, calling it a “very beautiful city”.

    Posting a picture of himself with Quaid-e-Azam’s portrait, the actor called the Founder of the Nation an inspiration.

    “One [of] the hero that I am inspired by. Faithful, True Muslim, Great Leader and Turkish Friend,” wrote AL in the caption. “May he rest in peace.”

    Celal AL also expressed his love for Pakistan by posting a picture of himself with the Pakistan’s flag while wearing the Turkish’s flag as a mask.

    In his caption the Turkish actor referred to Kashmir as a part of Pakistan.

    “Your elder brother has come with red crescent and star,” said Celal. “I brought greetings and prayers from Türkiye. Kashmir is Pakistan!”

    After having a great time in Islamabad, Celal AL’s next stop was Karachi, where he caught up with Feroze Khan.

    Earlier, the actor had also praised Feroze and invited him to visit Turkey. He also brought many gifts for the Pakistani actor.

  • Ertuğrul’s Abdul Rehman Alp invites Feroze Khan to visit Turkey

    Looks like Feroze Khan is becoming a favourite among Turkish actors. After Diriliş: Ertuğrul‘s Ozman Sirgood, who plays Ibn Arabi in the series, requested Feroze not to quit acting, Celal AL (Abdul Rehman Alp) has praised Khan and invited him to visit Turkey.

    Commenting on Khan’s Instagram post, in which he shared the poster of his upcoming drama serial Khuda Aur Mohabbat, the Turkish actor said: “MashAllah mere bhai. Bohat khoob”.

    He then went on to invite Feroze to Turkey, saying: “Istanbul kab arhay? Kardes [friends] intzaar mein hain.”

    Replying to Celal’s comment, Khan complemented him for picking up Urdu quickly and promised to visit soon.

    Celal also shared the teaser of Khan’s upcoming drama on his Instagram story, with the caption: “Turk Pak Brotherhood.”

    Meanwhile, Khuda aur Mohabbat 3, in which also features Iqra Aziz, is all set to go on-air soon.

  • Diriliş: Ertuğrul’s Ozman Sirgood has a special message for Feroze Khan

    Turkish Actor Ozman Sirgood, who plays the role of Ibn Arabi in the superhit Turkish series Diriliş: Ertuğrul has a special message for Feroze Khan.

    Thanking Feroze for sharing the words of Muslim scholar, poet and philosopher Ibn Arabi, Sirgood wrote: “Thank you, Feroze, for sharing these golden words from the great master Ibn Arabi.”

    “I heard you have left [the] show business in order to serve Islam. I believe there are many different ways to serve a higher cause,” he continued.

    The Turkish actor also offered to work with Feroze, saying: “Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you, or if you would like to work on some projects together!⁠”

    Replying to Ozman’s post, Feroze commented: “Hey Ozman! Thank you. I have continued again to serve the higher cause.”

    “Would definitely connect,” he added. “Let’s do something together.”

    In March 2020, Khan had announced that he will be quitting the showbiz industry and “will only act and provide my services for the teaching of Islam.”

    Later, the actor said that he will not be quitting after his “Sheikh” Sultan Muhammad Ali ordered him not to quit the entertainment industry.

    “He believes the industry is a source of spreading the message from one place to another,” said Feroze.

    Meanwhile, Feroze’s latest project Khuda aur Mohabbat 3, in which he will be sharing the screen with Iqra Aziz, is all set to go on-air soon.

  • Fawad Chaudhry visits sets of ‘Kuruluş: Osman’ in Turkey

    Fawad Chaudhry visits sets of ‘Kuruluş: Osman’ in Turkey

    Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry, who was recently in Turkey on a private trip, visited the sets of Kuruluş: Osman where he interacted with the actors of the Turkish historical series.

    When asked what went down on his visit, Fawad exclusively told The Current that he “discussed how to defeat PDM (Pakistan Democratic Movement)”.

    Kuruluş: Osman is the sequel to the superhit Diriliş: Ertuğrul, which took Pakistan by storm after Prime Minister Imran Khan recommended it and directed PTV to air it in Urdu. Created by Mehmet Bozdağ, the series focuses on the life of Osman I, founder of the Ottoman Empire. The second season of the series opened in October 2020 and set new records in viewership.

    The show was also among the top Google searches in Pakistan in 2020.

  • ‘It is not a threat’: Faisal Javed advises Fahad Mustafa to learn from ‘Diriliş: Ertuğrul’

    Senior PTI leader Senator Faisal Javed Khan has advised Fahad Mustafa to not view Diriliş: Ertuğrul as a threat but as an opportunity after Mustafa in a recent interview commented that the star of the Turkish show Engin Altan Düzyatan came to Pakistan, made money and left.

    “Ertuğrul [Düzyatan] also came, posed with a lion, took money, and left, didn’t he?,” Fahad had said. “That’s all you guys were for him. For you, there is Humayun Saeed. It’s us. Admit it or not, we were here and we will be here in the future.”

    In response to his remarks, Khan tweeted: “Engin Altan is one of the finest actors we have seen on TV and Diriliş: Ertuğrul brought him a huge fame across the world.”

    “A lot to be learnt from such a great production and director’s meticulous attention to detail,” he added. “It is not a threat, it’s an opportunity.”

    Interestingly, in the same interview, Fahad had said that he is here to make money and entertain the masses not educate them while talking about why his production house chooses to make dramas like Jalan and Nand.

    Earlier this month, Engin Altan came to Lahore for a short visit on the invitation of a private company. The actor toured Lahore on his visit and met with Chief Minister Punjab Usman Buzdar.

    In a press conference, Engin said that his trip was the first of many more visits to come. He even said that he would “love to work in a Pakistani drama or film, given the right opportunity”.

    “If the script is good then why not,” the actor had said.