Zhalay questions why auditions were held for ‘Selahaddin Eyyubi’ | The Express Tribune

A much-anticipated historical series about the life of Selahaddin Eyyubi, a revered Muslim ruler and founder of the Ayyubid dynasty, is generating buzz and excitement among fans. The project, titled Kudüs Fatihi Selahaddin Eyyubi, is set to capture the historical narrative of the renowned commander’s capture of Jerusalem during the Crusades. 

The series is scheduled for release on TRT 1, a Turkish television network, on November 13 this year. However, controversy has arisen concerning the selection process for certain roles, as Pakistani star Zhalay Sarhadi voiced concerns on her Instagram.

Sarhadi expressed her confusion about the auditions held for the project, where individuals were “selected” but subsequently left in the dark about their roles. In a publicised ceremony and through WhatsApp group messages, many were allegedly told they would be part of the project with a ‘golden ticket.’ Still, the lack of communication after the initial announcement has left aspiring actors wondering about their roles.

“I am still wondering why auditions were kept for this project and people were ‘selected’, (after much deliberation),” said Sarhadi, “As most never got an answer to why they were told that they were chosen in a publicised ceremony (also continually over and over again on a WhatsApp group) to be a part of this and then were never contacted even after being awarded with a ‘golden ticket?’ Asking for a friend.”

The historical series, a collaborative effort between Pakistani and Turkish entertainment industry veterans, features prominent actors such as Humayun Saeed, Adnan Siddiqui, Dr. Kashif Ansari, Ahmet Faruk Bakacak, and Dr. Junaid Ali Shah. It represents an ambitious and colossal project aimed at bringing history to life on screen.

Siddiqui, one of the producers, shared the long-awaited teaser on his Instagram. The teaser is an epic glimpse into the life and conquests of Selahaddin Eyyubi. The forthcoming period piece invites viewers to an era of valour and honour, promising to unfold history’s grandeur. Siddiqui expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated team, acknowledging the contributions of Shah, Ansari, Saeed, and the production companies Ansari-Shah Films and Akli Films.

The lead role of Sultan Selahaddin Eyyubi will be portrayed by Turkish actor Uğur Güneş, renowned for his debut in TRT’s famous historical series Diriliş: Ertuğrul, where he played the character Tugtekin Bey. To recreate the historical setting, Selahaddin Eyyubi is being filmed on an expansive set replicating the ancient city of Damascus. This meticulously designed set sprawls across a vast 200-acre area and includes detailed reconstructions of mosques, bustling bazaars, grand palaces, and historic homes.

As the release date of Kudüs Fatihi Selahaddin Eyyubi approaches, fans and critics alike eagerly await the epic tale of this revered historical figure and the grandeur of his accomplishments. The controversy surrounding the auditions has only added to the intrigue, leaving audiences eager to witness the fusion of talent from Pakistan and Turkey.

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