Tehelka Correspondent In recent years, Turkish dramas have become a favorite among Indian audiences. Their compelling storytelling, rich cultural narratives, and stellar performances have captivated viewers. The unique blend of drama, romance, and historical elements in Turkish series has struck a chord with Indian viewers, fostering a growing appreciation for Turkish television productions. The dubbed version of “Selahaddin Eyyubi” is anticipated to further solidify the country’s love for Turkish dramas. The series has recently been released in Turkey on TRT. In an exclusive interview, Dr. Kashif Ansari, one of the masterminds behind “Selahaddin Eyyubi,” discusses the intricacies of the production and the global resonance of the Turkish release in December.
Dr. Ansari discusses that producing “Selahaddin Eyyubi” on a grand scale posed significant challenges, involving meticulously gathering accurate information from historical sources. Overcoming the language barrier for non-Turkish speaking actors was also a challenge that demanded extra efforts.
Acknowledging the success of series like “[Diriliş] Ertugrul,” Dr. Ansari envisions “Selahaddin Eyyubi” resonating with a global audience, especially in India. He emphasizes that while “Ertugrul” primarily portrayed a Turkish national hero within a nation-centric theology, “Selahaddin Eyyubi” distinguishes itself as a meticulously researched masterpiece with a broader human race focus.
Dr. Ansari then discusses the strategic decision to release a dubbed Hindi version and the efforts being made to complete the dubbing process, making “Selahaddin Eyyubi” accessible to the Indian audience. He emphasizes that the primary focus is on the Hindi/Urdu speaking audience in the Indian sub-continent.
To ensure that the essence and cultural nuances of the series are preserved in the dubbed versions for a diverse international audience, Dr. Ansari mentions that meticulous attention is being given to prevent the loss of meaning in translation. He emphasizes that the goal with “Selahaddin Eyyubi” is to convey a message of understanding and unity to the audience, respecting cultural, religious, and regional differences.
Dr. Ansari believes that “Selahaddin Eyyubi” will resonate with viewers, especially in today’s challenging times, as the historical principles of the series emphasize humanity, justice, equality, and peace. He acknowledges that the series offers hope with its values of justice, kindness, and compassion.
Lastly, Dr. Ansari discusses the selection of Uğur Güneş for the lead role, emphasizing his remarkable versatility and finesse in consistently bringing characters to life on screen.