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Shaan is not here for PTV and PTI endorsing Turkish content

Shaan is not here for PTV and PTI endorsing Turkish content

"When a state-owned channel for which I pay taxes extends its support to foreign content, I begin to lose hope.”
Updated 07 May, 2020

“I don’t have anything against Ertugrul,” actor Shaan Shahid tells me, “or against any production that is done well.”

His Twitter feed, however, has lately seemed to depict otherwise.

The veteran actor is often in the news because of his very opinionated tweets and this time around, he is unhappy that the government is supporting the airing of the Urdu-dubbed version of Turkish hit drama Erturgrul on PTV.

“I have never said anything against foreign content being aired on a privately aired channel,” continues Shaan.

“Some years ago, Turkish soaps Ishq-e-Mamnoon and Mera Sultan were such huge hits but they were being shown on private channels. But when a state-owned channel for which I pay taxes extends its support to foreign content – and furthermore, my government especially endorses it – I begin to lose hope.”

According to Shaan, his problems with the airing of foreign content have a lot to do with hope.

“This is an insecure time for the entire world and every working professional has certain hopes. Some of our hopes are the same: a lower foreign exchange rate, less inflation. But then, there are hopes that are unique to an industry.

Certain industries will feel hopeful if their government extends support to them by lowering taxes or providing them with aid. My industry similarly needs to feel hopeful. We need to feel like we aren’t just standing alone, paying our taxes but not being supported.”

“Why hasn’t the government ever tweeted on behalf of a local drama that was a hit? A local movie that did well? Even a small statement of encouragement can go a long way. Instead, they choose to tell Pakistani audiences to watch an international production. The government says that they want to reduce imports but what about cultural imports?”

A still from Dirilis Ertugrul
A still from Dirilis Ertugrul

“And if this drama does well, don’t you think that other similar dramas will also become popular? Even private channels will reduce their investment on local productions and bring in international hit dramas, dub them in Urdu and air them on our channels.”

Shaan suggests that PTV should instead make an effort towards creating stories around some of Pakistan’s heroes. This is a great idea except that right now, with the entire entertainment industry quarantined away at home, grandiose new productions really can’t be started off.

“And this reflects on PTV’s performance. They haven’t created any production in recent years that they can be proud of which is why they have to rely on foreign content during this lockdown. All that the state-owned channel gives us is the news. There hasn’t been any entertainment that has emerged from it in years!”

In this evident sad state of affairs, perhaps the government has decided to promote Ertugrul, with its religious roots, in order boost morale during these trying times. Also, it is likely that this drama is indicative of the strengthening of political and cultural ties between Pakistan and Turkey.

“But how does that make me and others in the industry make me feel? Irani films are also brilliant. If tomorrow, the government starts tweeting about those when they haven’t ever acknowledged local cinema, how would that make us feel? I am a tax-payer and I have been in this business for 30 years now. And a time like this has made me reevaluate things: how can I protect my front? How can I try to make changes so that there is some hope left in the industry for the new producers and directors that come in after me?”

Erturgrul, in its Urdu dubbed version, is evidently raking in high ratings. This may be testament to the show’s superior content but, as Shaan points out, it is also indicative of the limited content that PTV has, even in the form of reruns.

PTI Senator Faisal Javed Khan has also tweeted that the PM wants Pakistani audiences to watch another Turkish series, Yunus Emre, so that they could ‘#knowIslamichistory’.

Meanwhjle, Shaan is tweeting that ‘we need to transfer our pride to our children our stories our successes’.

via Shaan's Twitter
via Shaan's Twitter

There was a time when patriotic dramas were a norm – one remembers the short plays created to celebrate the martyrs that were awarded the ‘Nishan-e-Haider’. There was a time when new patriotic songs – ‘Milli Naghmay’ – would be coined every year, close to Independence Day.

But that PTV of yore has been long gone. There isn’t any riveting new content. No celebration of local heroes. Perhaps this negligence can be corrected once the coronavirus lockdown has ended?

For now, its Erturgrul – and then, maybe Yunus Emre.

Comments

Freedom May 06, 2020 12:52pm
His comment makes no sense at all.
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AAA May 06, 2020 12:52pm
Fully agreed.
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vin May 06, 2020 01:09pm
1000% support his view.
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Khurram May 06, 2020 01:35pm
It is an eye opener for the local industry and for icons like shan.. highlighting the low standards in acting,production,directing and every other relating area of pakistani films.. Hence competition has found this industry and there is no choice but to improve in the wake of this fresh competition. Surviving and providing low quality films is injustice to the pakistani public
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Sahmad May 06, 2020 01:44pm
There are times when you feel that both parties have a point. I support both SS and PTI on their views about Erturgrul.
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Suleman May 06, 2020 01:59pm
Shaan is worried public will get used to quality productions from abroad, and nobody will watch rubbish produced locally.
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A. ALI May 06, 2020 02:05pm
Looking for a long play...
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Joker May 06, 2020 02:13pm
He's right. Why let common man/women get educated on culture and history, let them be forever lost in SAS vs Bahu or Mazloom Larki crying fest which our talented industry produces.
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Hamid Shafiq May 06, 2020 02:24pm
100% agreed our country has many heroes who change the world then why we see other countries
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irfan May 06, 2020 02:39pm
i agree with Mr Shan.. but he also should focus on creating Pakistani films, in Urdu language.. most of his movies are english medium nowadays with very little Pakistani content..
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Bikram Singh May 06, 2020 02:41pm
Please do one favor to your children. Please do not transfer your false pride to them. Let them live a normal life and let them become good citizens internationally.
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Zaffar Ali May 06, 2020 02:44pm
Once we come out of the saas-bahu fiasco in our TV shows then we can start promoting our content. Our dramas are promoting societal degeneration with no constructive storyline.
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Malik May 06, 2020 02:57pm
100% agree with you .
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Hassan Raza Kumail May 06, 2020 03:10pm
Disagree..!!
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ABCD May 06, 2020 03:15pm
This man seems more genuine than IK.
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Manzar Ali Khan Baqai May 06, 2020 03:23pm
I stand with Shan on this issue.
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Saira May 06, 2020 03:25pm
It is not about economy it is about a high quality common history learning from an islamic perspective that is not available through any other platform. The West has a common cultural and historical cannon which is recent and constructed. And here we can not even tolerate a valuable series. If anything, PTV should go away from all the nonsense bahu/saas drama and produce equally good historical series that can be exported to Turkey and other countries. Stop this provincial mindset.
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Parvez May 06, 2020 03:35pm
Shaan is right government should not encourage outside material, it's in principle wrong .... but our industry needs to up its game and competition in the arts is a good thing.
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Naveed May 06, 2020 03:53pm
Very valid point by Shaan.
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Cris Dan May 06, 2020 03:58pm
A rational statement by Shan.
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Texan May 06, 2020 04:21pm
I was wondering the same. Pakistani drama industry can do a better job if govt starts supporting new dramas showing Indus history.
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Shahzeb May 06, 2020 04:27pm
When Pakistani Content Dramas are shown on other channels, we feel proud. Does that effect the patriotism of the other nations? If you are so inclined to show your heros, produce them and run on your TVs, who is stopping you? Goverments never sponsor these things, its business. Bring your product if you have time from Jatts, Arains and BUtts.
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Pro Democracy May 06, 2020 04:57pm
Correct observation by Shan.
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Rizwan May 06, 2020 04:57pm
Turkish drama are close to our culture, what's wrong in that. Should we watch rona dhona and love stories.
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Tahir A May 06, 2020 05:24pm
Surprise to see an artist with a protectionist view.
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Hassan Raza Kumail May 06, 2020 05:36pm
Disagree.
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Thinking May 06, 2020 06:44pm
This guy needs to have some patience. Turkey will give something in return for iks endorsement
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FS May 06, 2020 07:00pm
Completely agreed. We are a poor country who can't afford imports
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Ehsan May 06, 2020 07:16pm
We are insecure, everything foreign is good!
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far May 06, 2020 08:04pm
lame input. Perhaps to seek some spotlight, if at all. Being a state owned television channel does not mean all content has to be locally produced. It is about the message that the government wants to transfer to the public via the media in its control. If it was meant as a constructive feedback it should have been promotive to ideas for future productions. it seems Mr. Shahid is more disturbed that PTV has taken an initiative rather than the goodwill of local material. pretty low.
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SadFaces May 06, 2020 08:10pm
Please make proper varied dramas that cover all demographics and start spending more for better quality.
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SA May 06, 2020 08:31pm
he is good and making sense
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Qureshi May 06, 2020 08:42pm
Jealous!!!
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wasim May 06, 2020 08:51pm
For once look at the bigger picture by rising above personal vulnerabilities.
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Amir May 06, 2020 09:38pm
why is government being asked to improve pakistan cinema which itself has shot themselves in the foot. with old directors and actors still set in old ways, not challenging themselves, dishing out formula same movies. why would pakistani or anyone in the world go see it.
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Raja Farhat abbas May 06, 2020 09:55pm
Shan talking rubbish again as usual !
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Syed Hasan May 06, 2020 11:06pm
I disagree with Shan. In my opinion, it is a welcome beginning.
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omer khan shaheen May 07, 2020 12:39am
Interesting! I can't recall such concerns being raised when PTV showed English content?
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Anon May 07, 2020 12:40am
Ertughrul is an exception.
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Vishal lucknow May 07, 2020 01:09am
He is 100% wrong.
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Edris May 07, 2020 03:02am
Dear Shaan agree with your concerns but this drama can help revive PTV, lets be positive and enjoy the moment.
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amin khan May 07, 2020 07:21am
Tax payers money blown up by PTV. Hard FEX earned by Pakistan Mazdoor blown up by PTV. PTV doing all for which PTI never stood.
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Mehmood May 07, 2020 09:06am
Shan is right we should first celebrate our history and then should history of our brothers. Around this time in 11th century there were many Muslim hero’s in Muslim sultanate of Indian who are even brighter examples of bravery and military strategy while they were fighting Mongols. Mongols subjugated Suljooq sultanate, Indian sultanate fought successfully against Mongols and remained independent. We need to know our proud history.
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Abdul Hameed May 07, 2020 09:08am
Fully disagreed
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GhabranaHai May 07, 2020 12:02pm
All of us everywhere compete with talent from all around the world and showbiz should not be any different. Pakistani dramas need to lift their game and produce quality content and stop acting like the sugar industry that just survives on government protection.
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Khizer May 07, 2020 12:19pm
Not Agreed. This Turkish Content Encourages Islamic Brotherhood and True Islamic Nationalism.
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Khizer May 07, 2020 12:20pm
Not Agreed
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Faiz May 07, 2020 12:38pm
First time I'm in agreement with Shaan.
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RogerKhan May 07, 2020 12:38pm
Dawn agrees with Shaan? That's a new.
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Syed Ahmed May 07, 2020 01:38pm
Why Turkish drama show air on government off Pakistan channel, I never heard Pakistani drama showing in another nation, why ik kissing to much to Turkish contain is some Pakistan don’t have talent or else!
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Syed Ahmed May 07, 2020 01:40pm
@Manzar Ali Khan Baqai if is cultural program exchange is fine, but didn’t seen any Pakistani drama in Turkish tv!
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Laila May 07, 2020 03:12pm
He is entitled to his opinion. Not everybody has to like/support import of Turkish culture. Though I like historical stuff. But maybe Shaan can also consider that our own domestic productions aren't good enough and that's why foreign media has more appeal. Just look at our dramas. Domestic saas bahu mazloom aurat zalim admi, showing 24/7. Even though our society is ripe with stories and content begging to be told. But nobody wants to tell those stories. They want to stay safe and keep feeding us the same predictable nonsense. Our films are poor man's version of bollywood. Its time to reinvent our shows and be more bold in exploring untold stories and going back to basics: Social issues and current issues present in our Pakistani society. Things we can relate to and things we can learn from. More female empowerment, more supportive male figures, more honesty.
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Taimur Khan May 07, 2020 03:19pm
I totally dis agree with Shaan. Ertugral, besides being an internationally acclaimed serial, depicts a glorious chapter of Muslim history which culminated in the establishment of one of the largest empires in human history, the Ottoman Empire. Let us learn to be broad minded. PTV has been producing quality serials in the past. They can still do it, particularly through collaboration with private producers. The themes could be nationalistic, like Pakistan Movement, and Naseem Hijazi's novels etc. If we produce quality, not only will it sell in Pakistan, it could also possibly attract foreign investment. Quality sells.
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Salman May 07, 2020 04:49pm
Industry protection is all fine. But showing 1 Turkish drama on PTV shouldn't make the industry so insecure. Besides, so many Turkish dramas aired on private channels, but the Pakistani drama industry upped its game (a bit) and still has the highest ratings. And let's be honest, the drama has way better production values. If anything, we should also allow 1 or 2 dubbed Iranian movies to be released in Pakistan every year during lean periods.
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Luckystar May 07, 2020 05:23pm
it’s not about the the drama being foreign. it’s about the content which shows how muslims have suffered at the hands of traitors and outsiders but if they stand united and take care of all minorities living with them, they succeed based on some historical facts. This is to educate our Pakistani population. No Pakistani drama has shown that.
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Abdul Bhatti May 07, 2020 06:40pm
I agree with Shan
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Kahaf Usman May 07, 2020 06:44pm
He got point.
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Faisal Siddiqui May 07, 2020 07:36pm
PTV has aired foreign content for decades. You are upset because it is finally getting some audience back, which was lost to cable channels. The content on those channels must be inferior. Let's see you make something which is as good before complaining.
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Shahzad Akbar Shaikh May 07, 2020 07:49pm
I agree with Shaan
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Charda Punjab May 07, 2020 08:18pm
People wake up - there is so much heritage, culture, legacy; there is no need for foreign content be it from India, Turkey or some other place to influence society. Imitating some one else is like insulting yourself. Be who you are & have self esteem.
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Gamer May 07, 2020 11:35pm
Makes sense!!! I agree with Shan. But I must say, I am in love with the serial "Ertugrul"
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Sadia Khan May 08, 2020 01:44am
There are 500 channel on my TV showing content from all around the world and this Shaan has an agenda against an excellent tv show that shows our history and our enemies.
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G H A L I B J E E E May 08, 2020 10:10am
For I agree with Shan, And why are we still paying PTV taxes if this channel cannot survive without life support For such a long time now maybe it should rest in peace
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Adil Jadoon May 08, 2020 11:08am
Make something worth watching then ....lol
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Laila May 08, 2020 09:07pm
@Sadia Khan "our history and enemies".... We Pakistanis are not Turks or Turkish, neither did we participate in these battles, we were not part of the Ottoman empire. Time to study Pakistans history and also the history before and after Islam reached us in the subcontinent. It's possible to appreciate a show without claiming its heritage and history.
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Rao Adeel May 09, 2020 05:28am
He is right. All his points are true. And previously, PTV has produced superb dramas with our great history e.g. Tipu Sultan. But now they are just sleeping...
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Arslan gondal May 10, 2020 02:30am
We support our national hero shaan it shows he hve the knowledge of art an nationalism
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nishat khan May 10, 2020 11:46am
If you had acted in Drama as good as Ertugrul .May you dramas would have been shown on Turkish screen.Just don"t be selfish????
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Chand May 10, 2020 12:03pm
100% agreed
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Sha May 10, 2020 12:28pm
Please create something like that and compete
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