Yasir Nawaz Discusses Romance and Intrigue in ‘Dirilis Ertuğrul’

In an interview with Fuchsia Magazine, prominent figures in the Pakistani entertainment industry, Yasir Nawaz and Nida Yasir, delved into a conversation about the recurrent storylines often seen in television dramas. They explored how these familiar themes manage to capture the attention of audiences, both locally and globally. As an example, Yasir highlighted the immense popularity of the Turkish drama, Dirilis Ertuğrul, among Pakistani viewers.

When asked if he, as a director, would be open to experimenting with new subjects instead of sticking to the conventional conflicts between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law, extramarital affairs, and toxic family dynamics, Yasir expressed that television audiences worldwide tend to be drawn towards similar storylines. He cited how even in Dirilis Ertuğrul, a historical epic, elements of romance, familial relationships, and intrigue were included.

“Globally, the television audience watches the same thing,” said Yasir. “Even if you see [Dirilis Ertuğrul], it would show wars less – I would sit with Nida and watch – there is romance, the mother-in-law, the daughter-in-law, the scheming. If you watch [Dirilis Ertuğrul], the drama is [made according to] what women want.”

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Nida added to the discussion, acknowledging that if Dirilis Ertuğrul solely focused on war and battles, it would not have achieved the enormous success it did. She emphasized the importance of incorporating content that appeals to the general public, indicating that catering to the viewers’ interests is crucial for a drama’s popularity. “If it was just wars, it would not have been a hit,” said Nida, with Yasir agreeing. “They put in content that the general public wants to see.”

Yasir further expressed that each medium, be it drama, film, theatre, or radio, has its own language and audience. He emphasized that dramas are crafted based on specific themes, and the talent lies in executing them effectively. “Drama has its own language, film has its own language, theatre has its own, radio has a different one. Each audience has its own language. Drama is made per a theme – having it be well made is a talent,” explained Yasir.

The director referred to his previous works, such as the drama series Chup Raho, which tackled a sensitive topic like rape and featured Sajal Aly. Yasir highlighted that he and writer Samira Fazal added their unique touch to the show through their artistic vision and execution. He also mentioned another drama, Shukk, which followed a similar pattern. “I made Chup Raho with Sajal. What was the topic? Brother-in-law, rape – common topic. But Samira and I made it our own. The way we shot it. Okay, leave Chup Raho – Take Shukk. Shukk was the same,” stated Yasir.

The discussion shed light on the enduring popularity of certain drama themes while acknowledging the importance of presenting the stories in a compelling and distinctive manner. As audiences continue to engage with television dramas, whether creators will take risks and explore new subjects or maintain the familiarity that has resonated with viewers for years remains to be seen.