Recently, Pakistan and Turkey announced a joint project on the historical drama series based on “Salahuddin Ayyubi”, known as the ‘Conqueror of Jerusalem’. Ansari and Shah Films are producing it in Pakistan, which has stated that it is primarily going to address the six billion non-Muslims who are unaware of the history of Muslim rulers and their achievements.
Dr Kashif Ansari from Ansari and Shah Films mentioned the fundamental motivation behind the series: the respect and admiration for the figure commands of Salahuddin Ayyubi between Muslims and non-Muslims. Mr Junaid Ali Shah, the other partner of the production house, believes that this series is needed at the moment since today’s generation is unaware of Salahuddin Ayyubi’s achievements.
Mr Shah further explained the central theme of the series. He said that the series would include the practical application of the Quran for effective governance. The Quran can be embraced by all, either Muslims or non-Muslims, for effective governance.
Moreover, Dr Junaid Shah also endorsed that the Pakistan drama industry needs to move beyond the superficial issues of “saas-bahu (family politics)” if it wants to be part of world-class production.
The historical series would be based on three seasons with 34 episodes each. Whereas the cast would include mutual efforts by best-skilled actors from Pakistan and Turkey. While, on the production side from Pakistan, Dr Kashif Ansari and Dr. Junaid Ali Shah of Ansari and Shah Films and Emre Konuk of Akli Film from Turkey will work together on the joint venture.