New Delhi: In 2020 when Imran Khan urged Pakistanis to watch Turkish TV drama Ertuğrul, he may not have anticipated them giving the serial and the actors an almost cult status—obsessed to the point when their reel lives would impact their real lives. That’s what has happened. Soon after Turkish actor Esra Bilgiç posted an advertisement on her Instagram handle for Victoria’s Secret, a luxury underwear brand, Pakistani men rose to the occasion to express their ‘disappointment’ seeing ‘Halima baji’ wearing lingerie.
Bilgiç garnered appreciation and fame among Pakistanis after featuring in Diriliş: Ertuğrul, a Turkish television series. Her portrayal of a warrior princess Halima Sultan made her a household name in Pakistan. Since then, she has headlined various local brands and is also the ambassador of Peshawar Zalmi, a cricket team participating in the T20 league Pakistan Super League (PSL).
But her credentials or stature did very little for her defense as the so-called fans took to social media after her Victoria’s Secret advertisement.
The comment section transformed into a dump yard for the Pakistani men to express their ‘anguish’ seeing the Turkish actor promoting a luxury innerwear brand. “Yeh dekhne se pehle hum mar kyun nahi gaye (Why didn’t I die before seeing this?),” said one user while another offered unsolicited advice on how Bilgiç should “protect her body” and not “sell it for money”.
Not just the social media, several Pakistani publications including Daily Pakistan also called out the trolls. The Express Tribune noted how Bilgiç’s professional choice turned out to be a “testing time” for Pakistani fans of her popular television show.
The publication also pointed out that this is not the first time the Turkish actor had to endure moral policing at the hands of her Pakistani fans. “Let me give you a little advice: Don’t follow me, thank you,” Bilgiç had said the last time she was at the receiving end of criticism over her choice of dressing and personal photographs.
But not all Pakistanis were keen on joining the bandwagon of unwarranted criticism of their fellow countrymen. Some ‘apologised’ on Pakistani men’s behalf in the comment section of Bilgiç’s post.
One user called out the trolls for their hypocrisy and highlighted much more pressing matters in the country.
More Pakistanis felt angry about Esra Bilgic's Victoria secret video today than about that poor guy who's beaten to death in a shadi. that's our priorities
— Sadaf. (@SilentEloquens) March 22, 2022
Few others trolled them back…
….. “if you need money ask Pakistan” has to be my favourite one ? Pakistani men shaming #EsraBilgiç now that she’s deviating from their imaginary ideal. Classic. pic.twitter.com/zmqCJTzeeb
— amnah javvad (@amnahjayy) March 21, 2022
Esra Bilgic wears a bra and does what she wants on her social media
Pakistani men for no reason: pic.twitter.com/vtc5zXt8HY
— N (@__Dragunov) March 22, 2022
Some even had a good laugh at their expense.