New Delhi: In 2020, when Imran Khan urged Pakistanis to watch the Turkish TV drama Ertuğrul, he might not have expected them to give the series and the actors an almost cult status – obsessed to the point where their reel life would affect their real lives. That is what has happened. Shortly after Turkish actress Esra Bilgiç had posted an ad on her Instagram handle for Victoria’s Secret, a luxury lingerie brand, Pakistani men rose to the occasion to express their ‘disappointment’ at seeing ‘Halima baji’ wearing lingerie.
Bilgiç reaped appreciation and fame among Pakistanis after joining Resurrection: Ertugrul, a Turkish television series. Her portrayal of a warrior princess Halima Sultan made her a household name in Pakistan. Since then, she has been in charge of various local brands and is also an ambassador for 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 when the so-called fans took to social media after her Victoria’s Secret ad.
The comment section was transformed into a landfill where the Pakistani men could express their ‘anxiety’ over seeing the Turkish actor promote a luxury brand in the field of underwear. “Yeh dekhne se pehle hum mar kyun nahi gaye (Why did I not die before I saw this?), “Said one user, while another offered unsolicited advice on how Bilgiç should” protect his body “and not” sell it for money “.
Not only the social media, several Pakistani publications incl Daily Pakistan also called the trolls up. Express Tribune noted how Bilgiç’s professional choice turned out to be a “trial period” for Pakistani fans of her popular TV show.
The publication also pointed out that this is not the first time the Turkish actor has had to endure moral policing in the hands of his Pakistani fans. “Let me give you a little advice: do not follow me, thank you,” Bilgiç had said the last time she was receiving criticism over her choice of attire and personal photographs.
But not all Pakistanis were keen to join the wagon of unwarranted criticism of their countrymen. Some ‘apologized’ on behalf of Pakistani men in the comments section of Bilgiç’s post.
One user called the trolls for their hypocrisy and highlighted much more urgent conditions in the country.
More Pakistanis were angry over Esra Bilgic’s Victoria’s Secret video today than over the poor guy who has been killed in a shadi. these are our priorities
– Sadaf. (@SilentEloquens) March 22, 2022
Few others trolled them back …
… .. “if you need money, ask Pakistan” must be my favorite 😂 Pakistani men shaming #EsraBilgic now that she deviates 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 got a good laugh at their expense.