Famous TV series Aşk-ı Memnu to be shot in US
ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News
Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ’s character Behlül will be renamed Bruno. Hürriyet photo
Aşk-ı Memnu (Forbidden Love), the Turkish TV show whose last version broke ratings records, has been exported to the United States, following successful runs in Arab and Balkan countries.The original series was adapted from the book by Turkish novelist Halit Ziya Uşaklıgil, and featured actors Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ (Behlül) and Beren Saat (Bihter) in the lead roles. The scenario was sold to the U.S. TV channel Telemundo, which targets Hispanic viewers and is the second most-watched Spanish station in the world.
Shooting has been initiated following the initial casting. The show has been renamed to “Pasion Prohibida” in its new incarnation, and will begin broadcasting in 2013 with English subtitles.
Behlül or Bruno?
The character of Behlül, originally played by Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ, has been renamed Bruno and is acted by Jencarlos Canela. The character of Bihter, originally played by Beren Saat, has been renamed Mariana and is played by the sexy actress Gaby Espino. Adnan Bey has been renamed Juan Pablo and the character of Firdevs has become Deborah. The show, which was broadcast for two seasons in Turkey, is expected to be shown in one season in the popular form of a “Telenovela.”
Aşk-ı Memnu is about the chain of events revolving around Adnan Bey (Selçuk Yöntem) and his family. Adnan Bey lives with his daughter and his deceased friend’s son Behlül (Kıvanç Tatlıtuğ), but their lives change when Firdevs Hanım and her daughters Peyker and Bither cross their path. Adnan Bey falls in love with Bihter and they get married. But their happiness is destroyed with the appearance of Behlül, who sets sail on a forbidden love with Bihter. The story ends with Bihter’s tragic suicide, after her affair with Behlül is revealed.