Tarkan Defends Comedic Master

Posted by Kaya Turan from Rochester, UK

Turkish music's international popstar has stood up for comedy today in a share on social media.

In defence of Turkish cinema's late comedic master Kemal Sunal, who was also known for his modest and down-to-earth personal life off set, Tarkan wrote that the Turkish public would never forget the laughter the actor had etched into their hearts.

"That's why every bad remark about you only makes you greater in our eyes, and our love for you grows even more," Tarkan said.

UPDATE: Columnists congratulate and criticise singer for Sunal comments >>

The legendary Sunal, who appeared in more than 80 movies over three decades, has become synonymous with laughter for many generations in Turkey, particularly due to the ever-naïve demeanor and kind-heartedness of his many characters.

From clumsy nerd to unexpected knight in shining armour, he was the public's everyman - who didn't shy away from lampooning all areas of life, including religion. It was this that attracted recent criticism from religious quarters in Turkey, claiming that Sunal's films had done the public a great disservice and treated them like "idiots".

The public's defence of Sunal, however, in response to the claims, show that 18 years on from his death, the actor continues to endear himself to all segments and all ages of the Turkish population.

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