The first joint image of Cihan Gir Jayahan and Burcu Ozberk, shot on the set of the series 'Anne Yarısı', has increased interest in the highly anticipated new drama project by NOW.
The first joint image of Cihan Gir Jayahan and Burcu Ozberk, shot on the set of the series 'Anne Yarısı', has increased interest in the highly anticipated new drama project by NOW.
The series, produced by NTC Medya with the participation of producer Mehmet Yiğit Alp, brings Jayahan and Ozberk together in the leading roles for the first time. Cihan Gir Jayahan plays Ali Altay, while Burcu Ozberk plays Zeynep—an idealistic teacher whose life changes drastically after a heavy family loss.
The title 'Anne Yarısı' originates from the Turkish expression 'teyze anne yarısıdır,' which means that an aunt is considered half a mother. This phrase reflects the emotional core of the plot, centered around Zeynep and her niece Ece.
According to Turkish media reports, the story begins in Germany with a tragedy that changes the lives of several characters. Zeynep loses her sister Zeren and takes responsibility for her young niece Ece. Later, she travels to Cappadocia with the child, where she becomes involved in a major conflict related to the influential Altay family.
Jayahan's character, Ali Altay, is part of the well-known Altay family in Cappadocia. Ali also experiences a severe loss and reunites with his daughter years later. Ece was raised by Aunt Zeynep, making their subsequent meeting a source of complex family and emotional confrontation.
The plot is expected to focus heavily on kinship, secrets, losses, and the struggle surrounding Ece, while also presenting a long-standing conflict between families in Cappadocia.
The Altay family plays a central role in the drama. Turkish sources report that Ali's relatives live in neighboring mansions with another branch of the family, and an old dispute over inheritance has created constant tension between them.
The cast surrounding Cihan Gir Jayahan and Burcu Ozberk is also quite extensive. Esra Dermandjoglu plays Maryem, Selen Ucher plays Altın, and Fatih Gühan plays Kadir. Merve Şen appears as Sibel, Yeliz Korkmaz plays Nazlı, and Dilşah Demir joins the cast as Fidan, Ali's sister. Kansu Fyryndj plays Fidan's husband, Asım.
Young actress Melisa Duru Yunal plays Ece, Ali's daughter and the child at the center of the narrative. Umut Kaplidge plays Osman, Kadir's son. Other announced actors include Berkay Akdemir, Mert Denizmen, Deniz Gürkan, Abdurrahman Yunusoğlu, Ürüncan Keskin, Selin Dumlugöl, and Ali Tarık Fındık.
The series is directed by Semih Bağcı, and the screenplay was written by Melis Çivelek, Zeynep Gür, and Merve Göntem. These three screenwriters are also known for their work on the project 'Kızılçık Şerbeti', adding interest to the new project.
Production was scheduled to begin on August 1st, with initial filming planned in Izmir before production moves to Cappadocia. Turkish reports indicate that the cast held a script rehearsal at the end of July before filming commenced.
With the appearance of the first shots featuring Cihan Gir Jayahan and Burcu Ozberk, anticipation for their on-screen partnership is growing. The combination of a family-oriented storyline, a large ensemble cast, and the unique setting of Cappadocia has already made 'Anne Yarısı' one of the new Turkish series attracting attention ahead of the 2026–27 television season.
Actress Ulka Gupta, known for her outstanding acting, has once again become the center of attention following the release of a new photoshoot. Ulka, who has long been involved in the entertainment industry working in both television projects and cinema, attracted attention not through any specific role, but through photos posted on social media.
On her Instagram account, the actress published new photographs. While her fans admire these pictures, some fans are expressing dissatisfaction with her new look.
In the photos, Ulka Gupta poses in a glamorous and daring style. She is dressed in a two-toned earthy brown outfit, which includes a spaghetti strap crop top and a slit skirt wrapped around her hip. The look is complemented by minimalist gold accessories, striking earrings, bracelets on her arms, and nude makeup.
Ulka added a beautiful caption to this post: 'Adorned with the colors of the earth, embracing every look.' After the photoshoot appeared online, users demonstrated a mixed reaction.
Many fans highly praised her beauty and sense of style, but some who prefer her traditional appearance did not approve of this new look. One user expressed disappointment, writing: 'She was my favorite, but now she isn't.' Another commenter noted: 'Her previous traditional look was better.' Furthermore, one fan asked: 'Why are you doing such shoots?' And another user stated: 'You should maintain the dignity of Rani Lakshmibai of Jaipur.'
It is worth noting that throughout her career, Ulka Gupta has played many diverse and complex roles. Recently, she starred in the film 'Kerala Story 2,' which is a sequel to the blockbuster 'The Kerala Story.' Previously, Ulka Gupta made her debut in the lead role of the TV series 'Jhansi Ki Rani.' After working in the Hindi television industry, she moved to the Telugu film industry. Ulka Gupta also acted in Ranveer Singh's film 'Simmba.'
Turkish actress Aybüke Pusat has taken on one of the most challenging projects of her career, titled 'En Mutlu Günümde' (On My Happiest Day). This new independent feature film is a psychological drama, and Pusat performs a dual function in it: she is both the leading actress and the producer.
As the filming process concluded, the first official stills from the film were released, allowing viewers to get acquainted with this drama before its release at international festivals. This project marks an important milestone in Pusat's career, as it is the first time she is acting simultaneously as both the main actress and the producer.
Known for her roles in television hits such as Söz, Her Yerde Sen, 50M2, Hayat Bugün, and Teşkilat, the actress has expanded her involvement in the industry by helping bring the film to life from the earliest stages. The script was written by Erkan Tunç, who also handled the creative development of the project, while Ahmet Bayer directed. Filming took place in Istanbul over a four-week production cycle.
In the film, Aybüke Pusat plays Nesrin, and opposite her, Halil Babür stars as Erjan. The cast also includes Reha Özkan as Kerem, Elit Andaç Çam as Ahsen, Erşan Utku Olmöz as Mevlut, Arın Kuşaksysoglu as Lokman, Ebru Aytürk as Rukiye, and young actress Beren Tunç, who also plays a significant role in the story.
According to information provided by the film crew, 'En Mutlu Günümde' explores themes such as faith, obedience, silence, love, and betrayal, raising the question of how far unconditional devotion and social pressure can lead a person.
The plot centers on Erjan and Nesrin—two strangers whose marriage was arranged within a strictly controlled religious community. By entering into marriage without truly knowing each other, they gradually begin to develop an emotional connection while living under the same roof. However, as their relationship deepens, hidden truths slowly emerge. Erjan built his life on unwavering faith and obedience, while Nesrin secretly carries emotional wounds hidden behind her silence. The development of the plot forces both characters to realize that they are trapped in a carefully constructed deception, compelling them to confront complex issues of identity, faith, freedom, and trust.
Commenting on the project, Aybüke Pusat called the role of Nesrin one of the most challenging and rewarding in her career. She noted that playing a character so different from her previous roles was an exciting experience, adding that she particularly enjoyed sharing the lead roles with Halil Babür, whose performance she highly praised during production.
Instead of going straight to commercial release, the creators decided to present 'En Mutlu Günümde' at the international festival circuit. The crew plans to submit the film to festivals before announcing wider distribution plans—a strategy often used by independent Turkish dramas aiming for international recognition. New footage released after production has already generated interest among fans of Turkish cinema, who have praised the restrained visual style and the chemistry between Aybüke Pusat and Halil Babür. With its socially conscious narrative, experienced cast, and festival ambitions, 'En Mutlu Günümde' appears to be one of the notable independent Turkish film projects to watch in the coming months.
