A Turkish man is convinced that he was the inspiration for comedian Sacha Baron Cohen's character Borat and is demanding an apology and profits from the surprise hit film. Mahir Cagri, 44, a freelance journalist, became an internet celebrity after posting a personal website in 1999, featuring unintentionally amusing photos of himself playing ping pong or the accordion or sunbathing in skimpy bathing suits. The title character in Baron Cohen's new film Borat: Cultural Learnings Of America For Make Benefit Glorious Nation Of Kazakhstan was first developed for British TV programme Da Ali G Show. The movie topped the US box office over the weekend with $26.6 million. On the commentary track to the DVD of Da Ali G Show, Baron Cohen claims Borat was influenced by someone he met in southern Russia.