Acclaimed Pakistani actor Faysal Quraishi sparked headlines after a heated exchange with a female fan during a lively episode of Geo TV’s Hansna Mana Hai, hosted by comedian Tabish Hashmi. The veteran star, known for his versatile roles and commanding screen presence, was on the show to promote his new horror-thriller Deemak, released during Eid al-Azha 2025.
However, what started as a promotional appearance took a dramatic turn when a fan’s question about repetitive content in Pakistani drama serials struck a nerve, leading to an impassioned outburst from Faysal Quraishi that has since gone viral.
The incident unfolded when a female audience member posed a question to Faysal Quraishi, challenging the originality of Pakistani dramas. She asked why the industry often leans on “similar stories,” citing the prevalence of “saas-bahu” (mother-in-law vs. daughter-in-law) tropes and narratives centered on women’s suffering. The query, which echoed a common critique of mainstream Pakistani television, visibly irked Quraishi, who responded with a fiery defense of the industry’s recent output.
“Where is the same content in Pakistani dramas? You are witnessing the same stories and complaining about the whole thing,” Quraishi shot back, his tone brimming with frustration. He pressed the fan further, demanding specifics: “Can you name any of the dramas you’re talking about? I don’t think dramas have the same pace or storyline.”
Listing a slew of recent hits, he argued, “We’ve been doing different work for at least the past three years. Khaie was different, Ishq Murshid was different, Kabli Pulao, Behroopia, Duniyapur, Faraar, Saraab, Raaja Rani—none of them is a saas-bahu saga, they are all different. When are we making similar dramas?”
Quraishi’s passionate rebuttal, captured in a clip that spread rapidly across X and other platforms, highlighted his deep investment in the evolution of Pakistani storytelling. The actor, who has starred in acclaimed dramas like Bashar Momin (2014), Meri Zaat Zarra-e-Benishan (2009), and Aaina (2008), has long been a vocal advocate for the industry’s growth.
The Hansna Mana Hai episode, part of Geo Network’s Eidul Azha programming, featured Quraishi alongside Deemak co-stars Sonya Hussyn and Samina Peerzada. Directed by Rafay Rashdi, Deemak is a psychological supernatural thriller exploring family tensions against a backdrop of paranormal disturbances, marking a bold step for Pakistani cinema’s horror genre.
