As Netizens already struggle with a love-hate relationship with Aswad in Hum Kahan Kay Sachay Thay, an old clip of Mahira Khan critiquing such male roles has surfaced online.
In the video, the Humsafar star can be seen calling out how problematic ‘anti-hero’ heroes are. She explicitly criticizes how Pakistani drama serials portray an abusive man as a hero.
“You can’t show a woman being assaulted and a woman falling in love with that man.”
On the other hand, the Superstar actress has been seen signing drama serials with exactly that type of male lead over the years. From Humsafar where Khirad is abused in all ways imaginable by her husband and continues to endure because of love.
To Sheher-e-Zaat, where Falak’s husband is emotionally abusive. Then there’s Sadqay Tumhare which also features the abuse of a teen girl at the hands of her family and fiance. While the fam is neglectful and physically abusive, the fiance is emotionally neglectful.
Mahira Khan after signing every drama:
I picked this one because the script was different, the role is something I have never done before.
Her role in every drama: Falling in love with cousin, marrying him, SUFFERING.
Humsafar, Bin Roye, Hum Kahan kay sachay thay— Jasir Shahbaz (@LahoreMarquez) November 30, 2021
Even her current project, Hum Kahan Kay Sachay Thay, depicts an abusive protagonist, Aswad. Usman Mukhtar who plays the role refused to engage in physical violence, which is part of the novel. Otherwise, we’d be looking at physical abuse too.
However, the psychological and emotional abuse remains. That alone has people hating on the actor and the character. Not to mention how this aspect alone has affected the drama serial’s viewership.
My mom told me the story of Hum Kahan kay Sachay Thay and wth have y’all been watching????
— Kay (@aaluwalibiryani) November 29, 2021
Guys in the end we're all Mehreen. Otherwise why would we torture ourselves with Hum Kahan Kay Sachay Thay every week.
Today even my mum went like this to Aswad: Tou matt karo bardasht. Choro uski jaan.
— Rozina Bhutto (@bhutto_rozina) November 28, 2021
The narration of the toxic and abusive relationship also has people questioning why they continue to watch this drama serial. Meanwhile, even ‘tender moments’ between Mehreen and Aswad are just so dysfunctional.
https://twitter.com/tehreemazeem/status/1465206562214092804
Netizens are criticizing Mahira Khan on her repeated portrayal of a woman who falls in love with an abusive man. They say that the Verna actress should choose her dramas more wisely. Especially when her previous statement and her choices are totally contradictory.
