Despite Pakistani drama’s slow evolution, abusive relationships and toxic male leads are still being portrayed in the industry. Writer Nemrah Ahmad Niazi called out show creators and writers for this “toxic hero culture” and emphasized it needs to stop.
The writer, known for her Urdu language novel Jannat Ke Pattay, took to Instagram on Wednesday and spoke about currently airing dramas with “toxic hero culture”. He questioned “what is wrong with Pakistani dramas,” and rightfully so.
“A wealthy and handsome playboy keeps pursuing a middle-class girl. He kidnaps her, stalks her, abuses her, he shouts at her, physically assaults her but he is still the hero In the end the hero wins over the girl. That is where these dramas end. Love wins. They call it Ishq,” wrote the Namal author.
Adding that in real life these toxic abusive partners become Zahir Jaffer, the writer stated that “they pursue Noor Mukadam” and don’t let go of them.
She also pointed out the drama that has caught everyone’s attention for its cringe-worthy storyline and display of abuse — Aye Musht-e-Khaak. Even meme-makers are having a go at it online as the drama has one of the most toxic heroes we’ve seen on screen — Bobby aka Mustajab, played by Feroze Khan.
“He only plays one kind of role and in the end, he is just glorified as a lover. He needs to be responsible enough to choose roles wisely,” suggested Ahmad.
‘This is NOT love’
The writer went on to point towards the telefilm Ruposh that has been in the news for all the wrong reasons. “Now this new kid in this silly telefilm Ruposh. He literally pulls the heroine with her hair. Yes, he did. And they showed it on national television. Yet he is a hero,” she said.
The author further emphasized that we need to “stop teaching women that they need to settle for such men because it is love. This is NOT love. This is an obsession and psychopathic behavior.”
The writer ended her Instagram story with a suggestion that if there is a need to show such characters, then they should be the villains.
“Teach girls how to come out of such relationships. Educate people about narcissistic behaviors. Tell girls that it is NOT okay to settle for such a man. But do not misguide a whole generation who consumes TV shows on a daily basis, please.”
When actor Sarah Khan and Gohar Rasheed became the talk of the town previously after a scene from their drama serial Laapata went viral on social media of the latter slapping the former. While addressing the scene, however, Rasheed said that “oppression is a choice”.
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