The latest episode of Main Manto Nahi Hoon has sparked major backlash online — and honestly, people aren’t holding back. What was meant to be an emotional turning point in Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar’s much-talked-about drama has instead ignited outrage over how it portrays a romance between a university professor and his student.
In the episode, Humayun Saeed’s character, Manto — a literature professor — shares romantic moments with his student Mehmal, played by Sajal Aly. Things escalate when her classmates demand that he marry her, and that’s where many viewers said, “Wait, what?”
Social media lit up almost instantly. Thousands of users on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram called the storyline “disturbing,” “uncomfortable,” and “deeply inappropriate,” arguing that it romanticizes a power-imbalanced relationship between a teacher and a student.
“This isn’t bold storytelling — it’s irresponsible writing,” tweeted lawyer Reema Omer, who criticized the show’s creators for normalizing a situation that’s unethical and, in many contexts, illegal.
She wasn’t alone. Actor Iffat Omar also voiced disappointment, questioning why established artists continue to sign onto projects that blur moral lines under the name of “art.” Many others echoed that sentiment, pointing out that dramas have massive influence in shaping social attitudes — especially around gender and consent.
And then there’s the added layer of age and authority. Fans couldn’t overlook the glaring imbalance between Manto and Mehmal — both in age and position — calling it “tone-deaf” and “problematic in every way.” Some even dug up old interviews where actress Mira Sethi revealed she had turned down a role in Main Manto Nahi Hoon precisely because she didn’t agree with Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar’s creative views.
The controversy has reignited a familiar debate in Pakistani entertainment — how far is too far when it comes to “taboo” storytelling? Qamar, known for his polarizing takes on gender roles, has often defended his scripts as bold reflections of society. But this time, many argue he crossed a line that shouldn’t be crossed at all.
While the production team hasn’t officially responded to the backlash yet, one thing’s clear: audiences aren’t buying the “artistic freedom” excuse anymore. They’re demanding accountability — and more responsible storytelling — from the country’s biggest creators.
Because let’s be real… in 2025, a student-teacher love story shouldn’t still be something we’re trying to romanticize.
