Universities in Lahore have officially banned drama shoots on their campuses following the intense negative reaction to the show ‘Main Manto Nahi Hoon.’
The controversy stems from the drama’s depiction of a student-teacher relationship, which many viewers condemned as inappropriate and disrespectful.
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Veteran actor Atiqa Odho confirmed the ban, stating she learned of the decision during a recent visit to Lahore. She explained that university administrators were alarmed by the backlash faced by the institution featured in ‘Main Manto Nahi Hoon’ for showing what she called “disgraceful content.”
She talked about this piece of information in her weekly program ‘Kya Drama Hai’ while reviewing the drama’s latest episodes of that ‘Main Manto Nahi Hoon.’
The video was available on YouTube, but on Monday the video was no longer there.
As per her information, to prevent future reputational damage, schools are now reportedly planning to demand full scripts before granting permission for any filming.
The public response to the ban on social media has been largely supportive, with many calling it a “dignified step” to protect academic integrity and moral boundaries.
Many users asserted that schools are meant for “education, not for dramas or movie shootings.”
Commenters widely criticized the drama’s premise of a professor being encouraged to marry a student as “ridiculous” and unrealistic in a Pakistani context.
While some users acknowledged that student-teacher relationships happen in reality, the majority stressed that such issues should not be emphasized.
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A key point of consensus is that creative freedom must come with accountability, especially when real educational settings are used.
A minority of viewers argued that these relationships do exist and should not be ignored in storytelling, but the overwhelming sentiment favored the universities’ decision and demanded greater responsibility from shows like ‘Main Manto Nahi Hoon’ when handling sensitive themes.
Drama “Main Manto Nahi Hoon” grows more cringe-worthy with each episode
