The popular drama ‘Main Manto Nahi Hoon’ has come under criticism for seemingly portraying a romantic relationship between a teacher and a female student. However, the protagonist Humayun Saeed defends controversial plotline, saying that it reflects a social reality.
Public opinion holds that Manto (Humayun Saeed) and Mehmal (Sajal Ali) should not be romantically involved with each other.
The drama tells the story of Mehmal (Sajal Ali), who despite the opposition of her conservative family went to university for higher education where she met Manto (Humayun Saeed), a writer-economics professor. The drama is hinting toward a romantic involvement between Mehmal and Manto.
While the show has been appreciated overall, many viewers have criticized the portrayal of a romantic relationship between the characters Manto and Mehmal. One major concern raised by the audience is the age gap between the two characters.
In a recent interview with Maliha Rehman, actors Humayun Saeed and Azaan Sami Khan addressed the criticism. Humayun Saeed defended the storyline, saying “This happens in real life as well—so why the backlash when it’s shown in a drama?”
He further explained that in real life, there have been many instances where teachers and students eventually get married, and the drama hasn’t yet fully clarified the nature or outcome of their relationship—yet viewers are jumping to conclusions.
“She lives in an abusive environment surrounded by constant conflict. Then she meets someone who is kind, gentle, and even cooks his own food,” Humayun said.
“Naturally, she feels drawn to such a personality because she’s never experienced someone like that,” he added.
The actor clarified that the drama could have depicted a romantic angle right from the start, but it deliberately didn’t. So far, it’s just a one-sided crush from the student, while the teacher views Mehmal as a favorite student – nothing more.
