The controversial Pakistani drama Main Manto Nahi Hoon, starring Humayun Saeed and Sajal Aly, has ignited a nationwide debate for portraying a romantic relationship between a teacher and student. Written by Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar, the drama’s bold storyline has divided viewers, drawing both praise and outrage.
While some fans applaud Qamar for highlighting social realities through daring storytelling, others — including prominent actors Atiqa Odho, Nadia Khan, and Shamoon Abbasi — have slammed the theme as “unethical” and “harmful to educational and moral values.”
Lahore institutes ban drama shoots
The controversy has now reached Lahore’s educational institutions. Atiqa Odho revealed that many schools and universities in the city have decided to ban drama shootings on their campuses. The move came after one institution faced severe backlash for allowing the filming of Main Manto Nahi Hoon, which many deemed “morally questionable.”
Odho suggested that schools should now demand full scripts before granting permission for any future shoots to ensure responsible portrayal of sensitive themes.
Social media divided
On social media, opinions are sharply split. Supporters argue that the drama simply mirrors real-life issues and shouldn’t be censored. Critics, however, believe that such narratives blur ethical lines and could negatively influence young viewers.
Many users have praised educational institutions for taking a stand, saying it’s a necessary step to preserve the sanctity of learning spaces and prevent avoidable controversies.
The big question
As the drama’s bold dialogues continue to trend and criticism intensifies, fans are left wondering: will this backlash damage its popularity—or make it even more famous?
