Main Manto Nahi Hoon provoked strong reactions in the recent episode after a body‑shaming joke raised widespread criticism.
In one scene, Mehmal (Sajal Aly) interrupts a lecture by Professor Manto (Humayun Saeed) and quips that he must have a “fat wife” because he looks unmotivated. When Manto protests, she doubles down:
“The lack of motivation on your face means your wife must be fat.”
The classroom laughs—but audiences did not.
Critics condemned the dialogue as regressive and irresponsible. One review called it “degrading” and lamented that such harmful stereotypes are still being normalized in 2025 Pakistani dramas.
On social media, many viewers were disappointed by the script, especially given how Sajal Aly is usually praised for selecting strong, empowering roles. As one disappointed fan wrote: “She has been careful with her roles before, but this is just disappointing” . Others demanded accountability from writer Khalil‑ur‑Rehman Qamar and urged PEMRA to act.
X users also weighed in. While not specific to this drama, commentary on similar body‑shaming tropes resonated:
“The ‘joke’ wasn’t funny… Jokes on someone’s body regardless of size are old and unfunny.”
“Everyone is blaming her for speaking it… really need to blame the ones who chose to write and let these dialogues be in the movie.”
These sentiments mirror audience frustration: viewers are tired of casual misogyny and lazy humor masquerading as entertainment.
In summary, Main Manto Nahi Hoon may have appeared promising, but this controversial fat‑shaming line overshadowed its merits. What was meant for humor instead revealed how outdated attitudes still persist—and how audiences are increasingly unwilling to tolerate them.
