Sajal Aly, Ahad Raza Mir’s upcoming serial receives backlash for romanticizing workplace harassment

Pakistani Entertainment Media Industry’s heartthrob stars Sajal Aly and Ahad Raza Mir’s fans were in for a treat late Saturday night on 19th October 2019 when the starlet shared a look at their forthcoming show Ye Dil Mera on social media. The public was excited and couldn’t stand by to see their most loved on and off-screen couple sharing screen space for the third time. Aly and Mir have recently worked in Yakeen Ka Safar and Aangan. Their undeniable science never neglects to wow the group of spectators and that was actually what was normal in Ye Dil Mera. Also, the team delivered it. All things considered, pretty much.

#YehDilMera pic.twitter.com/UoXFOyRVY9

— Sajal Ali (@Iamsajalali) October 19, 2019

The serial script, composed by Humsafar and Diyar-e-Dil acclaimed author Farhat Ishtiaq, is being blamed for celebrating and romanticizing the workplace harassment. Many have taken to Twitter since Saturday to clarify how Ye Dil Mera is camouflaging the working environment and lewd behavior as a sentiment. “I figure they worked superbly at speaking to Pakistani culture here. There’s biryani, there’s work environment badgering. What else do you need?” a client composed.

i think they did a good job at representing pakistani culture here. there's biryani. there's workplace harassment. what else do you need? https://t.co/6WuejcsCGP

— Name CAN be blank (@nakaamrade) October 20, 2019

“On the off chance that somebody addressed me like that at a prospective employee meet-up, I’d leave immediately. What’s more, I can do that since I have the benefit of leaving an ill-mannered boss. What number of young ladies would have the option to stand firm up like that for themselves? This isn’t sentimental. It’s shabby,” shared another client.

My 45yo boss once told me "aap ne aj tou bara acha colour pehna hua hai". Another, in his late 20s, used to stare at us. Yet another used to flirt, was kinda handsy in a subtle way (media's full of such men). Stop romanticising harassment. This is not cool, not romantic. https://t.co/XtqorfqE0V

— Sindhu (@Sindhu_S_Nisa) October 20, 2019

Am I the only one who thinks this is harrasment? https://t.co/6ZRczK5Zva

— غافرہ (@ghafra_zara) October 20, 2019

Oh boy. So much going on here. She's dressing up in trousers before the interview but goes dressed as a behn ji with jhumkay and a hairstyle fit for an evening date. Employer is a grade A tharki asking inappropriate questions that she should've walked away from without answering https://t.co/v7fv5EK6NN

— Nadia (@novocainerush) October 20, 2019

First of all who wear jhumkas and long frauks to the interview and secondly which HR representative interviews in such a stupid way? Dramas are meant to be fictitious and are not to meant to be in 'parallel world' we all refer to. https://t.co/X3NzHxDLh2

— Biya Ali Zaib. (@BiyaAli9) October 20, 2019

We all knew the TV writing in this country had declined but not to this point. I’m disappointed Sajal and Ahad – who are so talented – would take on such vapid roles and romanticize sexual harassment in the workplace. https://t.co/EOKNOE65oC

— Iman Sultan (@karachiiite) October 20, 2019

Not long after the backfire, many approached to defend Farhat Ishtiaq, whose female characters are generally solid and free. The essayist herself explained she could never romanticize assault and provocation. The onscreen couple started dating bits of gossip since the time they originally shared a screen together in Yakeen Ka Safar. The very show was written by a similar author.