Backlash was far greater than I'd thought: Usman Mukhtar opens up on 'Hum Kahan Ke Sachay Thay'

Actor also spoke about women emerging as more than supporting characters

A small clip from a recent episode of Mazaq Raat, hosted by the talented Imran Ashraf, is doing the rounds on social media, wherein actor Usman Mukhtar can be seen discussing his controversial character in the hit drama serial Hum Kahan Ke Sachay Thay. The actor sheds light on the unexpected backlash he received for portraying a negative role and the shifting dynamics on Pakistani television.

The conversation began with Imran prompting Usman to delve into the intricacies of his character in Hum Kahan Ke Sachay Thay and the controversy it generated. Usman, known for his versatility as an actor, explained his rationale behind taking on such a challenging role despite the potential drawbacks.

Usman began, "I don't think it's a bad thing if - see, for how long have we seen the man as the hero and the women as supporting characters? Characters were not written for women like that before. Now -" Imran interjected with a cheeky smile, stating, "Now they are just written for women." His comment underscored the changing landscape of Pakistani television, where female characters are becoming more prominent.

The conversation then shifted to the topic of anticipated backlash. Imran questioned Usman if he had thought about the potential negative reaction to his character when reading the script. "Sir, I thought about it," Usman replied earnestly. "But the backlash was far greater than what I'd thought. When our dramas are made, I'm not talking about myself but other actors, especially you (Imran), the way you essay your character, it seems so real that the fan, the audience, truly -"

At this juncture, Imran playfully got up and pretended to be shy. He concealed himself behind a table where his panel of comedians was seated, eliciting laughter from the audience. He then continued, "The backlash was for the character; there can be no backlash on my brother's acting skills," prompting thunderous applause from the delighted audience.

Usman's candid conversation with Imran provided valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of roles in Pakistani dramas. As the industry continues to embrace multifaceted roles for both male and female actors, the evolution of the quality of roles that are written for men and women seems to be a work in progress.

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