It's a fictional story, enjoy it: Faysal Quraishi addresses Khaie's stereotyping of Pashtuns

In a recent interview with a local television network, veteran Pakistani actor Faysal Quraishi addressed fan feedback and concerns regarding the storyline of the popular drama series, Khaie. The actor shed light on the complaints of some viewers who expressed discomfort with the portrayal of certain communities, (such as the Pashtun community) in the show.

Quraishi began by acknowledging the feedback, stating, "I am receiving a lot of messages from people who told me, without mentioning the names of their tribes and areas, that they moved out from their native areas because of such rivalries. Their ancestors were indulged in rivalries, making it difficult for them to live in those areas. I received many such messages, and yes, they can connect to the story."

He continued, "A few friends were upset as well, wondering why Pathans are shown in such a light. The thing is that we did not specifically say they are Pathan. It's just the tone of speaking. Nowhere is anyone saying that they're Pathan."

Quraishi emphasised that director Syed Wajahat Hussain had clarified the nature of the storyline, highlighting its fictional and imaginative aspects. "Wajahat already told us that we're creating our own world, and it's a fictional story. Enjoy it," he remarked.

Khaie, a drama starring Quraishi and Durefishan Saleem, that has captured the attention of a wide audience, has faced scrutiny for its portrayal of certain communities and the depiction of conflicts that resonate with real-life struggles in some regions. Quraishi's response aims to address concerns while emphasising the creative liberty taken in crafting the storyline.

The actor's acknowledgement of the messages from viewers who could relate to the narrative indicates that, for some, the drama successfully captures the essence of historical and societal challenges faced by certain communities. However, the distinction between fiction and reality, as emphasised by both Quraishi and the director, remains crucial for a nuanced understanding of the show's intentions, as per the team.

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