Is ‘Biryani’ really best served piping hot?

The Khushhal Khan–Ramsha Khan starrer is drawing mixed reactions for its romance

The latest episodes of Biryani have dished up more than drama, they have stirred a full-blown debate online. The reason? What many are calling “inappropriate” scenes between university students.

Starring Khushhal Khan, Ramsha Khan, and Sarwat Gilani, the show has built a loyal audience despite its slow-burn storytelling. But the real hook has been the chemistry between Khushhal and Ramsha, who previously paired up in Duniyapur. Now, their new roles as Meran and Nisa are being hailed by fans as the emotional centerpiece of the serial.

One fan gushed, "Your ship might have great chemistry but is it so insane that even normal eye contact during day to day conversations gets labelled as adult content." 

Another doubled down, writing, "Khushhal Khan and Ramsha Khan's chemistry is so good that simple eye contact and minimal gestures are criticized as intimacy by people. You both are killing it. Keep doing shows together. You own romance."

But while fans swoon, critics fume. The romance unfolds in a university setting, and that has made the physical closeness particularly contentious. Several scenes have come under fire: Nisa resting her head on Meeran’s shoulder during a motorcycle ride, playfully grabbing his cheeks, and another where Meeran gives Nisa a subtle air kiss. For many, this crossed a line. 

As one unimpressed viewer put it, "They are highlighting uiniversity's culture so people stop sending their children there."

Another added, "What did I see? First they normalized roaming young couples in universities and now physical touch? Getting into each romance. Why is the girl touching him every time in open public areas?"

 An Instagram user commented, "The only good thing here is Ramsha’s acting. Director's put the romantic angle but it's really awkward like why are they so close in front of everyone. Couples usually talk in a corner or side. But they are being romantic in front of everyone in an open place where people are walking around."

Despite the criticism, Biryani continues to top ratings charts, suggesting that the backlash is only adding spice to its success.