The latest episodes of Main Manto Nahi Hoon have sparked criticism from viewers who accuse the drama of romanticising an inappropriate dynamic between a university professor and his student.
Fans are expressing discomfort with the script’s suggestion of a budding romantic connection between Manto and his student Mehmal, raising concerns about the potential normalisation of problematic relationships between teachers and students.
Mehmal is portrayed as a young woman from a conservative, patriarchal household, striving to pursue higher education against her father’s wishes. At university, she meets Manto, a reserved economics professor and writer, whose name evokes parallels with the iconic author Saadat Hasan Manto.
Though the drama stops short of depicting an overt romantic confession, several scenes and dialogues have been interpreted as suggestive. One instance that drew attention featured Mehmal’s aunt teasing her about frequently mentioning her teacher, implying a developing infatuation.
In another controversial scene, Manto grabs Mehmal’s hand while shielding her from aggressive, Farhaad, the son of her father enemy. Manto is later assaulted by Farhaad’s guards, with the moment framed as an act of sacrifice – fuelling further speculation about the nature of their bond.
On social media, reactions have been swift and critical. Many viewers are calling out both the storyline and the decision of high-profile actors to endorse such a narrative. On YouTube, some acknowledged the strong performances and high production values but expressed unease over the teacher-student angle, especially given the clear age gap. A few even hoped Mehmal would reconcile with her fiancé rather than continue down a path with her older professor.
Critics argue that portraying such dynamics risks undermining the cultural and ethical sanctity of the teacher-student relationship. One viewer noted, “Teachers are spiritual parents. Students deserve dignity. This storyline is disappointing.”
Another urged others to report the drama, warning that such portrayals could distort healthy societal norms.