Pakistani actor Aymen Saleem has strongly criticized the normalization of abuse in TV dramas after a recent episode of Mann Mast Malang depicted a husband tying up his wife to prevent her from leaving—a scene framed as romantic and intense love.
In the controversial episode, Danish Taimoor’s character Kabir binds his wife Riya (Sahar Hashmi) while calling her “meri jaan” (my love), with dramatic music playing in the background. The show’s narrative implies his actions stem from “undying love”, portraying possessiveness and coercion as passionate devotion.
Taking to Instagram, Saleem condemned the scene, stating: “Enough is enough. This isn’t entertainment—it’s dangerous storytelling.” She highlighted how such portrayals glorify abuse in a society where women already face patriarchy, emotional manipulation, and domestic violence.
“Dramas should empower women, not justify harm in the name of love,” she wrote, urging writers, producers, and actors to reject toxic narratives that reinforce harmful stereotypes.