Islamabad (GNP): Actor Sheheryar Munawar has challenged the popular view of Abu Bakar, the character he plays in the drama serial Dar-e-Nijaat. Viewers have called the character a TV green flag, but Munawar says he has some major flaws.
In an interview with host Haroon Rashid, Munawar described Abu Bakar as a people-pleaser. He said he relates to that trait, since he also finds it hard to say no to others.
He linked the flaw to the character’s upbringing. Munawar said Abu Bakar has a saviour complex because his mother raised him to believe that helping others is always the right thing to do. He asked the host to imagine the pressure the man lives under.
The actor then added a second detail about the character. He said Abu Bakar had been drawn to the female lead, Zaryab, for much longer than he lets on. According to Munawar, the feelings began early, when Abu Bakar visited her house with his mother and probably stole a few looks.
That history shapes the drama’s central tension. Munawar said the clash between the two personalities left Abu Bakar caught between what his heart wanted and what his mind knew was dangerous.
Munawar also said he planted hints of the crush for fans to find. He pointed to the first lunch the two share, where Abu Bakar mentions that Zaryab likes pasta and explains that a relative once told him so.
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The hints fit the debate that has surrounded the character since the show began. Viewers have put his nice-guy image under the microscope, and some say he is too nice to be believable.
Actress Nadia Afgan defended the character earlier. She said her own husband is a bit like Abu Bakar, so she finds his actions fully believable.
The show’s writer, Umera Ahmed, has also joined the discussion. She asked why her followers feel that kindness, empathy and forgiveness are disappearing from society, and why people find those traits unreal when media portrays them.
Munawar’s comments add another layer to that argument. By pointing to Abu Bakar’s flaws and his hidden feelings, he suggests the character is more complicated than the green flag label allows. He said, “Why would I remember if I didn’t like this girl?”
Managing Editor at Global News Pakistan (GNP), with a Bachelor's degree in International Relations from Riphah International University, graduated with a Gold Medal. Reach out at sabahtareengnp@gmail.com
