Why Mira Sethi Said No to a Leading Role
Actor, novelist, and outspoken feminist Mira Sethi recently revealed that she turned down a key role in ARY Digital’s drama Main Manto Nahi Hoon because of its writer, Khalilur Rehman Qamar. Sethi, known for her progressive views, said she couldn’t compromise her principles by working with someone infamous for his misogynistic statements.
The role offered to her was that of Miss Maria, a significant character and close confidante of the protagonist Manto, played by Humayun Saeed. The part eventually went to Sanam Saeed, who later admitted to having her own concerns about the project.
Standing Up Against Misogyny in the Industry
In a resurfaced interview with author Muneeb Qadir, Mira Sethi explained that despite her desire to work again with actors like Sajal Ali and Humayun Saeed, she couldn’t justify working with someone who “says such strange things about women.” Her reference was to Khalilur Rehman Qamar, who has a history of problematic behavior, including verbally abusing feminist activist Marvi Sirmed and blaming feminism for high-profile gender-based violence cases.
A Clear Message: Values Over Visibility
Sethi’s decision not only highlights the ongoing issue of misogyny in Pakistani entertainment but also sends a strong message: working with controversial figures like Khalilur Rehman Qamar normalizes harmful narratives. Her stance reinforces the importance of aligning one’s work with one’s values, especially in a media landscape that often overlooks ethics for ratings.
