The much-hyped drama Main Manto Nahi Hoon has quickly become one of the most talked-about shows on Pakistani television. Written by Khalil ur Rehman Qamar and directed by Nadeem Baig, the mega project is airing on ARY Digital with an ensemble cast that boasts Humayun Saeed, Sanam Saeed, Sajal Aly, Asif Raza Mir, Babar Ali, Saima Noor, Saba Hameed, and Saba Faisal, along with rising stars like Azaan Sami Khan and Nameer Khan. With such a lineup, expectations were sky-high, but has the drama lived up to its promise?

From the beginning, Main Manto Nahi Hoon has been marketed as a poetic, intense tale with awesome storytelling. The show is structured around a 70-year-old rivalry, intertwining themes of love, betrayal, and societal vices. Its dialogues carry Khalil ur Rehman Qamar’s trademark lyrical style, making each scene feel like a blend of literature and cinema.

Azaan Sami Khan as Farhad has emerged as the antagonist, adding an element of unpredictability to the story. Meanwhile, the presence of seasoned actors has added gravitas, while the younger cast members are beginning to carve out their space. Supporters of the drama praise its cinematic production value, powerful dialogues, and strong performances. “This is television on a big screen scale,” one fan commented. Others admire the depth given to even secondary characters, something not often seen in mainstream dramas.

Yet, for every admirer, there’s a critic. A section of the audience finds the drama unnecessarily “flowery” and believes the dialogues overshadow the story itself. Some have raised ethical concerns over certain dynamics, particularly the depiction of a teacher-student relationship, while others argue that the narrative leans too heavily on the familiar trope of men versus women.

This divide has sparked an ongoing debate online: is Main Manto Nahi Hoon an artistic masterpiece or a missed opportunity? For some, it’s refreshing to watch a drama that challenges conventional storytelling; for others, it feels dated and disconnected from contemporary realities.

With only a handful of episodes aired, the final verdict on whether Main Manto Nahi Hoon is a true hit or flop remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the drama has succeeded in sparking conversation and in today’s fast-paced media landscape, that alone is a form of success. Whether the show cements itself as a classic or fades into controversy will depend on how the story unfolds in the coming weeks.

Read more: Who Is Madiha from Main Manto Nahi Hoon

Pakistani superstar Farhan Saeed has ignited a spark of hope among Suno Chanda fans with a playful update that has everyone talking. Appearing on a TV show recently, the singer-turned-actor revealed that the Suno Chanda Season 3 script is currently in the works. While staying tight-lipped about the details, his carefully chosen words were enough to stir excitement in the fandom.

During a rapid-fire Q&A segment, Farhan was asked whether rumors about Suno Chanda 3 secretly being in production and him having read the script were true. With a mischievous smile, he said, “Half of it is true and half of it is false.” He clarified he hasn’t read the script himself but confirmed that it is in development, though the final decision is still under wraps.

Adding fuel to the frenzy, Farhan Saeed recently dropped a whimsical video on social media featuring AI-generated baby versions of himself and his co-star Nadia Afghan. The short clip recreated a beloved scene from the original Suno Chanda, reimagined with childlike, cartoonish charm. The clever use of artificial intelligence not only showcased Farhan’s sense of humor but also reminded viewers why the original series was so adored – its heart, its hilarity, and its unforgettable characters.

Read more: The public criticises Suno Chanda’s writer for putting too much emphasis on her dramas.

Faizan Khawaja, a remarkable Pakistani television and film actor, earned acclaim for his performances in hit dramas such as “Aik Nai Cinderella”, “Dulhan”, “Jaal”, “Ishq Tamasha”, “Tu Ishq Hai”, “Saudai”, and “Qismat”. As the son of renowned producer Rashid Khawaja, who introduced many successful Pakistani actors, including Sami Khan, Faizan built a strong reputation in the industry. He also gained recognition for his short film “Twisted Sapnay” alongside Zubab Rana. Despite his popularity and critical praise for dramas like “Ishq Tamasha” and “Tu Ishq Hai”, Faizan stepped away from acting due to the widespread unprofessionalism in the television, fashion, and film industries.

Faizan Khawaja has spoken out openly about the issue of non-payment in the industry. Recently, veteran actor Muhammad Ahmed also raised this concern, highlighting its ongoing impact on artists.

Talking about it, Faizan Khawaja said, “I say this with profound grief and deep regret — seniors like Muhammad Ahmed and Mehreen Jabbar have to beg for their own money. People are making digital headlines in my name, claiming that I exposed showbiz — I didn’t expose anyone, I spoke the truth. And trust me, I am not doing this to go viral. I’m not looking for followers. Humaira Asghar had 700K followers — what did they do for her? I once did a commercial and had to beg for my payment. I decided not to do commercials again in my life. But when my drama and film became hits, I was offered a commercial — and I had to go through the same experience. Let me clarify — no one owes me any money. This isn’t about me. “It’s about all the people the industry hasn’t paid for their work.”

He further added, “Also, I didn’t leave acting — I just stopped working with those who don’t pay on time. It’s been five years since my last drama. The problem is, you have to chase producers to get the money you rightfully earned”.

Faizan Khawaja said he is speaking out for struggling actors whose livelihoods depend on the showbiz industry and who face multiple challenges in their careers.