Fawad Khan, one of Pakistan’s most celebrated global stars, began his career as a singer before transitioning to acting with Shoaib Mansoor’s film “Khuda Kay Liye.” He has showcased his versatile talent in numerous dramas and films, with Bilal Lashari’s “The Legend of Maula Jatt” being a standout. Before the ban on Pakistani artists in Bollywood, Fawad made a significant mark in Indian cinema with films like “Khoobsurat” and “Kapoor & Sons.” Recently, however, he has focused more on Indian-backed projects rather than Pakistani ones.
Current Role in “Barzakh”
Currently, Fawad is starring in Asim Abbasi’s web series “Barzakh,” where he plays the character Shahryar, addressing themes of mental health. “Barzakh” is a Zee Zindagi series, directed and written by Asim Abbasi, who is also known for his film “Cake” and the web series “Churails.” The cast features Fawad Khan, Sanam Saeed, Muhammad Fawad Khan, Khushhal Khan, Uzma Beg, and Salman Shahid, and it was shot in the beautiful northern areas of Pakistan.
Viewership and Public Backlash
So far, three episodes of “Barzakh” have been published on YouTube. The first episode garnered 2.2 million views, the second episode 776,000 views, and the third episode 288,000 views. However, views have decreased because many Pakistanis revealed that the series didn’t resonate well with them, as it promotes themes they feel are against Islamic teachings.
Controversy and Criticism
“Barzakh” is facing severe public backlash for its bold narrative. Viewers are angry with the Pakistani actors who worked on the series, which they believe openly promotes the LGBTQ agenda that goes against Islam. There is also criticism due to the involvement of Indian makers. Fans feel that if Pakistani creators continue to collaborate with Indian drama makers, Pakistani dramas will decline like Indian dramas. One fan commented, “Fawad Khan does these characters to make his Indian fans happy.”
Reactions from the Public and Creators
A fan recently texted the writer and director of “Barzakh,” calling him out for glorifying the LGBTQ agenda. The fan wrote, “Please don’t add more to the fire by saying he ‘chose’ Saifu. They’re asking to boycott the show, and you’re giving them more reasons to do it. Glorifying these characters in the name of art is distasteful. It was wrong in ‘Churails,’ it’s wrong here.” In response, Asim Abbasi openly defended his LGBTQ creation, replying, “With all due respect, if you find queer/non-heteronormative storylines ‘distasteful’ please do not watch my content. Thank you.” He tagged the “Barzakh” team and stated they will always tell these LGBTQ stories because they believe in them.
Public Figures Weigh In
Designer Maria B, who has often been criticized for her views on the LGBTQIA+ community, seized the opportunity to make controversial statements. “If God doesn’t agree with it, how do the makers of the show?” she questioned in one video, adding that “the biggest HARAAM concepts of Zina, LGBTQ, Qom e Lut, and child grooming are all being glamorized shamelessly in this drama!!” She also referenced a statement by Fawad Khan about accepting queer love, which she opposes, pledging to protect societal and children’s values.
Sociologist and professor Nida Kirmani responded to a social media user who accused the show of promoting “behayai” (shamelessness), saying, “Art is not made for closed-minded people like yourself. Stick to reading religious texts & watching religious lectures on YouTube.”
Others have pointed out the hypocrisy of homophobic commentators, noting that the abuse and torture of women in Pakistani dramas are widely accepted, but lines are drawn when queer narratives are depicted. The debate around “Barzakh” highlights ongoing tensions between traditional values and contemporary storytelling in Pakistani media.
