"You are calling this decency an affair."
Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar recently appeared on the NextGen Talk Podcast, where he passionately defended his drama Main Manto Nahi Hoon.
He addressed the widespread criticism surrounding the storyline that features a student-teacher romance, a theme many have labelled controversial.
According to Khalil, there is nothing immoral or unrealistic about such a relationship, as similar bonds have existed in real life.
He asked pointedly: “Did this student teacher love never happen before? Haven’t students ever married their teachers?”
The writer stressed that his script reflects reality rather than promoting any unethical behaviour or indecent message.
He explained that his male character is an unmarried man who behaves respectfully and never crosses moral limits.
Khalil clarified: “He didn’t date the girl; he simply proposed to her when he gathered the courage to do so.”
He argued that critics were being unfair by labelling the proposal as an affair when it was, in fact, a decent expression of emotion.
“You are calling this decency an affair. Affairs are when women date married men.”
He elaborated further, saying that love should never be confused with temporary attraction or immoral indulgence.
“Love rarely happens. It only comes to a few lucky individuals, and love is all about loyalty.”
He emphasised that Main Manto Nahi Hoon celebrates sincerity and emotional truth rather than encouraging forbidden romance.
As the conversation deepened, Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar turned his criticism toward feminists.
He accused them of being biased and selective.
Khalil questioned: “Whom are men having affairs with, each other?
“Have you ever caught those girls who are involved with married men?”
He accused feminists of focusing solely on men’s faults while ignoring women who knowingly engage in relationships with married men.
“You are only focused on criticising men. That’s why you can’t see the women.”
He recalled that in earlier times, it was considered a man’s responsibility to provide for his wife and family.
“Marrying a working woman was considered taboo because it was a man’s duty to spend on his woman.”
Khalil claimed that feminism today has turned into a movement that often finds empowerment by degrading men.
He urged his critics to focus on fairness, saying that men and women both share responsibility for moral balance in society.
The writer insisted that respect between genders should be rooted in truth, loyalty, and personal integrity rather than blame and competition.
Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar concluded by reaffirming his creative stance and defending Main Manto Nahi Hoon without hesitation.
He said the story is a reflection of real emotions and not a glorification of immorality or rebellion.
He ended with a final remark: “Don’t make men a bigger entity, but don’t degrade them either.”
Watch the Full Interview:
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