If you haven’t been familiar with the Pakistani drama “Tere Bin,” you must have been living in seclusion. Since its debut on Geo TV in December, the show has gained immense popularity not only in Pakistan but also globally. Each episode has consistently topped the charts on YouTube in India, indicating its international appeal.
Directed by Siraj ul Haq, the drama features Wahaj Ali and Yumna Zaidi in lead roles. Zaidi portrays Meerab, an independent woman who refuses to conform to the traditions of Murtasim (played by Ali) and his family, challenging societal barriers. The story revolves around their struggles to bridge their differences.
Initially, fans were captivated by the chemistry between the lead characters and eagerly supported their reunion. However, the recent episodes of the drama have been marked by a series of misunderstandings between Meerab and Murtasim.
The latest episode, Episode 46, caused a stir online when it aired three days ago. In a heated argument, Meerab slapped Murtasim and spat on his face, leading to a furious response from Murtasim. He forcefully pushed Meerab onto the bed and closed the door, implying a potential occurrence of marital rape or assault in the upcoming episode. This turn of events has not been well-received by the audience.
The preview for the next episode further supports the speculation, as it depicts Meerab sitting distraught. The sudden escalation of the characters’ relationship and the triggering nature of the act have generated a frenzy among fans. Many are expressing their concern and disappointment, highlighting that rape should not be used as a plot device or normalized in a society where survivors often struggle to receive justice. The fear that a well-loved and immensely popular character may commit such an act and be forgiven has stirred controversy.
On Twitter, the hashtag “shame on Tere Bin makers” has been trending for several days, reflecting the collective outrage. Some users have drawn comparisons between Malik Zubair, one of the show’s antagonists, and Murtasim, emphasizing that the supposed hero is depicted as even worse than the antagonist.
Adding to the controversy, the drama’s writer, Nooran Makhdoom, has come forward to defend the show. In an interview with Arab News, she justified the recent turn of events, stating that it was a necessary development leading up to the climax of the story.
Makhdoom expressed her inability to alter the plot based on audience reactions, emphasizing that it is just a drama and viewers should wait for the complete narrative to unfold rather than taking issue with individual episodes.
Furthermore, Makhdoom pointed out that such onscreen situations are not unprecedented, but due to the widespread recognition of this particular project, people have reacted strongly to the recent twist. Despite the criticism, she stood by her creation and dismissed the notion of any unusual occurrence, stating that similar storylines have been depicted before.
However, it should be noted that this issue goes beyond mere backlash or casual criticism from fans regarding a plot point in the drama.
