Gulbahar’s second marriage twist sparks backlash

Hum TV drama Gulbahar has come under criticism after its latest storyline about a second marriage sparked strong reactions from viewers. Many audience members have expressed disappointment over the direction of the story, arguing that it promotes outdated ideas about marriage and infertility.

Written by Aliya Bukhari and directed by Mehreen Jabbar, the drama features Sanam Saeed, Emmad Irfani and Komal Meer in prominent roles. The serial initially appeared to be a modern family story centred on love, relationships and personal struggles. However, its latest plot development has left many viewers questioning the message being conveyed.

The story follows Sheheryar and Sara, a successful couple who share a loving relationship but struggle with infertility. Instead of exploring alternative paths to parenthood, the drama takes a controversial turn when Sara arranges for her husband to marry an orphaned teenage girl in the hope of having a child.

This development has triggered criticism on social media, with viewers questioning why a second marriage is being presented as a solution to infertility. Some have argued that adoption and other approaches to parenthood could have offered a more progressive direction for the storyline.

Several viewers have also expressed disappointment with the lead actors for choosing a project that, in their opinion, reinforces traditional gender expectations. Sanam Saeed, in particular, has faced questions from viewers who associate her public image with strong female characters and progressive narratives.

One viewer drew attention to the emotional challenges of infertility, sharing their personal struggle and criticising the way the drama portrays the issue. Others described the storyline as unnecessarily provocative and questioned the decision to introduce a teenage bride into the couple’s relationship.

The controversy has renewed discussions about how Pakistani dramas portray infertility, marriage and women’s choices. While television dramas often explore difficult family situations, viewers increasingly expect such stories to approach sensitive subjects with greater depth and consideration.

For now, the second-marriage storyline has become a major talking point among Gulbahar viewers, with many hoping the drama will address its characters’ circumstances in a more thoughtful and balanced way.