Sami Khan Critiques Romanticising Negative Characters in Dramas
His comments align with the themes of the 2019 Hum TV drama Inkaar, where his character Shayan contrasts with the toxic masculinity

Sami Khan has expressed concern about the trend of romanticising negative characters in dramas and films, sharing insights drawn from his experience, particularly referencing his role in the drama Inkaar.
He noted a shift in how love and relationships are depicted on screen, stating, “Nowadays, people don’t want to win love, they want to snatch it,” highlighting the problematic portrayal of romance where aggressive or toxic behaviour is glamorised rather than condemned.
Khan emphasised that not every negative character has a redeeming backstory to justify their actions.
He pointed out that sometimes a person is simply criminal by nature, and it is incorrect to always attribute their behaviour to upbringing or parental influence.
This perspective challenges the common narrative in media that often excuses bad behaviour by exploring traumatic pasts, instead advocating for a clearer moral distinction between right and wrong.
In a recent interview, Sami addressed the growing trend of portraying “bad boys” as heroes in contemporary Pakistani dramas.
“Today’s audiences not only admire such characters but empathise with them, regardless of how morally wrong they are,” he said.
He warned against the glorification of negative traits, arguing that this can blur the line between right and wrong in the viewers’ minds.
“Some individuals are inherently manipulative or dangerous. Not every villain has a hidden pain or justifiable motive,” he emphasised.
His comments align with the themes of the 2019 Hum TV drama Inkaar, where his character Shayan contrasts with the toxic masculinity represented by Rehan Chaudhry, a character who embodies entitlement and criminal behaviour without justification.
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The drama itself tackles serious issues like consent, harassment, and the flawed justice system, refusing to romanticise or excuse the actions of negative characters while exploring the societal challenges faced by victims.
Sami Khan critiques the glamorization of harmful characters in media, urging for more responsible storytelling that does not romanticise negative traits or criminal behaviour, a stance reflected in his work on Inkaar.
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