“Everyone can have their reason to love or hate it,” says Sanam on Barzakh criticism

Renowned actor Sanam Saeed weighed in on the ongoing public debate surrounding the fantasy drama Barzakh, asserting that people have the right to form their own opinions about what they choose to watch.

In a recent interview, Saeed discussed her latest drama series, which has sparked controversy due to its portrayal of romantic scenes between two male characters.

When asked what attracted her to sign on for Barzakh, the Zindagi Gulzar Hai actor said she had previously worked with writer and director Asim Abbasi on Cake, and she admired his script and work.

“It is dark, sadful, male-centric, focused on family dynamics but it is something very mystical, magical,” she said adding that it's something she has never done before.

Sanam went on to explain that Barzakh holds special significance for Asim Abbasi as his father recently passed away. The drama delves into the aftermath of losing loved ones and explores the profound question of whether they are still with us in spirit.

She admitted that the team initially had concerns about streaming a project like Barzakh openly on YouTube.

Given its wide accessibility with just a click, they anticipated that the actor and the project would be increasingly vulnerable to criticism.

“…And If it is available for everyone, people will have their opinion and they can have their reason to love or hate it,” the Kadoorat actor said.

Barzakh, starring Fawad Khan and Sanam Saeed, was highly anticipated before its release due to the reunion of the on-screen couple and its unconventional fantasy storyline.

The portrayal of two male characters with unconventional sexual orientations prompted fans to accuse the series director of promoting a "Western agenda".

Netizens called for a boycott of the series, with many stating that it indoctrinates people to accept same-sex relationships, which goes against their religious and cultural values.