Noor-us-Sabah
Green TV Entertainment recently faced backlash for its Ramazan drama Ishq Di Chashni due to its portrayal of an actor with dwarfism. Critics demanded changes, prompting the channel to remove some scenes while keeping others that infantilize the character, fueling further controversy.
The drama follows a love story between two chefs and features Khushhal Khan’s character, Sherry, whose best friend Rasgullah, played by an uncredited actor with dwarfism, lives with him. Despite appearing frequently, Rasgullah initially had minimal dialogue, raising concerns about his character’s depth and representation.
After the first episode aired, social media users condemned the treatment of Rasgullah. A controversial scene showed Sherry twirling him, seating him in his lap, and using his arms for exaggerated gestures, sparking outrage. Many viewers found this disrespectful, with content creator Nadia Rehman Butt stating, “He’s a human, not a toy! Stop this demeaning portrayal.”
Critics emphasized that the character was used as a comedic prop rather than a person, reinforcing outdated and insensitive tropes. A Twitter user commented, “Turning dwarfism into a joke is unacceptable. It’s 2025—representation should be about inclusion, not mockery.” Others argued that reducing individuals to their physical differences perpetuates harmful stereotypes and hinders genuine representation.
Following public outrage, Green TV removed the controversial scene of Khan swinging the actor from the first episode. The decision received praise, with many applauding the channel for acknowledging feedback. However, other problematic moments remain. In one scene, Sehar Khan’s character mistakes Rasgullah for a child, and Sherry hands him a lollipop before leading him by the hand. Such portrayals continue to undermine the dignity of individuals with dwarfism.
These depictions highlight a broader issue in the entertainment industry—stereotyping individuals with disabilities instead of offering authentic and respectful representation. Advocates urge content creators to move beyond using physical differences for comedic relief and portray diverse characters with depth, dignity, and respect.
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