The finale of ‘Tan Man Neel O Neel’ left a harrowing impact over audiences after showing the reality of mob lynching and hate riots. The final episode showed Rabi (played by Sehar Khan) and her lover Sonu (played by Shuja Asad) had finally accomplished their dream to build a business together, and were preparing to set up a bridal event when it was hijacked suddenly to play a reel where Sonu was seen dancing in a religious site. The culprit behind it was revealed to be Kami, who used this as an opportunity to accuse both Rabi and Sonu for committing blasphemy, prompting a mob to attack and kill them.
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The limited series, produced by Sultana Siddiqui and directed by Saif Hassan, was the third part of the trilogy series depicting the brutal reality of mob violence and how a single accusation can launch hate riots against innocent individuals. Social media users and celebrities alike have lauded the creators for making a powerful statement about the brutal reality of mob violence and how it quickly destroys everything in its path.
The actor Shuja Asad has now made an emotional statement on his Instagram account, and wrote that he hoped those who watched the channel and fell in love with Rabi and Sonu would understand the importance of being tolerant and kind towards others.
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The actor started by saying he was incredibly grateful to hear the feedback to the finale, and revealed he was quite hesitant to be involved in the drama because of the themes it explored but it was because of his manager’s insistence he agreed to sign up for it.
“I don’t quite know where to begin. The last few weeks have been overwhelming in ways I never expected. The love, the messages, the conversations Tan Man Neelo Neel has sparked—it’s been humbling. When I first read the script, I was hesitant. The themes we explored are not things we often see on our screens, let alone speak about openly in our society. But my manager (who I owe the biggest thank you to) @samramuslim convinced me to take this on, and today, I am grateful that I did.”
The ‘College Gate’ actor hoped that those who watched the drama would understand the importance of kindness, and to stop mob violence rather than fuelling it.
“My heart aches for every innocent life lost to injustice, to rage, to cruelty disguised as righteousness. I can only hope that as a nation, we learn to be better. To be kinder. To be the ones who stop the mob, not fuel it.”
Read more:
In the era of censorship, ‘Tan Man Neel O Neel’ is the only show to bravely address the trauma of religious intolerance and hate riots
Read his complete statement below
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The creators behind the show also gave an interview to Fuchsia Magazine, where the spoke about the finale and why it was so important for Suno and Rabi to die in order for the audience to understand the impact of mob violence.
The writer, Mustafa Afridi, said he wrote the ending because it was important to show audiences the truth about what was going on in their society.
“Sometimes, we must confront reality as it is. We have spent too long running from our truth, but at some point, we must stop and face the choices that led us here. Our silence—our willingness to look away—only gives more power to the oppressors.”
The producer, Sultana Siddiqui, said she hoped that through this drama, more people would understand the brutality of mob violence and help in shift their perspectives.
“This issue has weighed on my mind for a long time—how innocent people are brutally killed for the benefit of others. Mob lynching, in particular, is horrifying. When a mob is fueled by anger, they no longer see the person before them as human. They destroy lives without a second thought, and no compensation can ever undo that loss.”
