Backlash over Portrayal of Dwarfs in Ramadan Drama Prompts Channel to Remove Scenes

Express Tribune

06-03-2025

The Ramadan special drama Ishq Di Chashni has come under fire for its controversial portrayal of dwarfism, particularly in how it handles the character Rasgulla.
Played by an actor with dwarfism, Rasgulla's portrayal has become the subject of criticism, with viewers calling out the show's treatment of the character as offensive.
The drama, starring Sehar Khan and Khushhal Khan, and directed by Shahid Shafaat, initially gained praise for its progressive storyline, which revolves around the love story of two passionate chefs and follows the classic enemies-to-lovers trope.
However, it wasn't long before audiences began to express discomfort. Specifically, the treatment of Rasgulla, a little person, became a central point of contention.
Rather than being treated as a fully developed character, Rasgulla is often depicted in a way that many viewers felt was degrading, appearing more like a prop or child in certain comedic scenes.
This portrayal raised questions about how differently-abled individuals are represented in media, with some scenes being seen as offensive rather than humorous.
One of the most criticized moments occurred when Khushhal Khan's character, Sherry, was shown twirling Rasgulla around in his arms, seating him in his lap, and using his arms in exaggerated, comedic gestures.
This act, intended to be funny, left many viewers uncomfortable, and it wasn't long before social media erupted with calls for the creators to rethink how they were depicting the character. In response to the backlash, the channel acted swiftly, removing the controversial scene of Khan swinging Rasgulla from the first episode of the drama.
The decision to edit out the offending scenes was met with praise from netizens, who appreciated the channel's prompt response.
However, many fans are still urging for more thoughtful, inclusive portrayals of differently-abled individuals in future episodes. As the debate continues, it is clear that the way Ishq Di Chashni handles this sensitive issue will shape the drama's reception going forward.
In one of the first episodes, viewers were also taken aback by another moment when Sehar Khan's character mistakenly assumes Rasgulla to be a child after bumping into him.
Despite Rasgulla being an adult man, Khan's character apologizes and offers him a lollipop, instructing him to hold his fingers as they leave the store—further compounding the sense of infantilization and stereotyping. While these moments were intended to add humor and light-heartedness to the show, they missed the mark for many viewers.
The debate surrounding the portrayal of Rasgulla highlights the broader issue of representation in media, particularly in how we treat differently-abled individuals.
As the drama continues to air, viewers are watching closely to see how the show's creators respond.
Can the drama redeem itself in the eyes of its audience? The editing of offensive scenes is a step in the right direction, but much will depend on how the show evolves from here.