Danish Taimoor’s Nashtar Role Faces Growing Viewer Criticism

KARACHI: (Showbiz Desk) – Pakistani actor Danish Taimoor’s latest television role in Nashtar has drawn criticism from viewers, with some saying his character once again resembles the angry, wealthy and controlling roles he has played in previous dramas.

Nashtar features Danish Taimoor as Shah Dawood and Anmol Baloch as Bareera Aijaz. Written by Maha Malik, directed by Seraj ul Haq and produced by Abdullah Kadwani and Asad Qureshi under 7th Sky Entertainment, the drama revolves around the clash between a powerful heir and a strong-willed young woman who refuses to accept his authority.

According to Geo Entertainment’s official synopsis, Shah Dawood is accustomed to getting his way, while Bareera stands her ground and refuses to be controlled by him. Their tense relationship has remained at the centre of the story, driving much of the drama’s conflict.

However, recent episodes have prompted a growing section of viewers to question the repeated use of anger, control and confrontational behaviour in romantic storylines.

Shah Dawood’s aggressive interactions with Bareera and Rafay have once again intensified the conflict, with some viewers saying the storyline is beginning to feel repetitive.

Social media reactions suggest that some fans are becoming frustrated with the direction of the drama. One viewer said watching Nashtar made them feel anxious, while another urged writers to move away from “old, repetitive scripts” and explore fresher storylines.

Another criticism focused on the familiar portrayal of a wealthy and influential man becoming involved with a woman from a different social background. Some viewers said they were tired of seeing the same “rich boy and ordinary girl” formula, particularly when the male lead is portrayed as dominant, possessive or controlling.

The criticism has also extended to Danish Taimoor’s performance as Shah Dawood. Some viewers believe the character bears similarities to the angry and controlling male leads he has portrayed in previous dramas, prompting questions about whether the actor is being offered enough variety in his roles.

One commenter questioned why Danish continues to portray similar characters, while another expressed frustration over his frequent association with Geo dramas. Such remarks reflect viewers’ opinions about his recent on-screen roles rather than a judgment of his acting abilities.

Comparisons with the earlier drama Iqtidar have also surfaced online. Some viewers have pointed to similarities between the two shows, including the character name Rafay. However, these are audience comparisons and do not establish that Nashtar is officially based on or copied from Iqtidar.

The online discussion has revived a broader debate about familiar formulas in Pakistani television dramas. Viewers are increasingly calling for more diverse male characters and storylines that move beyond the familiar wealthy, powerful hero dominating a relationship with a woman from a different social background.

For Nashtar, the reaction presents an interesting challenge. While Shah Dawood’s aggressive personality remains central to the storyline, some viewers are questioning whether the character can continue to hold their interest if his behaviour follows the same familiar pattern.

For Danish Taimoor, the response highlights a growing demand among some viewers to see him take on more varied and unconventional characters instead of repeatedly appearing as an angry, wealthy and controlling hero.