Green TV Entertainment has come under fire for its new Ramazan drama, Ishq Di Chashni, after viewers criticized its treatment of a character with dwarfism. The controversy erupted when audiences noticed that the character, named Rasgullah, was being portrayed in a way that many found disrespectful and dehumanizing.
Following a wave of online backlash, Green TV removed a specific scene from the first episode where the lead character, Sherry (played by Khushhal Khan), twirls Rasgullah around and places him on his lap, using his arms to make exaggerated gestures. However, despite this adjustment, other moments that infantilize the character remain in the drama, sparking continued criticism.
The drama, which follows a love story between two chefs with an enemies-to-lovers trope, features Rasgullah as Sherry’s best friend and roommate. However, viewers were quick to point out that the character was treated more like a comedic prop than a human being. One of the major concerns raised was that the actor playing Rasgullah is not credited in the show’s cast list, making it difficult to find his name online.
Content creator Nadia Rehman Butt took to Instagram to express her disappointment, calling out the show’s creators for their insensitive portrayal. In her video, she questioned, “What, he’s a doll or a teddy bear? He’s a human, for heaven’s sake!” She also highlighted that Rasgullah had no dialogue in the first episode and was often ignored by other characters as if he did not exist.
Social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), quickly filled with similar criticisms. Viewers slammed the drama for using outdated and offensive humor, with many questioning why an adult man was being treated like a child. One user commented, “It’s 2025; why are we still using people with dwarfism as comedic props?” Another added, “This is so uncomfortable to watch. Stop treating people like toys.”
Despite removing one of the controversial scenes, other problematic moments remain in the show. In one instance, a female character mistakes Rasgullah for a child after bumping into him with a trolley, even though he clearly has a mustache. In another scene, Sherry hands Rasgullah a lollipop and instructs him to hold his fingers while leaving a store, further reinforcing harmful stereotypes.
While some viewers appreciated Green TV’s decision to remove the most criticized scene, many still believe more changes are needed to ensure respectful representation. Critics argue that in today’s world, where inclusivity and fair representation are key, it is unacceptable to use people with dwarfism as comic relief.
The controversy surrounding Ishq Di Chashni serves as a reminder that the entertainment industry must be more mindful of how it portrays marginalized communities. Instead of using outdated stereotypes, dramas should focus on meaningful and dignified representation.
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