Inclusivity on screen: A Pakistani actress Navin Waqar breaks barriers by portraying a Hindu woman in the drama Case No. 9. This is a story about representation, challenging norms, and the power of storytelling to bridge divides.
Navin Waqar, known for her role in Case No. 9, has bravely stepped into the role of Manisha, a Hindu woman. This choice, she says, was both necessary and overdue, highlighting the importance of seeing diverse religious representations on Pakistani television. But here's where it gets controversial: Waqar's portrayal sparked a dialogue about the portrayal of minorities in media.
In an interview on Gup Shup with Fuchsia, hosted by Rabia Mughni, Waqar shared her thoughts on the role. In Case No. 9, Manisha is the wife of Rohit, a Hindu man caught in a moral dilemma during a high-stakes rape trial.
"I think inclusivity matters," Waqar stated. "It’s so important to show ke ye bhi hamari society ka hissa hain aur ye bhi waise hi rehte hain jaise hum rehte hain (that they’re also part of our society and live just like we do)."
The drama, written by Shahzeb Khanzada, follows the harrowing journey of a rape survivor, played by Saba Qamar, seeking justice within a flawed system. Faysal Quraishi stars as Kamran, the accused rapist, while Aamina Sheikh plays Qamar’s lawyer. The show has earned praise for its script and its fearless portrayal of issues faced by rape survivors in Pakistan.
Within this intense narrative, Manisha emerges as a moral compass. Her husband, the only eyewitness, grapples with loyalty to his friend Kamran, who saved his life, and the truth. Manisha, however, stands firmly with the survivor, refusing to compromise.
The actress also highlighted how the drama addresses the sensitive topic of false blasphemy accusations.
"This is very common," she explained. "Not that I am saying that all these accusations are either right or wrong, but the point is that it is important to show it because this is something that happens."
For Waqar, the role was a chance to normalize something Pakistani screens often avoid: showing religious minorities as they are, without stereotypes. And this is the part most people miss: that the act of normalization sparked questions. The actor received messages questioning her choice to play a Hindu character and why her character wasn't wearing sindoor.
Waqar's response was simple: the couple wasn't meant to be a stereotype. She explained that the couple doesn't necessarily follow all the customs all the time.
Despite initial concerns, the response, especially from Hindu viewers, was overwhelmingly positive. What moved her most was how audiences eventually saw Manisha beyond her religion.
"At one point, they forgot who Manisha kon hai was," she said. "They were just like ‘she is doing the right thing’, and that made me happy that those things are secondary now, you are looking at her as a person, as a good person, and that is what matters."
Waqar's previous role was in the HUM TV drama serial, Daagh E Dil, where she played Almaas, a strong-willed character.
What do you think? Do you agree with Navin Waqar's views on representation? Did the drama successfully portray a realistic picture of religious minorities? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
