In the wake of growing backlash over the controversial portrayal of a student-teacher relationship in the drama Main Manto Nahi Hoonseveral universities in Lahore have taken a firm stand by officially banning drama shoots on their campuses.

The decision comes after widespread criticism of the show, which many viewers found inappropriate and disrespectful, especially regarding its depiction of relationships that blur the lines of professional ethics within educational institutions.

Veteran actress Atiqa Odho, during a recent visit to Lahore for an event, revealed that she had learned about the ban from university administrators. She explained that the backlash stemming from the institution’s portrayal in Main Manto Nahi Hoon had prompted universities to take action to protect their reputations.

Atiqa Odho shared: “I learned that schools in Lahore have now decided to stop allowing drama shoots on their campuses. The particular institution featured in Main Manto Nahi Hoon faced severe criticism after the airing of the series because of the inappropriate content depicted.”

In response to these concerns, universities are now considering a new policy: requiring full scripts from drama producers before granting permission for filming on their premises. This move aims to prevent situations where fictional portrayals, often far removed from reality, damage the standing of educational institutions.

Reactions to the ban on social media have been mixed, with many praising the universities for taking action to preserve academic integrity and protect students from being exposed to problematic narratives. Several users lauded the move as a “dignified step” to reinforce moral boundaries within educational settings. One commenter wrote, “Schools are for education, not for dramas or movie shootings,” while others expressed pride in the institutions for standing up against unrealistic and potentially harmful portrayals.

There were also those who pointed out that such relationships—while controversial—do exist in reality. Some users confessed to witnessing inappropriate relationships between teachers and students at universities. One said, “I’ve seen teachers and students in relationships at various universities, but that doesn’t mean we should romanticize such dynamics in TV dramas.”

While opinions diverged, the consensus seemed to be that dramas dealing with sensitive topics like student-teacher relationships should be handled with greater responsibility. Viewers agreed that while creative freedom is important, it must be accompanied by accountability—especially when real-life institutions are used as settings in such storylines.

The universities’ move to protect their campuses from potentially harmful portrayals may mark a turning point in how educational institutions engage with the entertainment industry, setting a precedent for a more cautious and responsible approach to filming in these spaces.

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