Saife Hassan reveals concerns over Beena’s controversial storyline

Pakistani actor and director Saife Hassan has opened up about one of the most controversial storylines in the ongoing drama Aap Ki Izzat, revealing that he initially had reservations about Beena running away with a vegetable seller.

Saife Hassan is a respected name in Pakistan’s television industry, with a career spanning acting and direction. He began his acting journey in theatre before making his television debut in Sahira Kazmi’s drama series Zaib un Nissa, which aired on Pakistan Television.

Over the years, Saife has appeared in several popular television projects, including Ghisi Piti Mohabbat, Aas Paas, Alif and Teri Raza. However, he has earned even greater recognition for his work behind the camera.

As a director, Saife has been associated with several critically acclaimed and commercially successful dramas. His notable directorial projects include Ehd-e-Wafa, Sang-e-Mar-Mar, Sang-e-Mah, Zard Patton Ka Bunn, Tan Man Neelo Neel and Jinn Ki Shadi Unki Shadi, among others.

He is currently receiving widespread appreciation for his direction of HUM TV’s hit drama Aap Ki Izzat. The serial has attracted considerable attention because of its unconventional storyline and complex characters.

During a recent appearance on a television talk show, Saife discussed the much-talked-about track involving Beena and Tabish. The storyline, in which Beena leaves with a Sabzi Wala, generated strong reactions among viewers, with many questioning the decision and social message behind it.

Saife revealed that he had actually suggested showing Tabish as a dry fruit seller instead of a vegetable vendor. According to him, his idea was to give the character a relatively stronger professional background and make the storyline more convincing.

He explained that he felt a Sabzi Wala represented a comparatively lower social background than Beena. For this reason, he initially believed that portraying Tabish as a dry fruit seller, particularly one with his own shop, would better suit the character.

Saife also pointed out another detail in the storyline that he found unrealistic. He recalled that Beena was initially shown purchasing vegetables worth Rs15,000, which did not seem believable to him.

The director explained that, based on his own experience, buying vegetables in such a large amount was unusual and therefore the scene raised questions for him.

However, Saife said that writer Umera Ahmed managed to convince him to retain the Sabzi Wala angle. According to him, Ahmed believed that making Tabish a vegetable seller would have a stronger impact on the character’s respect and social standing than choosing another profession.

Saife further reflected on the public reaction to the storyline. He suggested that society may not initially be prepared to accept a storyline involving a housewife leaving her home with a vegetable seller.

However, he believes that influential writers and storytellers can challenge those social boundaries through their work. He said that writers like Umera Ahmed can gradually prepare audiences to accept narratives that may initially seem uncomfortable or controversial.

Saife admitted that the team had expected backlash over the storyline. Despite the criticism, the track has become one of the most discussed aspects of Aap Ki Izzat, keeping viewers engaged and generating debate on social media.

His comments provide an interesting insight into the creative discussions that took place behind the scenes before the controversial storyline reached the audience.

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