A TV channel has removed scenes from the Ramazan special drama Ishq Di Chashni following criticism over its portrayal of a character with dwarfism. Viewers expressed outrage over scenes that mocked the character Rasgulla, played by an actor with dwarfism, and treated him as a child rather than a fully developed character.
The drama, starring Sehar Khan and Khushhal Khan and directed by Shahid Shafaat, was initially praised for its unique love story centered around two chefs. However, controversy arose when Khushhal Khan’s character, Sherry, was shown twirling Rasgulla in his arms, seating him in his lap, and making exaggerated comedic gestures—actions that many viewers found offensive.
Social media users called out the insensitive depiction, raising concerns about the representation of differently-abled individuals in mainstream media. In response to the backlash, the channel swiftly removed the contentious scenes from the first episode.
The decision to edit out the problematic content was widely appreciated, with netizens applauding the creators for taking immediate action. However, the controversy has sparked a broader conversation about responsible storytelling and the need for more respectful representation of marginalized communities in television dramas.
