Pakistani dramas have always been a huge part of entertainment for viewers across the world, and Geo TV’s new drama Sanwal Yaar Piya has quickly grabbed attention. With a big budget, a star-studded cast, and Hashim Nadeem’s writing, expectations were naturally high. The drama stars Ahmed Ali Akbar, Feroze Khan, and Durefishan Saleem in lead roles, making it one of the most talked-about launches of 2025.
However, as soon as the first few episodes aired, a debate began online. Many viewers loved the strong storyline and powerful presence of Ahmed Ali Akbar and Feroze Khan, but the criticism was directed towards Durefishan Saleem’s acting and casting choice. Let’s explore why the drama has become controversial so early.
The story brings a mix of love, rivalry, and family feuds. Ahmed Ali Akbar plays a flashy mafia boss, while Feroze Khan takes on the role of the son of another influential mafia leader. Their worlds collide in dangerous ways, and in the middle of it all stands Piya, played by Durefishan Saleem.
Her character is a young university-going girl who gets caught in a love triangle while old rivalries fuel the central conflict of the show. Hashim Nadeem is known for weaving emotional and thrilling stories, and Sanwal Yaar Piya carries the same promise.
Durefishan Saleem returned to television after her successful project Ishq Murshid, where audiences praised her grace and screen presence. In Sanwal Yaar Piya, she steps into the role of Piya, a girl exploring her youth, dreams, and emotions.
Her introduction scene showed her enjoying a farewell party with her classmates, dressed in a school uniform. While the intention was to establish her innocence and youth, this particular choice sparked debate online. Many viewers felt the casting did not match the role.
Despite her popularity, social media was quick to point out flaws in her performance and casting. Comments poured in under drama clips, with fans writing things like:
This feedback shows that audiences are struggling to connect with her character, especially when compared to the larger-than-life performances of Ahmed Ali Akbar and Feroze Khan.
Casting plays a very important role in how audiences connect with characters. A strong script may lose impact if the actors do not fit their roles naturally. In Pakistani dramas, viewers often expect perfect chemistry between lead actors, which makes or breaks the show’s success.
In this case, Ahmed Ali Akbar and Feroze Khan are both known for intense roles. When paired with Durefishan, who is playing a much younger and innocent character, the contrast appears too sharp for some fans.
Durefishan Saleem is still considered a rising star in the industry. She gained fame with projects like Pardes, Kaisi Teri Khudgarzi, and Ishq Murshid. Her performances were mostly praised for elegance and charm, but critics have often debated her range in emotional depth.
In Sanwal Yaar Piya, the challenge is greater because she shares the screen with two powerhouse actors. It is natural that comparisons would arise, but the question remains whether her character will evolve in a way that wins hearts later in the series.
One reason people had high hopes from this drama is Hashim Nadeem’s writing. Known for blockbuster stories like Khuda Aur Mohabbat and Parizaad, his dramas are usually guaranteed hits. He focuses on human emotions, rivalries, and deep love stories that leave a mark.
With Sanwal Yaar Piya, he has created a layered story where love and power collide. However, the execution depends heavily on performances. If Durefishan grows stronger in her role, the criticism may fade as the drama progresses.
Pakistani audiences are very vocal on social media, but they are also quick to forgive if the story gets gripping. Dramas like Mere Paas Tum Ho and Khuda Aur Mohabbat also faced early criticism but later became iconic.
Sanwal Yaar Piya has two of the strongest male leads in the industry, and with Hashim Nadeem’s storytelling, it has the potential to win audiences over. The only question is whether Durefishan Saleem can convince viewers with her performance in the upcoming episodes.
Sanwal Yaar Piya Durefishan Saleem Criticism has become a hot topic among drama lovers. While Ahmed Ali Akbar and Feroze Khan are shining in their powerful roles, Durefishan’s acting and casting choices are dividing opinion. The coming episodes will reveal whether she can silence critics and prove her talent once again.
Pakistani dramas are loved not just for entertainment but also for sparking discussions. In that sense, Sanwal Yaar Piya has already succeeded it has people talking.