Gulbahar Episode 3: Sanam Saeed’s Tasbeeh Scene Draws Criticism From Viewers

The latest episode of Gulbahar has prompted a discussion among viewers after a hospital scene featuring Sanam Saeed’s character became the focus of criticism online.

The HUM TV drama, which premiered on September 16, stars Sanam Saeed alongside Emmad Irfani and Komal Meer. It is written by Aliya Bukhari, directed by Mehreen Jabbar and produced by Momina Duraid Productions. HUM TV’s official episode listings confirm that the third episode was released on September 23.

The scene in question shows Saeed’s character using a tasbeeh while seated in a hospital. Some viewers objected to the fact that she was shown without a head covering while engaged in the act of religious remembrance.

Viewers Question the Religious Portrayal

Following the episode, several social media users raised concerns about how the moment was presented. Their criticism focused specifically on the visual depiction of tasbeeh and whether the scene appropriately reflected the religious practice being portrayed.

Some comments argued that the character should have been shown with her head covered, while others questioned why such details were not considered during production.

At the same time, the discussion was not entirely one-sided. One social media user offered a different interpretation, arguing that reciting tasbeeh does not necessarily require the head to be covered because it involves verbal remembrance rather than formal prayer.

That distinction is important because the online reaction reflects differing views among viewers rather than a single, universally expressed position.

Sanam Saeed Leads the New HUM TV Drama

The controversy comes as Gulbahar continues its early run on HUM TV. The series brings Sanam Saeed and Emmad Irfani together again after their previous on-screen pairing in Kafeel. Their reunion had already generated attention ahead of the drama’s premiere.

The drama follows a married couple facing difficulties surrounding parenthood and their relationship. Earlier promotional material presented the story as a character-driven exploration of marriage, relationships and emotional conflict. Director Mehreen Jabbar has described the series as a more contained story focused on interpersonal relationships and nuanced characters.

Saeed plays Sara, while Irfani portrays Sheharyar, with Komal Meer also among the principal cast. HUM TV has scheduled the drama for Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8pm.

A Small Detail Becomes Part of the Wider Conversation

Religious representation in television can attract particular attention because audiences often notice details connected to familiar cultural and faith-based practices. In this case, a brief moment involving a tasbeeh became a talking point beyond the central storyline of the episode.

For now, the discussion remains centred on viewers’ reactions to the scene rather than any official statement from the drama’s production team. As Gulbahar moves forward, audiences will continue to see how its characters and relationships develop.

The reaction also highlights how even seemingly small details in a television drama can prompt wider conversations about representation, cultural accuracy and the way religious practices are presented on screen.