Writer Rehana Aftab publicly criticizes Tapish makers for altering the drama’s ending, sparking a debate on creative control and viewer expectations.
The recent finale of Geo TV’s hit drama series Tapish, produced by Irum Binte Shahid and directed by Ahmed Bhatti, ignited a firestorm of controversy among viewers. The series, which captivated audiences with its narrative of a wealthy, spoiled man falling for an innocent, impoverished girl, concluded this week with an unexpected and widely criticized sad ending. The dramatic conclusion saw Shahzar, portrayed by Muneeb Butt, meet his demise after being shot by Munim Butt, leaving his wife Shifa and their son alone. This abrupt resolution sparked significant public backlash, with many viewers expressing disappointment that a compelling drama was marred by what they deemed a ‘worst ending’.
Following the widespread discontent, Rehana Aftab, the acclaimed writer behind Tapish, publicly voiced her strong disapproval of the changes made to her original script. Aftab’s career as a screenwriter has seen her contribute to numerous notable Pakistani dramas, establishing her as a respected figure in the industry known for her intricate plotlines and character development. Her sharp critique highlights a growing concern among writers regarding creative control and the integrity of their work in television productions. Fans can follow her work and updates on her official social media channels, including her Instagram account: Rehana Aftab.
In a pointed statement, Rehana Aftab called out producer Irum Binte Shahid for unilaterally altering the drama’s ending. Aftab suggested that drama makers should append a disclaimer to promos, stating that ‘the story doesn’t belong to the writer and all the unnecessary additions are made by us.’ She further elaborated on her frustration, asserting, ‘Whoever wants to change the writer’s story should make a drama on their own script. Don’t ditch the writers. They use a writer’s dialogues, scenes, and situations but end up changing the story. They show a criminal hero by giving him death and glorifying his crimes. I didn’t add the villain’s suicide in the script at all. You do all the criminal acts and…’ Her remarks underscore a fundamental conflict over artistic vision between writers and producers in the Pakistani drama industry.
The public’s response echoed Aftab’s sentiments, with many social media users expressing their disappointment and suspicion about the altered storyline. Comments flooded in, with one user stating, ‘I knew something was wrong with the ending. It was so useless.’ Another added, ‘I also thought that the writing had been changed.’ A particular comment praised Khalil ur Rehman Qamar, noting, ‘Khalil ur Rehman Qamar is the best because no one can touch his storyline. It should be done exactly the same way and the writer’s work should not be changed.’ This incident raises important questions about creative freedom and respect for a writer’s original vision. What are your thoughts on producers changing a drama’s ending without the writer’s consent?
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